Buraco das Araras — literally « the hole of the macaws » — is a natural collapsed sinkhole situated roughly forty kilometers from Bonito in Mato Grosso do Sul. This karstic doline, several hundred meters in diameter, shelters a permanent colony of red macaws (Ara chloropterus) and stands as one of Brazil's rare sites where these giant parrots can be observed in the wild, nesting within vertical cliff faces.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: private site; visits only with tickets purchased at the entrance or through a local English-speaking agency in Bonito.
• Recommended duration: 1 h 30 m to 2 hours on site.
• Dress code: closed-toe shoes recommended for the dirt trail; hat and sunscreen essential.
• Animals: dogs not permitted.

What you'll see

The sinkhole plunges approximately 100 meters deep. From the viewing platforms positioned along the rim, you observe red macaws in flight, their calls reverberating against the limestone walls. Vultures, parrots, and other raptors also frequent the site. At the bottom, dense vegetation and a small permanent lake remain inaccessible to visitors, preserving the ecosystem.

History and context

The chasm formed through dissolution and collapse of the limestone substrate, a process typical of the karst landscape in Mato Grosso do Sul. Long regarded as a local curiosity, it was transformed into a private reserve to protect the macaw colony, a species threatened across much of its natural range. Private management has allowed the breeding population to stabilize.

Highlights of your visit

The flight of macaws at sunrise and sunset

Macaws leave their nests early in the morning and return in late afternoon. These two windows offer the most spectacular observations: dozens of birds soaring above the void, scarlet plumage striking against the sky.

The viewing platforms over the sinkhole

The circular trail runs along the sinkhole's rim at several vantage points. Each angle reveals a different perspective on the depth and vegetation clinging to the walls. Educational panels explain the karstic geology and macaw biology.

Secondary wildlife

Beyond macaws, the site welcomes harpy eagles, parakeets, and, depending on the season, migratory raptors. Capybaras and pampas deer have been spotted in adjacent grassland areas.

Photography tips

Light is optimal in early morning, when the sun illuminates the eastern walls of the sinkhole. A telephoto lens (200 mm minimum) is essential for photographing macaws in flight. Avoid midday: the overhead sun creates harsh shadows within the doline. The viewing platforms are stationary; bring a lightweight tripod if you want long exposures of the landscape.

Location and access

Buraco das Araras lies on the road between Bonito and Jardim, approximately 40 km from Bonito. Most visitors reach it by rental car or through Bonito-based agencies that offer combined excursions. The road is paved up to the site entrance. Accessibility for guests with mobility challenges to the main viewing platforms is partial; check with the site for available facilities.

Nearby attractions

• Bonito — the region's essential base, featuring crystal-clear rivers and caves.
• Gruta do Lago Azul — karstic cave sheltering an underground lake with brilliant blue waters, about thirty kilometers away.
• Rio da Prata — snorkeling in clear waters among schools of tropical freshwater fish.
• Abismo Anhumas — another karstic chasm featuring rappelling descent and underground diving, near Bonito.