Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇧🇷 Cáceres
🇧🇴 San Matías
Coordinates
16.07°S, 58.23°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wait Times
60-120 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (6-9 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Portuguese, Spanish
Currency Exchange
Limited near Cáceres (BRL, BOB)
Accessibility Features
Ramps
Safety Information
Remote, beware wildlife
About Cáceres & San Matías
A Remote Crossing in the Pantanal’s Hinterland
The border crossing connecting the area near Cáceres in Brazil with San Matías in Bolivia is a journey into one of the most remote, rugged, and least-traveled frontiers in the heart of South America. This is not a major trade corridor; it is a secondary checkpoint on a long, often unpaved road that cuts through the northern edge of the Pantanal and the dry forests of the Chiquitano region. To cross here is to take a true overland adventure, a passage through a landscape of vast cattle ranches, isolated communities, and a wild, untamed nature. It is a crossing for the adventurous, a route that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Brazil’s Mato Grosso state with the Santa Cruz Department of Bolivia. It is an international crossing, but it is very remote, and it is absolutely essential to verify its operational status and hours before attempting this route, as it may not be open 24/7. The road leading to the border, particularly on the Brazilian side, can be very challenging, with long stretches of unpaved dirt road that can become impassable during the rainy season. The crossing is intended primarily for local traffic and the most adventurous of overlanders. It is not suitable for all vehicles.
Before Crossing
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A History of a Remote Frontier
The history of this region is the history of a remote and sparsely populated frontier. For centuries, this was the land of indigenous peoples. The modern border was demarcated in the early 20th century. The towns of Cáceres and San Matías grew up as remote outposts, centers for the vast cattle ranches that dominate the region’s economy. The road connecting them has always been a tenuous link, a challenging track through a difficult environment. The crossing is a testament to the resilience of the people who live and work in this isolated part of the continent.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process, but it takes place in a very remote and low-key setting. You must first get your exit stamp from one country’s immigration office. You then drive to the other country’s checkpoint for their entry inspection. The offices are located in the towns of Cáceres and San Matías, not at the border line itself, so you must seek them out. You will need a valid passport. Visa requirements for Bolivia vary by nationality, and it is essential to check them in advance. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is often required. Vehicle registration and international insurance are also necessary. The process is usually quick due to the very low volume of traffic.
The Surrounding Region: Brazil Side
On the Brazilian side, the crossing is near the historic city of Cáceres. Cáceres is a major port on the Paraguay River and one of the main gateways to the northern Pantanal. The city has a charming historic center and is a hub for eco-tourism, with numerous tour operators offering boat trips and lodge stays in the Pantanal. The Taiamã Ecological Station, a pristine reserve famous for its high density of jaguars, is located on the river between Cáceres and Corumbá. The road to the border from Cáceres is the challenging BR-070.
The Surrounding Region: Bolivia Side
On the Bolivian side, the crossing is in the town of San Matías. San Matías is a dusty, remote frontier town that serves as the administrative center for the San Matías Integrated Management Natural Area, a vast protected area of dry forest and wetlands that is contiguous with the Pantanal. The road from San Matías towards the major city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a long and arduous journey through the Chiquitano dry forest, a unique and biodiverse ecoregion. This route is a gateway to the famous Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it is a very challenging drive.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is absolutely essential for this route. You must have a suitable vehicle, preferably a high-clearance 4×4. Check the road conditions before you travel, as they can be very challenging. The official currencies are the Brazilian Real (BRL) in Brazil and the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) in Bolivia. There are no services at the border itself. You must be completely self-sufficient with fuel, food, and water. Ensure you have all necessary vehicle documents and insurance. This is a route that requires a spirit of adventure and a high tolerance for uncertainty.
Final Considerations
The Cáceres–San Matías border crossing is a journey for the true adventurer. It is a passage through a landscape of wild, stunning beauty and a region that is far off the beaten tourist path. It is not the fastest or the easiest way to travel, but it offers a unique and authentic experience of the South American frontier. It is a passage that connects the wetlands of the Pantanal with the dry forests of the Chiquitania, a journey into the wild heart of the continent that is as challenging as it is unforgettable.