Transpantaneira
Brazil
The only road into the Northern Pantanal, 147km of raised dirt track on 122 wooden bridges through the world's largest tropical wetland. In the dry season, caimans line every bridge, capybaras graze the shoulders, and the Cuiabá River banks are the best place on Earth to see a wild jaguar.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Cuiabá
Gateway city at South America's geographic centre. Morning markets sell Pantanal pacu fish; the heat is relentless year-round.
- Poconé
Last fuel before Porto Jofre. The Transpantaneira begins here at a wooden arch; kilometre markers count down to road's end.
- Pixaim River Bridge
One of the road's best caiman spots. Dozens of yacaré caimans pack every bank, indifferent to passing vehicles.
- Pousada Pantanal Norte
A lodge on the Transpantaneira itself, where giant river otters fish at dusk and hyacinth macaws roost in palms overhead.
- Porto Jofre
Road's end on the Cuiabá River. Boat trips depart to find jaguars on the stretch with the world's highest recorded density.
Where to Eat
- Restaurante PantanalLocal Cuisine
Serves traditional Pantanal dishes with fresh local ingredients in a rustic setting.
- Churrascaria do GaúchoBarbecue
Offers a variety of grilled meats in a classic Brazilian churrascaria style.
- Peixaria do NecoSeafood
Specializes in fresh fish dishes, a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Things to Do
- Jaguar Spotting ToursWildlife Tour
Guided tours focusing on spotting jaguars in their natural habitat along the Transpantaneira.
- Birdwatching at Pixaim RiverBirdwatching
Explore diverse bird species along the Pixaim River with experienced guides.
- Night Safari in PantanalWildlife Tour
Experience the nocturnal wildlife of the Pantanal on a guided night safari.
Travel advisory
The raised dirt track is passable by high-clearance 2WD in the dry season but many wooden bridges are narrow and deteriorating; check conditions before entering. In the wet season flooding can make sections impassable and 4WD becomes necessary. Visit between June and October for the best wildlife concentrations.