BR-070 Cáceres to Cuiabá Pantanal Highway
Gateway to the world's largest wetland
BR-070 cuts straight through the heart of the Pantanal wetlands, connecting the historic river port of Cáceres to Mato Grosso’s capital in Cuiabá. This 215-kilometer stretch passes through fazendas older than most countries, where you’ll cross dozens of concrete bridges over seasonal rivers that flood the road during peak wet season. The real attraction isn’t the pavement—it’s the side roads that branch off toward remote fishing lodges and cattle operations deep in the wetlands.
The main highway is easy driving in any vehicle, but the magic happens on the dirt fazenda roads that require 4WD during rainy months. Best tackled in dry season (May-September) when river crossings are manageable and wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources. No permits needed for the highway, but private fazenda access requires permission. Stock up on fuel in Cáceres or Poconé—services are sparse between towns. This is your staging area for deeper Pantanal exploration, where jaguars still rule and the horizon disappears into endless grassland.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 134 mi / 215 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 600 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Cáceres, Mato Grosso |
| Land manager | Federal Highway System |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 or high clearance to drive BR-070 through the Pantanal?
No — any vehicle can handle this route in dry season. It's a federal highway, not a backcountry track, so standard sedans and 2WDs make the run regularly between Cáceres and Cuiabá.
When is BR-070 passable and does flooding close it?
May through September is the dry season and the safest window. During the wet season (November–March), sections can flood badly enough to close the road entirely — the Pantanal earns its name as a wetland for a reason.
Are there any permits, tolls, or fees to drive BR-070?
No permits required. There are toll plazas on this federal highway corridor, so carry Brazilian reais for cash tolls — card acceptance at rural Brazilian tollbooths is inconsistent.
What's the hardest or sketchiest part of this route?
The water crossings during or just after rain are the main hazard — even in dry season, low-water bridges (pontes molhadas) can push water over the road surface. Check local conditions before you leave Cáceres; if it rained heavily the night before, give it a few hours.
Is there reliable fuel and food along the 134-mile stretch, or do I need to top off in Cáceres?
Top off in Cáceres before you leave — fuel stops along the route are sparse and inconsistent. The drive is doable in a day, but don't count on finding an open posto at a convenient moment out in the floodplains.
Trail track
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