Bonito
Bonito is Brazil’s best kept secret. Snorkel in glass-like rivers, swim in underwater lakes in caves with looming stalactites and hike to cascading waterfalls in an eco-tourism hub.
Bonito Highlights
Bonito is a small town and ecotourism hub located on the fringe of the Pantanal in the state of Mato Grosso do Su, and is one of Brazil's relatively unknown destinations.
Bonito is centred the headway of 7 crystalline rivers, renown for their looking-glass appearance and aquatic life teeming beneath the surface. It's an unusually beautiful place ideal for snorkelling, fishing, rappelling, hiking, waterfalls and caving; and makes for an ideal add on to your Pantanal adventure.
Swim into caves dripping with stalactites, and spend lazy days exploring the shimmering silver river water's of one of the world's best natural aquariums. Hailed as being home to the cleanest and purest water on the continent, the Rio de Prata river certainly provides endless snorkelling opportunities. There is a high limestone concentration in the area, which is why the waters are so clear (limestone acts as nature's filter). And there are actually two spring-fed rivers which means the water is warm enough for long snorkel sessions.
Hiking paths will take you up into the hills overlooking the rivers, where there is a 156m high waterfall tumbling into the Mimoso River. When you're done exploring underground lakes and ogling over flocks of macaws nesting; head into the town to sample local cuisine at Casa do Joao - a restaurant known for its freshwater fish.
Bonito is best described as being an Amazon rainforest environment mixed with Pantanal landscapes, paired with a colourful underwater world normally only found on the coast.
Camp Grande is the gateway to the Pantanal, and Bonito is somewhat of a detour; but is well worth the effort. It's advisable to add a night or two onto your Pantanal trip to explore this wonderland. It's such a remarkable destination that it also does well as a stand alone holiday region.
- There is an interesting boa constrictor program underway at the educational centre in the heart of the town.
- The Prata river is almost translucent in appearance. We encourage you to snorkel and explore the many rivers, not only the Prata.
- There are many hiking trails meandering through the Parque das Cachoeiras, which make their way through riverine forest to end up at waterfalls and natural pools.
- A popular adrenalin activity is rappelling/caving in the Abismo Anhumas; a gigantic stalactite cavern 72 meters deep.
- Two of the rivers in Bonito are spring-fed, which means warm waters and a colourful tropical aquatic life.
- Buraco das Araras the world's largest sinkhole and creates a tunnel for birdlife, especially macaws.
- Bonito is most certainly the city of adventure, and most tours can be arranged from the town centre.
- The town is rustic but has life and atmosphere. Locals recommend you try Brazil’s best export, cachaça (similar in taste to white rum), in the fun-loving Taboa Bar - the best bar in town!
- The most affordable way of getting around is to hire a car. Most of the tours set-off from a central meeting point, and transport to and from those meeting points is not included.
You are welcomed into the rustic town of Bonito with a delightful sign saying “Welcome to the Capital of Ecotourism”. Bonito truly is the capital of outdoor activities. The town introduces visitors to remarkable scenes and natural geographical wonders.
We recommend staying in the town and not on the outskirts. Staying in the town means it’s easy to arrange tours and trips into the scenic areas.
The highly recommended Zagaia eco-resort hotel is located in a large park in the centre of Bonito town. The hotel was nominated as the “Best Ecotourism Destination of Brazil” and all tours to surrounding areas can be arranged while at the hotel.
There’s also plenty to do at the resort - from ecology walks to tennis and dining on local cuisine; Zagaia has it covered. An incredible resort, ideal for families!
Although on the outskirts of the town centre, Fazenda Santa Esmeralda really is worth the 17 km outside of town. The hotel is home to 19 rooms and is surrounded by waterfalls and natural pools. Spend lazy days in hammocks on your private balcony, and soak up the natural environment of Bonito’s wild surrounds.
How to Get There
Campo Grande is the gateway to the Pantanal and is situated in theMato Grosso do Sul state. Mato Grosso is also the state where Bonito is located, however it is 300 km away from Camp Grande.
The best way to get to Bonito is to fly into Campo Grande International Airport and rent a car or take a bus (4 hours) to Bonito. This is the easiest and most reliable way to reach the town. Of course, there is another way of reaching Bonito. The eco-tourism town has an airport that handles 2 flights per week from Viracopos Airport in Campinas, which is an hour outside of Sao Paulo.
Most of the tours have a starting part, which requires additional transportation costs to and from meeting points. If you can hire a car, then do it.
Bonito Activities
Bonito is the adventure and relaxation capital ! You will be introduced to remarkable scenes and geographical marvels that not many people in their lifetime will get to see.
Snorkelling in Bonito is a must. Snorkelling tours generally start with a walk through the riverine forests surrounding the Prata river. Here you can snorkel down the river, and head downstream to discover the springs of theOlho d’Água River (eventually the rivers merge). It’s an aquatic playground beneath the surface, and the crystalline waters ensure 100% visibility of the underwater world.
The world’s largest sinkhole - complete with an emerald lake - is located on a private farmland in Buraco de Araras. It happens to be a funnel for a variety of species of exotic birds to roost. It’s now an ecological refuge that can be visited on a guided tour.
If you fancy caving and rappelling some 72 metres down into the depths of the earth, then Abismo Anhumas is your spot. This submerged cave houses a crystal clear lake home to some of the largest underwater stalagmites in the world.
Guided walks through the forests of Mimoso River lead to sightings of 8 different waterfalls. En route to the cascading falls, you’ll stop to look at small caves and natural pools.
The cavern of Gruta do Lago Azul is home to two caves jam packed to the brim with stalactites and stalagmites crowding a stark blue-green lagoon. The piercing colours alone are reason enough to visit.
Lagoa Misteriosa is known as the “mysterious lagoon”because of its sky-blue waters. No filters needed at this lagoon - it has 60m visibility. It is one of the deepest “flooded”caves in Brazil and it’s believed that no one actually knows the depth of these narrow trenches. Even just to snorkel in this gap in the earth you need to descend down stairs.
Other things to do include visits to the cachaça factory (similar to Rum) and visits to the education centre to learn about snakes - in particular boa constrictors.
