BR-070 Cáceres to Cuiabá Pantanal Highway

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.