transpantaneira

Apparently there was once a proposal to drive this road right across the Pantanal but fortunately they got only half way, to Porto Jofre and then stopped. So it's a curiously big road that effectively goes nowhere. It crosses dozens of wooden bridges although we were in the dry season and went around some of them. The road is not metalled but it's in remarkable condition nonetheless. There is some spectacular wildlife to be seen - mainly birds, but we saw some deer and the highlight was an anaconda crossing the road in front of us, perhaps ten feet long. It wasn't interested in us at all. There are a few lodges along the road, the best being at Porto Jofre at the southern end of the road. The town of Pocone at the north end has plenty of shops. Between Pocone and Porto Jofre there are no services at all.

We drove here to get down to the areas of the Pantanal we planned to visit. The road was long, but the scenery and the expectations of what we might see in terms of birds and wildlife made it a great experience. The ride across the wooden bridge was exciting.

As I understand it, the Transpantaneira is a long unmetalled road that crosses the Pantanal. It was reasonable for such a road, hence "okay". We took it from Pocone to Araras Lodge and found it to be interesting, in that there were many points where you could see water and some of the birdlife.

on the first 2 km we did already stop about 10 times for capibaras, many, many birds, water buffaloos, crocodiles.It´s fun drive, but slow due to the bad condition of the road (30-40 km/h max. speed) - but by this way the animals are safe from cars & too much humans.

We drove up and down the transpantaneira while staying at the 3 different lodges and saw many, many different species of wildlife. The closer you get to Pocone the less wildlife you see, and if you have a lodge closer to the road, the wildlife seems more scarce but closer to Porto Jofre the more you see as the wildlife does not see as many people and has more area in which to live. I highly recommend night drives as that is increasing your chance to see the more rare animals like the ocelot and giant ant eater (though you can see him during the day as well at Pouso Alegre if you are lucky).

Loved the animals, and getting away from it all. This was my second visit to the Pantanal. Went primarily to see jaguars, now I just think I couldn't have as much fun any where else.

This is a charming route into the Pantanal. It was so much better than we had anticipated. The surface was pretty flat, apart from going over the bridges. However, there is plenty to look at on your journey to your hotel or lodgings. We saw so much wild life on the way there and back. We travelled for about 5 hours to reach our hotel right at the end of the road. It would be a great shame if they were to tarmac this road. It keeps it the area quieter. We thought it was very good.

This road is what gives you access to the pantanal and all is wildlife. All the pousada are located off the road and there are many to choose from. The road is compact dirt and can get dusty a surgical mask helps keep the dust out of your nose and mouth. Also a pair of glasses to protect your eyes is very helpful. The amount of birds and caymans is huge. Lots of photo opportunities.Choose a pousada close to the end of the road where the national perk it. Be aware this are is covered with water November till April

Don't forget to charge the battery of your camara completely, because you will make many pictures of many exotic birds, kaymans and other wildlife if you can see them.

the trip from Cuiaba is long and hard over broken bridges on a bumpy old dirt road... but the wildlife on offer and the scenery is well worth the effort. if your up in Cuiaba its a must do. Would recommend staying for a night or two as the day trip would be too arduous.

I travelled in June and road was in good condition. However if you are coming to the pantanal you should stay at least a day or 2 in one of the local pousadas to fully appreciate it all. The day trip from Cuiaba is too long so don't bother.

Spent 9 days in the Pantanal in July 2013, so was on various sections of this road nearly every day and also used it for spotlighting tours on several nights. The road is fairly quiet and wide allowing for stopping frequently to view wildlife (mostly birds, but the odd deer, anteater, reptile, etc, presented). However, it is a dirt road so can be very dusty with dust covering surrounding vegetation. Some sections, and all of the very many wooden bridges, require travelling slowly. In July, there was no need for a 4WD.

The first time I went to the Pantanal (Norte) in 2000, the road was really poorly maintained, especially the bridges which were more than rickety. When a bus broke down on one of the bridges, we had to wait a long time to be able to go through that area.In 2013, the road was quite good even though it was still gravel and every now and then a bridge was not usable; but being the dry season, easy detours for the bad bridges were available.I hope they don't pave the road because traffic would become quite harmful to the wildlife which is easily seen on both sides of the road.There are several hotels/motels along the Transpantaneira and all have buffet lunches for day trippers arriving from Pocone or Cuiaba.

Driving along Transpantaneira is great! Unfortunately if you do not have a 4x4 car it will be impossible during the rainy season (until April) although we just came back on April 21 and the driving was fine. You have no gas station along the road, only on its entrance. At the end of Transpantaneira, you will find only a river, a hotel in which you may have lunch and a camping but the driving itself worths. I recommend.

Traveling the Transpantaneira is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I researched most of the reviews on here and found them to be very informative and helpful. I'm not sure I can add too much to them. Starting in Pocone and driving all the way to Porto Jofre is the way to go, and you will see tons of wildlife along the way (caiman, birds, etc). Stopping along the way to fish for things like piranha is also a possibility.I'd recommend getting a guide if you go, and if you do please consider Jardes Gomes (jardesgomes@hotmail.com). His knowledge of the area is excellent, his English is great, and he is very versatile--he will cater your trip to your liking (whether you want to go to the Pantanal, Champada dos Guimaraes, Nobres City, or beyond).Can't wait to go back to Brazil!