Bonito
Rivers of astonishing clarity, where you drift with the current among fish, caves and waterfalls.
Region
Mato Grosso do Sul, Central West
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights
Best time to go
April to October
Getting there
Flight to Bonito, or to Campo Grande and then about 4 hours by road
A model of ecotourism
Thanks to limestone bedrock that filters the water, Bonito’s rivers are among the clearest in the world. The signature activity is river floating with mask and snorkel, drifting with the current among the fish.
Sites are managed with visitor quotas and mandatory guides, which keeps them pristine. Caves, waterfalls and macaw watching round out the stay.
When to go
Bonito can be visited year-round. From April to October, the water is generally at its clearest. During the hot, rainy season, storms can cloud some rivers for a few days.
- April to October: water generally at its clearest
- November to March: heat and storms
Months
Legend
Things to do
Floating the Rio da Prata
Several kilometers of drifting in crystal-clear water, surrounded by fish.
Gruta do Lago Azul
A cave sheltering a lake of intense blue, especially luminous at certain times of day.
Buraco das Araras
A huge sinkhole where red-and-green macaws nest, best seen from the lookout points.
Abismo Anhumas
For adventurers: a rappel down into a cave, then snorkeling in an underground lake.
Waterfalls
Forest trails dotted with waterfalls and natural pools.
Where to stay
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Tours
FAQ
Do I need to know how to swim?
For floating, you just need to be comfortable in the water: a life vest or flotation wetsuit is provided, and the current carries you.
Why book ahead?
Each site admits a limited number of visitors per day, with a mandatory guide. In high season, spots go quickly.
Can I combine Bonito and the Pantanal?
Yes, in fact it is the most popular combination, starting from Campo Grande.
Tempted by this trip?
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