Transpantaneira Highway — Poconé to Porto Jofre via the Pantanal Wetland Corridor
147 wooden bridges to jaguar country.
The Transpantaneira doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a rough, raised-embankment dirt track punching 145 kilometres south from Poconé into the absolute heart of the Brazilian Pantanal. Built in the 1970s with plans to eventually reach Bolivia, it ran out of political will and money at Porto Jofre on the Cuiabá River — which is just as well, because what’s here is already extraordinary. The road crosses 147 wooden bridges in various states of structural confidence, each one a ford over black-water channels packed with caiman. Jaguar sightings along the Porto Jofre stretch are among the most reliable anywhere on earth, and the birdlife is absurd — hyacinth macaws, jabiru storks, giant anteaters working the roadside verges.
In the dry season (May–October) a high-clearance 4WD handles it fine, though several bridges require care and low speed — some planks shift under your tyres. Wet season (November–April) is a different story: the Pantanal floods extensively, sections wash out, and stretches become genuinely impassable. Fuel up in Poconé; there’s one remote farm selling expensive fuel midway. No permit needed. Park fees apply at Pantanal National Park checkpoints. Bring mosquito protection in industrial quantities. This road rewards patience — drive slowly and look hard.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 90 mi / 145 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 430 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Poconé, Mato Grosso |
| Land manager | ICMBio — Parque Nacional do Pantanal Mato-Grossense / Mato Grosso State |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | ICMBio — Pantanal National Park |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Land Cruiser handle the Transpantaneira without a lift?
Yes. Stock high-clearance 4WD trucks like a Hilux or Land Cruiser 70/200 are the workhorses of this road. You don't need a lift, but you do need 4WD — the clay surface turns into greasy, axle-deep mud after rain, even in the dry season.
What happens to the road during the wet season (November–April)?
Large sections flood and become impassable. Many of the 147 wooden bridges are submerged or structurally compromised after heavy rains. Dry season (May–October) is the only realistic window for most overlanders, with July–September being peak wildlife viewing and the most stable road conditions.
Do you need a permit or pay a fee to drive the Transpantaneira?
There's no toll or permit required to drive the highway itself. The southern end near Porto Jofre borders Parque Nacional do Pantanal Mato-Grossense, which is managed by ICMBio — entering the national park boundary requires registration and may require a guide depending on the zone. Check directly with ICMBio before your trip.
What's the hardest part of the drive and what should I actually expect?
The bridges are the real challenge — they're single-lane, made of aging timber, and some have missing planks or no guardrails over water full of caiman. Drive them slow and check the deck before committing. The dirt surface between bridges is generally manageable in dry season but becomes a skating rink in wet conditions.
Is there fuel or any services between Poconé and Porto Jofre?
No fuel exists along the 90 miles between Poconé and Porto Jofre — fill up completely in Poconé before you go. A handful of pousadas (lodges) are scattered along the route and may sell basic supplies, but don't count on it. Cell service drops off fast after Poconé, so download offline maps before you leave town.
Trail track
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