Estancia Pantanal is accommodation with an outdoor pool in Cabeceira Bento Gomes.

Nature and routes nearby

Near Cabeceira Bento Gomes, Parque Estadual Encontro das Águas protects around 109,000 hectares of biodiversity between Poconé and Barão de Melgaço. The park is one of the most important areas in the Pantanal for jaguar watching and offers favorable conditions for birdwatching. These are distinct focuses: the protected area represents the conservation of biodiversity, while wildlife watching draws attention to the nature found there.

Also nearby, the Estrada-Parque Transpantaneira runs through Poconé. The road is about 145 kilometers long, has 125 bridges, and connects Poconé with Porto Jofre. Along the route in Poconé, visitors can spot caimans, capybaras, jabirus, anacondas, and various bird species. Road conditions can vary seasonally; check them before driving.

Culture and history in the wider destination of Poconé

The Centro Histórico de Poconé was protected in 2007 as a historical, artistic, and cultural heritage site of the state of Mato Grosso. This preserves its colonial architecture and local history. The Igreja Menino Jesus in Poconé also has a specific connection to religious history: Fazenda owner João Epiphaneo da Costa Marques had it built in 1922 to fulfill a vow to São Benedito.

Poconé’s Cavalhada is a cultural, historical, and religious tradition depicting a battle between Christian and Moorish armies. Portuguese colonizers introduced the Cavalhada to Brazil; it came to Mato Grosso in 1769. In Poconé, it became established as a tribute to the Divino Espírito Santo and Glorioso São Benedito, and became an essential part of the Festa de São Benedito. This is traditionally held in June.

The Dança dos Mascarados is also part of the festive culture. In this folkloric performance, male participants wear colorful clothing, comical masks, and decorated hats. It features prominently at religious celebrations such as São Benedito. Poconé also has a distinctive musical identity: the town is considered one of the birthplaces of Lambadão, a musical style typical of the Baixada Cuiabana.

Activities and visitor planning in Poconé

The free monthly Domingo no Parque program at Parque Sesc Baía das Pedras in Poconé includes horseback rides, pedal boats, tricycles, a ride on the small train, and live music. Program details may change, so check the latest information before making plans.

At the Centro de Educação Ambiental de Poconé, the 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 from 1 to 4 p.m. Check these conditions before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ribeirão das Pedras, Campo Verde, Santo Antônio Do Leverger, São Saturnino, Estivado, Sorriso, Mimoso, Barão De Melgaço

See the overview of the wider destination: Mato Grosso.