Bonito, Brazil with kids: When is the right age to visit?

Even though I believe children of any age can visit virtually any place in the world , it's true that certain destinations are more enjoyable for children (and adults) after reaching a certain age.

Bonito, Brazil, is one of those places. . The activities you choose to do in Bonito will largely depend on your children's ages. If you have very young children and want to make the most of Bonito, it’s important to carefully consider whether now is the right time to visit or if it might be better to wait until they’re a bit older to fully enjoy a few days in this Brazilian Pantanal paradise.

In this post, I’ll explain in detail the best ages to visit Bonito with children — and yes, there are tours for all ages!

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All our posts about traveling in Brazil, be sure to check them out before planing a trip to my home country:

• Brazilian Amazon - How to visit the Amazon Rainforest
• What to do in Alter do Chão: Exploring amazonian beaches and rainforests in Brazil
• What to do in Chapada dos Guimaraes, Mato Grosso
• The best tours to do in Bonito, Brazil, in 4 days
• Ultimate Guide to Bonito: Exploring the Southern Brazilian Pantanal's Hidden Paradise
• Bonito, Brazil with kids: When is the right age to visit?
• Complete guide to visiting Lençóis Maranhenses: Tips and essential itinerary
• What to do in Pirenópolis: ecotourism and history in the interior of Goiás

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Which activites can you (and your kids) do in Bonito?

To understand the best time to bring your children to Bonito, we first need to look at the activities available.

We spent 4 full days in Bonito during the Carnival holiday, and it was perfect. In this post, I cover everything you need to know to visit Bonito, and in this one you'll find detailed descriptions of the tours we took during those 4 days.

Here’s what you can expect in Bonito:

• Balneáriosor "river clubs": like Eco Park Porto da Ilha, Nascente Azul, Jardim Ecopark, Praia da Figueira, Refúgio da Barra, and Estrela do Formoso are excellent for all ages. These riverfront spots, also known as bathhouses, come with complete amenities including restaurants, bathrooms, and changing rooms, making them ideal for a day out with your little ones. We visited Eco Park Porto da Ilha and saw many families with young children, including toddlers and babies.

• Floating tours: Activities such as floating on the Rio da Prata and the Rio Sucuri are among the best things to do in Bonito. Floating among thousands of fish in the clear waters of the Pantanal is likely a big reason you want to visit Bonito. Note that there are minimum age limits for these tours — some require children to be at least 4 years old, while others may require 6. I’ll provide more details on this later.

• Trails and waterfalls: Trails like the Boca da Onça, which we did, and others like Salobra River Canyons in Eco Serrana Park, offer exciting adventures. These tours have minimum age requirements for children, but beyond that, kids need some hiking experience and the physical ability to handle the challenges. The trails can be long, with sections that are particularly demanding for younger ones.

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• Contemplative walks in nature: What child wouldn't love playing the role of a cave explorer, forest trail-blazer, or river adventurer? Several tours in Bonito allow children of any age to connect directly with nature and enjoy wildlife watching — like at the incredible Buraco das Araras (Macaw Hole), or marvel at the otherworldly natural formations in São Miguel Cave , or the crystal-clear waters and rock formations of the city's postcard attraction, the Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Grotto).

• Animal sanctuary: Bio Park is a wildlife shelter and sanctuary for animals in the region that have been rescued from various situations of abuse or have lost their parents and cannot be reintroduced into the wild.

• Aventure tours: Bonito offers a wide range of "extreme" activities, such as rappelling and cave diving. In addition to adhering to the minimum age requirements set by each tour operator, it's crucial to respect the limits of each child or teenager. The most famous tour (which I haven't done yet but is on my list for the next visit to Bonito) is the Abismo Anhumas.

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Minimum ages for the main tours in Bonito

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Below is a compilation of the minimum ages for the main tours in Bonito, based on information from official websites (links provided below) and updated as of August 2024. I recommend checking directly on the official websites or on ticket sales platforms before booking your trip to avoid any misunderstandings.

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Rio da Prata – minimum age: 6 years old

As mentioned in our post about the tours we did in Bonito, if there's one tour you shouldn't miss, it's floating on the Rio da Prata. After a walk through the riparian forest, you'll float on the Rio Olho D'Água for 1,7 km before reaching the Rio da Prata, where the float continues for another 600 meters with boat support. Lunch is included.

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Nascente Azul – minimum age 4 years

The adventure begins with an approximately 40-minute trail through the riparian forest to the source of the Rio Bonito, which is 7 meters deep. You'll float for about 300 meters. The site also has a leisure area that includes a beach with kiosks, Aqualokko, a waterfall, as well as a lake and swimming pool. Additional activities include the Adventure Zip Line and Underwater Museum Snorkeling.

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Aquário Natural – no age requirements

This tour starts with a 700-meter walk through the riparian forest to the source of the Baia Bonita River, where an 800-meter float begins. It's perfect for observing a variety of fish and underwater plants. On the return, the 1.000-meter animal trail allows you to spot birds and wildlife. There's also a zipline for little adventurers!

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Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Grotto) – minimum age: 6 years old

One of the most famous tours in Bonito, and for good reason. A 300-meter trail leads to the entrance of Gruta do Lago Azul, where 299 steps take you down to view stunning rock formations and the beautiful Lago Azul. Inside the lake, which is over 90 meters deep, lie prehistoric fossils, including saber-tooth tiger teeth and giant sloth bones.

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Grutas de São Miguel (São Miguel Caves) – minimum age: 5 years old

Of the caves we visited, this was the one my daughters enjoyed the most. The São Miguel Cave tour starts with a trail along suspended walkways high in the treetops, which children love! The first stop is at a small viewpoint, where you can see inside the cave. Then, you can enter the cave and explore its length. Since it’s a dry cave, you can calmly observe the stalactites, stalagmites, and travertine formations.

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Rio Sucuri – minimum age: 4 years old

The tour begins with a short transportation to the start of a 500-meter trail through the riparian forest, leading to the source of the Sucuri River, famous for its crystal-clear waters—some of the most beautiful we visited during our four days in Bonito. During the 1.800-meter float, you’ll pass through lush vegetation and numerous schools of fish. A support boat is available throughout the journey.

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Buraco das Araras (Macaw Hole) – no age requirements

One of my favorite tours in Bonito: the scenery is stunning, the birds are a sight to behold, and the history of the place is fascinating. The trail is very short, completely flat, and easily accessible, making it a trip worth taking regardless of your children's age or any physical limitations of adults or elderly people. Buraco das Araras is one of the largest sinkholes in the world, measuring around 100 meters deep and 500 meters in circumference. There are two observation platforms where you can view these incredible geological formations up close and, of course, see the hundreds of scarlet macaws that give the place its name.

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Abismo Anhumas – minimum weight: 40 kg

This is one tour I haven't done yet in Bonito, but at least I meet the minimum weight requirement 😉. In the past, it was necessary to rappel 72 meters to reach the floating platform; now, it’s much easier with an electric rappel. From the platform, a boat ride explores lakes with crystal-clear waters and unique geological formations. There’s also an option to dive, with neoprene suits, footwear, masks, and snorkels provided.

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Boca da Onça – no age requirements

We spent almost an entire day at Boca da Onça and did the Adventure Trail, which has no minimum age requirement but is 4 km long and includes 886 steps just in the final section. Younger children (and their guardians 😅) might find it a bit challenging. In addition to this, there are smaller trails and an abseiling option, plus a reception area with a swimming pool, hammocks, a museum, a bar, and a restaurant.

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Bio Park – no age requirements

Bio Park is a space dedicated to wild fauna, open to the public for visitation. The park focuses on conservation and environmental education, promoting animal welfare. Additionally, there's a farm with mini animals where children can interact with small creatures like goats and chickens.

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Municipal Balenary – no age requirements

Located just 6 km from Bonito, this spot on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Formoso River is ideal for seeing fish of all colors and sizes in the crystal-clear waters. The site offers parking, a restaurant, and kiosks with barbecue grills.

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Balenário Praia da Figueira – no age requirements

One of the most famous resorts in the region, featuring a lagoon with crystal-clear waters, kayaking or pedal boating, and a zip line for the more adventurous. You can also play sand volleyball or let the children have fun on the waterslide and playground.

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Mimosa Resort – minimum age: 3 years old

The 2.800-meter walk through the riparian forest of the Mimoso River, surrounded by centuries-old trees and wild animals, offers privileged views of the region's cerrado and rolling hills. The tour includes stops for swimming in waterfalls with natural pools, a jumping platform, and a 500-meter rowing boat ride. Strategic stops along the way provide panoramic views of Serra da Bodoquena, and it’s said that alligators can sometimes be spotted near the reception area.

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Rio do Peixe – no age requirements

This 4,5 km trail at Fazenda Água Viva allows you to relax by waterfalls and natural pools, surrounded by lots of fish. The easy trail is suitable for children of all ages and includes 9 stops for swimming in crystal clear waters. Highlights of the tour include a jumping platform at Cachoeira do Poção and two ziplines. The day ends with a delicious lunch.

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Mysterious Lagoon – minimum age: 5 years old

A 600-meter trail through the forest surrounding the sinkhole leads visitors to a viewpoint where the beauty of the lagoon can be admired. After descending a staircase of 179 steps, you begin floating, taking in the two blue abysses at the bottom of the lagoon. This tour is seasonal, typically available from April to early October, with variable opening and closing dates. Scuba diving is also offered, with a minimum age requirement of 10 years.

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Mimoso Cave – minimum age: 8 years old

Visitors, equipped with neoprene suits, masks, snorkels, and life jackets, follow a 300-meter trail to the cave entrance. There, they descend a staircase with 78 steps (depending on the water level) to reach the flooded area of the cave. The float begins here, allowing visitors to appreciate the stunning geological formations of Gruta do Mimoso.

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Nascentes da Serra – minimum age: 6 years old

This natural refuge features crystal-clear blue waters. During the 620-meter route, visitors can observe various species of fish and lush underwater vegetation. The activity includes snorkeling at specific points and concludes with an aquatic adventure along the Salobra and Nascente rivers, lasting around 20 minutes.

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Serra da Bodoquena Waterfalls – no age requirements

This 2.500-meter route takes visitors to eight beautiful waterfalls and natural pools along the Betione River. The site offers a bathing area with changing rooms, a zipline, a kiosk/bar, a sand volleyball court, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboarding. A quad bike tour is also available.

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Parque das Cachoeiras – no age requirements

This attraction features seven waterfalls along the Mimoso River, spread across a 7-meter trail. Each waterfall is more enchanting than the last, with some ideal for contemplation and others perfect for swimming. The site includes a changing room and an infinity pool.

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Fazenda Ceita Corê – no age requirements

Ceita Corê Farm offers an incredible tour with trails along walkways and suspension bridges, leading to several waterfalls and natural pools for a refreshing dip along a 4 km route through the riparian forest. The source of the Chapeninha River is a highlight, featuring an underwater cave over 155 meters deep. The farm also has rest areas, hammocks, and even a swimming pool with a lake and deck, adding to the charm of the place.

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Quad bike tour – minimum age: not specified

My daughters love ATV rides! We didn't get a chance to do this one in Bonito, but it came highly recommended and sounds like quite an adventure. I couldn’t find a specific minimum age requirement on the website, but logically, the minimum age to drive a quad bike is 18 years old. I think children as young as 5 or 6 years old, depending on their temperament and the driver's skill, could handle it. However, it’s a good idea to confirm with the tour operator before booking.

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Recanto das Águas – minimum age: FREE

Located on the banks of the Mimoso River, Recanto das Águas offers a light 3 km trail that features 8 swimming spots and 3 viewpoints to admire the landscape. The tour includes a fun tractor ride around the farm and an ecological safari. For those looking to relax, there are heated pools and a children's play area.

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Salobra River Canyon – minimum age: 7 years old

I missed out on this tour because I didn’t have the information in time and only discovered it after arriving in Bonito, when it was too late to fit it into our schedule. If your children are old enough, the adventure through the Salobra River Canyon seems unmissable. The trail begins with a walk through preserved forest and continues for 7 km (round trip) alongside crystal-clear waters and towering walls over 80 meters high. Along the way, there are several stops for swimming in breathtaking settings. The trail is moderately difficult, and in some sections, you have to walk along the river, so make sure your child is up for the challenge.

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Gruta Catedral – minimum age: 5 years old

The Cathedral Grotto is a fascinating tour for history and nature enthusiasts. Here, you can see relics from the region's former inhabitants and view exhibits of stuffed animals in the local museum. The walk starts with a suspended walkway and follows a gentle 320-meter trail to the cave. Inside, you'll discover incredible formations like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and coralloids.

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ATTENTION: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, changes may have occurred. Please confirm details with local operators before making any decisions.

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At what age should you take your kids to Bonito?

I’ve already provided all the objective and official information about the main tours in Bonito, but now I’d like to share my most honest opinion.

Bonito is one of my favorite eco-tourism destinations in Braziland easily rivals many others I’ve visited worldwide. I believe that any visit to Bonito will be incredible, regardless of your children’s age. If you have the chance to visit Bonito now — whether your children are just a few months old, 3 years old, 10, or 16 — just go. I firmly believe that the best trip is the one you take.

But the reality is that our time and money are not unlimited. Choosing one destination often means sacrificing countless others , and we can’t predict what life has in store for us.

So, in my opinion, I would (and did) visit Bonito with my daughters once they reached the minimum age for the float trips and, more importantly, showed comfort using snorkeling equipment, the ability and confidence to swim and float for extended periods, and the awareness and responsibility to respect the specific environment, particularly by not putting their feet on the ground.

It’s not enough for a child to simply meet the minimum age requirement for floating—which is 4 or 6 years old, depending on the tour. The child needs to be confident about putting their head underwater, capable of using a snorkel, and understand that they cannot touch the ground. Of course, this varies from child to child, but in my opinion, 8 years old is an age where they can truly enjoy the experience.

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Furthermore, another crucial factor is their physical ability and familiarity with longer trails. I felt more at ease in this aspect, as we had already tackled some long trails successfully, like the Preikestolen, in Norway and some hikes in Chapada dos Guimarães, Brazil and Tayrona Park, Colombia.

Our daughters were 11 and 12 years old when we visited Bonito, and they had an amazing time. I consider Bonito a perfect destination for older kids and pre-teens. I can’t speak for teenagers yet, as we haven’t reached that stage, but I imagine they would thoroughly enjoy it, especially the more adventurous activities Bonito has to offer.

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Map of attractions in Bonito

This map highlights all the experiences we had in 4 days in Bonito, the highly-rated inn where we stayed (Pousada Olho d'Água), the restaurants we loved, and other points of interest in the region.

HOW TO USE THE MAP:

1. Open in Google Maps: Click on the top right corner of the map to open it directly in Google Maps.
2. Explore Locations: In the menu on the left, you'll find descriptions of the various locations. Click on each one to get detailed information, including links and addresses.

Save to Your Account: To save the map to your Google Maps account, just click the star icon below the map name.

Access Saved Maps: Once saved, you can access the map on your phone or computer. Open Google Maps, go to the menu, select “My Places,” then “Maps,” and you’ll find this map listed among your saved maps.

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In this post, I explain how I use Google MyMaps to plan my trips.

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All our posts about traveling in Brazil, be sure to check them out before planing a trip to my home country:

• Brazilian Amazon - How to visit the Amazon Rainforest
• What to do in Alter do Chão: Exploring amazonian beaches and rainforests in Brazil
• What to do in Chapada dos Guimaraes, Mato Grosso
• The best tours to do in Bonito, Brazil, in 4 days
• Ultimate Guide to Bonito: Exploring the Southern Brazilian Pantanal's Hidden Paradise
• Bonito, Brazil with kids: When is the right age to visit?
• Complete guide to visiting Lençóis Maranhenses: Tips and essential itinerary
• What to do in Pirenópolis: ecotourism and history in the interior of Goiás

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