With its rivers, waterfalls of crystalline waters and magnificent national parks, Bonito is a recommended destination for ecotourism enthusiasts on vacation in Brazil. Let us unveil the highlights of Bonito.

An Escape to Bonito, Between Hiking and Wildlife Encounters

Two good fairies blessed Bonito at its birth: one gave it sunshine and the other bestowed upon it lush tropical nature. The wager on ecological tourism to develop the locality and improve per capita income has thus almost paid off. Caves, crystal-clear lakes, natural pools and pristine virgin forests make the charm of this corner of paradise in central-western Brazil. To whet your appetite, Rio da Prata is the number one destination for snorkeling. Horse riding, zip-lining and tubing animate the parks of Rio Fromoso and Rio da Prata. Descending into the Blue Lake Cave, lying at the bottom of an abyss, you will discover a lacustrine cavern from another world; its turquoise-blue waters are illuminated by the sun's rays.

A Bit of History…

Like all cities in Brazil, Bonito has a slave-trading past. It was in 1869 that Spanish captain Luiz da Costa Leite Falcão purchased Bonito as private property. He named it Rincão Bonito Fazenda. Later, Bonito became the chosen name. The city's founder was also its first notary.

On October 2, 1948, Bonito was officially recognized as an independent municipality attached to the State of Mato Grosso.

Today: A Thriving Tourist Resort

The city of Bonito is part of the Pantanal, which hosts one of the planet's richest wetland zones. It serves as a stopover for tourists wishing to venture into the Serra da Bodoquena National Park. According to the latest 2020 census, its population was estimated at approximately 22,190 inhabitants. The city is part of Mato Grosso do Sul. The engine of the local economy is agriculture and fishing. Recently, tourism has been growing rapidly. The Government has restricted the number of visitors allowed to circulate in the parks and natural pools in order to reduce environmental impact.

What to See and Visit

To have a pleasant stay in Bonito, you must appreciate nature in all its forms. The destination is poor in cultural monuments. It appeals to fearless adventurers who love venturing off the beaten path, trying new experiences, observing what Mother Nature has created most unusual and beautiful in the Brazilian jungle! If you recognize yourself in this profile, Bonito is the destination that fits you.

Rio Fromoso Ecological Park

This nature reserve takes its name from the mighty Fromoso River. Because it is rhythmed by beautiful rapids, because a variety of fish proliferate there, and because its waters are incredibly clear blue, lovers of water sports must visit it. The lazier ones, meanwhile, will content themselves with walking along the dense Cerrado forests or enjoying a sunbath on Ilha do Padre, an island with tourist facilities. 12 km from the city center.

Rio Da Prata Ecological Reserve

This site protects a river with clear waters nestled in the forest mantle of Jardim! Hence the name Rio da Prata or Silver River that the Portuguese gave it. Managed by a family, the reserve offers snorkeling that leads to the discovery of unusual freshwater species, such as pacus and gold-speckled snappers. There are at least fifty of them. Don't overlook the amazing creatures that inhabit the riverbanks. Tapirs, exotic birds and tree-dwelling primates will share your attention! Approximately 50 km from Bonito.

Peixe River Waterfall

This natural wonder is located at Fazenda Água Viva, a tourist village 35 km from Bonito. The Rio Peixe circuit lasts three hours. It begins from the banks of Rio Olarias, which flows into the Peixe River, or a little higher up, at the location of the waterfalls. The choice of Rio Olarias as the starting point is justified by the observation of colorful tropical fish. Notable among them are red-tailed pirapitungas and golden snappers that usually move in schools. The highlight is found upstream, when you take a three-meter dive from an escarpment into Poço do Arco Iris, a natural pool that feeds the Peixe River.

Boca de Onca Waterfall (Jaguar's Mouth Waterfall)

Hikers will surely love the Boca de Onca waterfall, one of twelve cascades that punctuate the equatorial forest landscapes of northwestern Bonito. It is unique in its kind: it is the highest waterfall in all of Mato Grosso do Sul. Expect a memorable diving experience from its 157 meters high, all for three and a half hours of hiking.

Blue Lake Cave

A quirk of local geography, if we can call it that. Learning that a limestone cave contains a lake several dozen meters deep is like hearing a fairy tale recited. Yet divers are amazed! Once you pass through the circular entrance, the cave reveals itself to their astonished eyes; columns of stalactites and stalagmites are beautifully suspended from the vault. Its depth breaks all records of flooded caves on the planet. Fossil science experts discovered that animals from the Old World lived there 12,000 years ago: armadillos, saber-toothed tigers and much more.

The freshwater lake inside the cave shines with an intense blue. The coloring is optimal when the lake is bathed in sunlight. December and January mornings are to be preferred for photography.

Sucuri River

With the clarity of its waters and the richness of the surrounding jungle, the Sucuri River is a hidden gem of Bonito! Visitors come from everywhere to swim alongside schools of tropical fish, armed with a mask and snorkel. Poor swimmers can equip themselves with life jackets. Besides swimming and diving, walks on foot, by bicycle and on horseback are organized to see the jungle's inhabitants: monkeys, sloths, toucans and colorful macaws.

Anhumas Abyss

Elected several times as the best attraction in Bonito, the Anhumas Abyss is a water-filled cave fed by an underground lake whose area is comparable to that of a football field. To descend into the abyss, two criteria are essential: be a professional diver and not be afraid of heights. Jump from a height of 72 meters! A thin fissure serves as the entrance, but you will quickly realize that the cavern is enormous, with a series of galleries and walls decorated with fantastic limestone concretions. Then head into the crystal-clear lake; aquatic life is visible at nearly 30 meters. Upon returning to the surface, divers will feel as though they have just returned from another world.

Lagoa Misteriosa (The Mysterious Lagoon)

Locals call it this sublime lagoon because experts have not yet succeeded in calculating its depth. Its changing blue tones are a favorite with tourists. They stem directly from the rocks and sediments of the lake, characterized by high calcium carbonate content. Lagoa Misteriosa is a renowned diving site.

Practical Information

When to Visit Bonito?

The wet season, which lasts from December to March, is the best time to visit Bonito. Trees bloom in the parks, many mammals give birth, taking advantage of abundant food, and waterfalls swell.

Land and air communication routes favor Bonito's tourism openness.

By Air

Generally speaking, visitors arrive in Bonito via Campo Grande International Airport, which serves major tourist destinations in Mato Grosso. Two flights per week are available from Campo Grande to Bonito. São Paulo and Campinas airports also offer one direct flight per week to Bonito. Book in advance.

By Bus

Bus services can take you directly to Bonito from Campo Grande. Buses are operated by the Cruzeiro do Sul bus company. They take approximately 4 hours for this 300 km journey. There are departures at two-hour intervals.

By Private Car

For those who wish to reach Bonito by road, Campo Grande International Airport is less than 4 hours' drive from Bonito.

You Will Love…

- Descending into the Anhumas Abyss, Bonito's number one attraction;

- Taking a pedalo ride on the Peixe River;

- Enjoying scuba diving;

- Meeting the animal species characteristic of Latin America;

- Beholding the breathtaking beauty of Lagoa Misteriosa;

- Savoring excellent local specialties