Poconé: Discover Pantanal Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Poconé
Poconé combines nature experiences in the Pantanal with a rich cultural history. The Estrada-Parque Transpantaneira connects the town with Porto Jofre; along the route, you can spot caimans, capybaras, jabirus, anacondas and various bird species. Historic buildings, religious festivals and regional music also shape the town. This means a trip to Poconé can take many forms, with time for the landscape, wildlife or culture.
Transpantaneira and Pantanal Nature
The Estrada-Parque Transpantaneira is about 145 kilometres long and has 125 bridges. It connects Poconé with Porto Jofre. The route’s length is a practical point of reference when planning a trip focused on nature and wildlife watching. The animal species mentioned can be spotted along the road; individual sightings are not guaranteed.
Another important access route to the Pantanal Mato-Grossense is the MT-370, also known as Estrada Parque do Porto Cercado. It connects Poconé with Porto Cercado and provides access to an ecological park and a boat harbour for excursions and fishing trips. Parque Estadual Encontro das Águas lies between Poconé and Barão de Melgaço. The protected area covers around 109,000 hectares of biodiversity and is considered an important jaguar-watching area in the Pantanal; it also offers favourable conditions for birdwatching.
Nine endangered species, including the puma and the Pantanal deer, have been recorded in Parque Sesc Baía das Pedras, within the municipality of Poconé. This information adds to the picture of the region’s wildlife, but does not imply that you will encounter these animals during a visit. If nature watching is important to your trip, you can consider the Transpantaneira, the MT-370 and the protected areas as different themes for your Poconé trip.
History, Festivals and Music
In 2007, the Centro Histórico de Poconé was protected as a historic, artistic and cultural heritage site of the state of Mato Grosso. This brings its colonial architecture and local history into focus. The Igreja Menino Jesus is also part of the town’s history: in 1922, the Fazenda owner João Epiphaneo da Costa Marques had it built in fulfilment of a vow to São Benedito.
The Festa de São Benedito traditionally takes place in June. Its cultural features include the Cavalhada, a performance of Portuguese origin that symbolically depicts battles between Moors and Christians. The Dança dos Mascarados is also a prominent feature of religious festivals such as São Benedito. The male participants wear colourful clothing, comic masks and decorated hats. Visitors interested in traditions and performances can find a distinctive insight into Poconé’s culture in these festival customs.
Poconé is also considered one of the birthplaces of Lambadão, a musical style typical of the Baixada Cuiabana. A city tour includes the Casa da Cultura, with the Grupo Mascarado’s historical archive, and the Pequeno Museu, with historical information about the region, among its listed stops. In the district of Cangas, within the municipality, stands the Casarão Cotia. It was built by workers paid in gold and enslaved people, and houses a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Abadia.
Activities and Regional Impressions
At Parque Sesc Baía das Pedras, the free monthly Domingo no Parque programme includes horseback rides, pedal boats, tricycles, a ride on a small train and live music. The programme brings together a range of activities in one place. Which ones suit your trip depends on whether you would rather plan for exercise, music or a ride on the small train.
The Centro de Educação Ambiental de Poconé offers visitors of all ages an interactive educational programme through the Terra da Onça Pintada project. Its focus is environmental awareness and appreciation of the Pantanal’s biodiversity. Visits are available by appointment for groups of more than 20 people, Tuesday to Sunday from 8 to 11 am and from 1 to 4 pm. These conditions are particularly relevant when planning a group visit.
Regional cuisine and local crafts are also showcased at the Circuito Gastronômico do Pantanal – Edição Poconé. At one of its editions, chefs, craftspeople and agricultural producers can present their products to the public; the Circuito is held in several editions. Tapa is another place in the destination area to explore.
Which side of Poconé will shape your trip?
If you are mainly looking for nature and wildlife watching, the Transpantaneira and the regional protected areas are the defining themes. For a trip with a stronger cultural focus, the history of the Centro Histórico, the Festa de São Benedito and musical traditions are areas of interest. If you want to combine different experiences, you can also explore environmental education, leisure activities, and insights into cuisine and crafts. These different travel interests can help you choose the right location for your holiday rental in Poconé.
For the broader travel overview: Mato Grosso.
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