Welcom in Poconé - the gateway to the northern Pantanal



Poconé (federal state Mato Grosso) is a small town in Brazil with approximately 31.000 inhabitants. It is situated at the entrance of the Pantanal and about 100 km from Cuiabá (the capital of the Mato Grosso). The name of the town derives from the Beripoconeses, Indios who used to live in this area. Here begins the Transpanteira, the road from Poconé all the way through the Pantanal up to the final point called Porto Jofre.


Poconé was founded on the 21st of January 1781, and until a few decades ago it used to be the town in Brazil with the most and biggest cattle auctions. Until about 25 years ago, the most cattle were auctioned off here. Even today there is a cattle auction every Sunday. Until around 1995, Poconé was also an important spot for prospectors who didn’t get through into the Pantanal but kept trying nonetheless. The town prospered at the end of the 1980s as a result of the gold boom. Bars, taverns and prostitution sprang up, as well as smuggling and drug trade, but those have decreased strongly in the meantime.

From the mid-90s onward, many prospectors left and life went back to normal. This, however, resulted in the ruin of many owners of small shops, bars and restaurants. Not far from the town centre there is still a gigantic gold mine (private property) hundreds of metres deep, where people are still prospecting today.


The townsfolk of Poconé love festivals and celebrations. Some last up to five days, featuring traditional folklore dances. The local cuisine is very different to that in the rest of Brazil. There is Pacu (fish), Rodízio (grilled meat), rare freshwater fish from the Pantanal, Piranhas with Maniok, beans, rice and fruit compotes made from local fruit. The local specialty are the fruit liqueurs produced here, which are also for sale. People live mainly on agriculture and forestry.


The gap between rich and poor is obvious. The larger part of the population live from hand-to-mouth. Many inhabitants commute to Cuiabá, because there is no work in Poconé and there is no money for bigger investments.


Tourism is developing only slowly. The town is the starting point for visits to the northern Pantanal and a focal point for bird and nature lovers and fishers wishing to try their luck on Rio Cuiabá, Rio Piraim and Rio Pixaim.

City-Tour

On our city tour through Poconé (lasting about 2 to 3 hours) you will learn about the culture and history of Poconé and get an impression of the diverse mentality and way of life of the people living here, which is no comparison to people living in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, Manaus or São Paulo.














Photo on the left:
Elvis, your local guide in Poconé, is very knowledgeable about the town’s history.


Cattle auctions in Poconé

Every two weeks on Sundays, there is a cattle auction in Poconé. You are invited to join as a guest and observer. Within a city tour and with a bit of luck on that very Sunday, we will visit this auction with you (start 3 pm). Free drinks and little snacks are available on site. However, this visit can not be planned since these auctions often take place irregularly and depending on season.


Religious festivals

Particularly in the time before and after Easter and Pentecost, there are many processions, services and celebrations lasting several days.

Photo: Processions are always accompanied by a brass band and prayers coming from a loudspeaker car.

Festa de Laço – Rodeio

Once a month there is the so-called Festa de Laço at various locations in Poconé and environment. Here brave knights fight for the lasso crown, with a modest prize money for the winner and recognition, cultural pride and fun in the foreground. Once a year, at the end of April/the beginning of May, there is a big Rodeio in Poconé. Unfortunately, the dates are set at short notice and can not be planned for months ahead, which is why a tourist visit has to be left to chance.


Nutzen Sie die Möglichkeit Ihrer Pantanalreise zu einem Besuch (1 Übernachtung im Hotel Skala) in Poconé und nehmen mit etwas Glück Kontakt zu den Einheimischen auf, ein sicherlich unvergesslicher Eindruck.