Discover Cabeceira Bento Gomes

Cabeceira Bento Gomes connects a specific accommodation option with nearby nature and cultural themes from the broader destination of Poconé.

Nearby nature

The Parque Estadual Encontro das Águas lies between Poconé and Barão de Melgaço. This protected area preserves biodiversity across around 109,000 hectares and is one of the Pantanal’s most important regions for jaguar watching. It also offers favorable conditions for birdwatching. If you want to make observing nature a focus of your trip, this provides a clear starting point for planning.

Another notable route nearby is the Estrada-Parque Transpantaneira, which runs through Poconé. It is about 145 kilometers long, includes 125 bridges, and connects Poconé with Porto Jofre. Along the route, visitors can observe caimans, capybaras, jabirus, anacondas, and various bird species. As road conditions can vary seasonally, it is a good idea to check the route’s condition before traveling.

Culture and history in Poconé

Poconé’s Cavalhada is a cultural, historical, and religious tradition that depicts a battle between Christian and Moorish armies. Portuguese colonizers introduced the tradition to Brazil; it arrived in Mato Grosso in 1769 and became established in Poconé as a tribute to the Divino Espírito Santo and the Glorioso São Benedito. The Cavalhada is also an essential part of the Festa de São Benedito, traditionally held in June. If you want to plan your trip around this festival, check the current dates.

Architectural history is also part of the broader destination’s cultural character. In 2007, the Centro Histórico de Poconé was protected as a historical, artistic, and cultural heritage site of the state of Mato Grosso. The focus is on preserving colonial architecture and local history. The Igreja Menino Jesus in Poconé was built in 1922 by Fazenda owner João Epiphaneo da Costa Marques, in fulfillment of a vow to São Benedito.

Other traditions include the Dança dos Mascarados, in which male participants wear colorful clothing, comical masks, and decorated hats. The folkloric performance features prominently at religious festivals such as São Benedito. Poconé is also considered one of the birthplaces of Lambadão, a musical style typical of the Baixada Cuiabana. These examples show different sides of regional culture—from religious festival traditions to music and folklore.

Activities and accommodation

The Centro de Educação Ambiental de Poconé, with its Terra da Onça Pintada project, offers an interactive educational experience for visitors of all ages. It promotes environmental awareness and appreciation of the Pantanal’s biological diversity. Visits are available by appointment for groups of more than 20 people, Tuesday through Sunday, from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. These visiting hours and the appointment requirement should be taken into account when planning.

At Parque Sesc Baía das Pedras in Poconé, the free monthly Domingo no Parque program includes horseback rides, pedal boats, tricycles, a ride on the miniature train, and live music. As program details may change, it is a good idea to check the current offerings before visiting. Nature watching, cultural history, and these kinds of activities each offer a different focus, so consider which themes matter most to you on your trip.

In Cabeceira Bento Gomes, Estancia Pantanal is an accommodation option with an outdoor pool. When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to first decide on your preferred base and then consider which regional nature and cultural themes you want to include in your trip. This keeps your choice of where to stay aligned with your actual interests, without conflating the town itself with the offerings of the broader destination of Poconé.

Discover more destinations: Sinop, Ribeirão das Pedras, Lucas Do Rio Verde, Garimpo Rio Claro, Pontes E Lacerda, Tangará Da Serra, Nova Mutum, Monjolo.

See the broader travel overview: Mato Grosso.