Poconé can be explored through different interests: the history of its historic center draws attention to colonial architecture and local culture, while the Estrada-Parque Transpantaneira offers a different focus: wildlife watching. Religious festival traditions and educational activities centered on the Pantanal’s biodiversity round out the experience. You can plan your trip around whether you are most interested in cultural history, music and festivals, or nature experiences.
Cultural History and Festival Traditions
The Centro Histórico de Poconé was protected in 2007 as a historic, artistic, and cultural heritage site of the state of Mato Grosso. This designation aims to preserve colonial architecture and local history. Another historic building is the Igreja Menino Jesus in Poconé: Fazenda owner João Epiphaneo da Costa Marques had it built in 1922 in fulfillment of a vow to São Benedito.
São Benedito also features prominently in the festival calendar. The Festa de São Benedito traditionally takes place in June. One of its key components is the Cavalhada, a cultural performance of Portuguese origin that symbolically depicts battles between Moors and Christians. If you are traveling in June, it is worth checking the specific festival dates in advance.
In the Dança dos Mascarados, male participants wear colorful clothing, comic masks, and decorated hats. The folkloric performance is particularly prominent during religious festivals such as São Benedito. Poconé also has a distinctive musical connection to the region: the city is considered one of the birthplaces of Lambadão, a musical style typical of the Baixada Cuiabana.
The municipality’s architectural history also includes Casarão Cotia in the district of Cangas. It was built by workers paid in gold and enslaved people; its chapel is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Abadia. Poconé’s history therefore encompasses both the historic center and this building in the district.
Transpantaneira and Wildlife Watching
The Estrada-Parque Transpantaneira connects Poconé with Porto Jofre. It is about 145 kilometers long and has 125 bridges. Along the route, visitors can spot caimans, capybaras, jabirus, anacondas, and various bird species.
In the wider regional area, between Poconé and Barão de Melgaço, lies Parque Estadual Encontro das Águas. The protected area preserves around 109,000 hectares of biodiversity and is considered an important jaguar-watching area in the Pantanal. It also offers favorable conditions for birdwatching. Unlike along the Transpantaneira, where wildlife can be observed along a route, the focus here is on a large protected area within the wider region.
Nine threatened species have been recorded in Parque Sesc Baía das Pedras in the municipality of Poconé, including the puma and the Pantanal deer. The park’s free monthly program includes horseback rides, pedal boats, tricycles, a ride on the miniature train, and live music. As program details may change, check which activities are scheduled for your visit before you go.
Visitor Activities and Practical Planning
Through its Terra da Onça Pintada project, the Centro de Educação Ambiental de Poconé offers interactive educational activities for visitors of all ages. The project promotes environmental awareness and appreciation of the Pantanal’s biodiversity. Groups of more than 20 people can visit by appointment from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. Arrange your visit in advance and check the opening hours for your date.
When choosing Poconé as a destination, you can first decide what you want to focus on: festival culture and local history, wildlife watching along the Transpantaneira, or the larger protected area in the wider region. This distinction can also serve as a starting point when searching for a vacation rental in Poconé.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Tapa, Santo Antônio do Leverger, Nortelândia, Marcelândia, Nova Mutum, São Gabriel do Oeste, Jaciara, Coxim.
For the regional travel overview: Mato Grosso.
