Monthly Update (October 2026):
Cáceres & San Matías is seeing renewed attention on the border as Brazilian and Bolivian business and public-sector leaders prepare to meet in Cáceres on October 8 to discuss tourism, trade, infrastructure and closer cooperation between the two sides. The meeting is part of a broader regional development initiative rather than a change to border procedures, but it points to efforts to make this currently remote crossing more useful as a commercial and tourism link.
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Border Crossing Hub (2026). Cáceres & San Matías Border Crossing. Updated October 2026. https://bordercrossinghub.com/caceres-san-matias-border-crossing/<a href="https://bordercrossinghub.com/caceres-san-matias-border-crossing/">Cáceres & San Matías Border Crossing (Border Crossing Hub)</a>Put this crossing's card on your website
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About this crossing
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.
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.
Nearby Border Crossings
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 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 4x4. 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.
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Practical information
Fuel
Brazil: 2 km - Bolivia: <1 km
Currency
Limited BRL/BOB
Safety information
Rural area; wildlife risks
Connectivity
Basic 3G
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