river safari · Poconé, MT
Porto Jofre
The end point of the Transpantaneira and a world-renowned base for spotting wild jaguars from boats on the Cuiabá River. In the dry season, jaguar sightings on the riverbank are almost routine.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Porto Jofre
Porto Jofre is where the Transpantaneira ends. The dirt road from Poconé, the MT-060, crosses the Pantanal on raised embankments and more than a hundred bridges and ends on the bank of the Cuiabá River. From there on, the way continues only by boat.
The place is small: a cluster on the riverbank, with boarding points, lodging and lots of boat traffic in season. It is the main base for seeing wild jaguars in the northern Pantanal, and it draws photographers and wildlife watchers from all over the world.
Trips depart from the port and travel up and down the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, including the Parque Estadual Encontro das Águas area. Even without boarding, the riverbank shows caimans, capybaras and many birds, such as jabiru storks, egrets and kingfishers.
Getting here is part of the experience: the drive along the Transpantaneira takes several hours, with stops to see wildlife in the ponds beside the road. It is a destination for travelers who can handle dirt roads, heat and long hours on a boat.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow at least two or three days for a good chance of seeing jaguars on the boat trips.
Best time
In the dry season, from July to October, when the road is in better shape and jaguars stay closer to the riverbanks; boat trips are most rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon, with soft light and more active animals.
How to get there
It is at the end of the Transpantaneira (MT-060), a dirt road that starts in Poconé, about 100 km from Cuiabá. The stretch to Porto Jofre takes a few hours; at high water, parts of the road can flood, so it is best to go in a high-clearance vehicle or with a local operator.
Tip
Leave Poconé early and do not rush: the Transpantaneira is full of animals on the road and along its edges, and driving it in the dark is not recommended. Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars for the boat trips.
A look at the place
Porto Jofre in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Porto Jofre
Where is Porto Jofre?
In the municipality of Poconé (MT), at the end of the Transpantaneira, on the bank of the Cuiabá River, in the northern Pantanal.
Can you drive to Porto Jofre in a regular car?
The Transpantaneira is a dirt road with more than a hundred bridges. In the dry season, many people make the drive, but a high-clearance vehicle is safer; at high water, some stretches may flood.
What is the best time to see jaguars in Porto Jofre?
The dry season, from July to October, when jaguars stay closer to the riverbanks and sightings are more frequent.
Do I need a guide to see the jaguars?
Yes, jaguars are seen on boat trips along the river, run by local boat pilots and guides. Book the trip in advance, especially in high season.
How long should I stay in Porto Jofre?
Ideally at least two or three days, to take several boat trips and increase your chances of finding jaguars.