Bonito is one of my favorite eco-tourism destinations in Brazil. It has excellent tourism infrastructure, and the name itself already gives a good idea of what you’ll find there — “Bonito” means “beautiful” in Portuguese. Nature has been especially generous here.
Here on the blog, you’ll find plenty of information about Bonito, including a complete guide on when to go, how to get there, how to get around.
In this post, I share what we did and the best things to do in Bonito over 4 days, which I believe is the minimum time needed to make the most of the destination. Could you visit Bonito in 3 days? Absolutely! In two days? Yes, if you plan everything carefully and don’t mind skipping a few great experiences.
First of all, follow me on Instagram @danae_explore – that’s where you can keep up with my trips, find lots of travel tips, and send me a DM anytime. I love chatting about travel!
We visited Bonito in February, during the Carnival holiday — actually, I’ve been to Bonito twice during Carnival: once before the kids were born and once with them, now that they’re older. Although February isn’t the most recommended time to visit, weather was great both times and we had an amazing time.
The tours are listed below in the order we did them. I can’t really rank them from best to worst because all the activities are excellent. With one exception (which I’ll explain later), I would do them all again.
Please note that all tours in Bonito take place in rural areas and are spread out from one another, must be done with a guide, and should be booked in advance, as I explain in this post.
.
.
Itinerary Overview for 4 Days in Bonito:
Day 1: Floating on Rio da Prata & Buraco das Araras (Macaw Hole)
Day 2: Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Grotto) & Eco Park Porto da Ilha for a boat trip on the Formoso River
Day 3: Grutas de São Miguel (São Miguel Caves) & Floating on the Sucuri River
Day 4: Hiking and waterfalls at Boca da Onça
Feel free to rearrange the days to suit your preferences
To rent a car, I always use RentCars, where I usually find the best options, and with the DANAE promo code you still get an additional 5% off. Shall we go?
Snorkeling at Rio da Prata (Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata)
If I had to choose just one tour to do in Bonito, it would be this one: float down Rio da Prata. It’s one of the more expensive tours in Bonito, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Imagine floating down a calm, crystal-clear river, surrounded by plenty of fish, all while drifting past the cerrado landscape. You can just relax and enjoy it without having to worry about anything, because at the end of the tour, a delicious homemade lunch awaits you, including some excellent dulce de leche. Not to mention the excellent facilities, knowledgeable and attentive guides, a strong focus on sustainability, and all the comfort you’d expect from a typical Brazilian farm.
To me, this is one of the best ecotourism experiences in Brazil.
We arrived at the farm and our guide called us over for a briefing and helped us get into our neoprene gear (included in the entry price). After a quick visit to the farm’s vegetable garden, we rode in an adapted truck to the trailhead.
The tour began with a 30-minute walk through the riparian forest, with a stop at a scenic spot to take in the view and snap some photos.
We then arrived at the Rio Olho D’água springs, a large natural pool of crystal-clear water where you can see the water bubbling up from the ground. It was time to put on our masks and snorkels and float downstream in what feels like a giant natural aquarium, gliding through clear waters filled with fish and underwater plants for about 2 km.
About three-quarters of the way down, Rio Olho D’água merges with Rio da Prata. If you’d rather, you can continue by boat from here, but of course, we kept floating. The water in Rio da Prata is colder, the river is deeper, and visibility is slightly lower, but it’s still worth continuing.
At the end of the tour, there’s a deck where you can jump into the river. From there, the truck picked us up and took us back to the farm headquarters. The full experience, including lunch, takes about 5 hours.
.
Buraco das Araras (Macaw Hole)
Buraco das Araras is one of the most fascinating tours in Bonito.
It is also one of the easiest in terms of effort: the trail to the sinkhole is completely flat and well maintained, and the entire route is less than 1 km.
The trail leads to the edge of a massive sinkhole, with a diameter of 500 meters and a depth of 127 meters.
Technically called a doline, it was formed by the collapse of limestone and now provides an ideal habitat for macaws, which find perfect conditions for nesting.
About 60 pairs of red-and-green macaws live in Buraco das Araras. Our guide told us that at one point, three blue-and-yellow macaws appeared at the site. Two of them soon left, but one stayed and paired up with a red-and-green macaw. These are different species (red-and-green macaws: Ara chloropterus, and blue-and-yellow macaws: Ara ararauna). Interestingly, in other places, like Parque das Aves in Foz do Iguaçu, such pairings have been observed, resulting in hybrid offspring with an orange hue. However, not much information is available about these hybrids yet.
.
.
At the bottom of the Buraco das Araras lies a unique ecosystem, home to a yellow-bellied caiman, an anaconda, a howler monkey, and other small animals. The carnivores feed on animals that fall into the sinkhole and birds that fly too low, while the monkey seems to stay there, sometimes climbing trees to leave the area, but always coming back.
Our guide also shared the history of the sinkhole, which I found fascinating. Officially “discovered” in 1912, it was used for many years as a dumping site for trash and human bodies. In the 1970s, the first military expedition rappelled to the bottom and removed 3 tons of garbage and the remains of 23 human skeletons. There’s also a car wreck under the trees, and it’s estimated that there are bodies from the Paraguayan War (1864–1870) and fossils from the last Ice Age.
Today, Buraco das Araras is a Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN), protected and can only be visited with a local guide.
The full guided tour takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and I recommend doing it on the same day as the Rio da Prata tour, since they’re close to each other.
.
Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave)
Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave) is the postcard image of Bonito — a must-see.
It’s a contemplative experience, starting with an easy walk to the cave entrance, followed by a descent of about 200 meters down a staircase built into the rock.
As you make your way down, what at first looks like an ordinary cave with a dark, unremarkable lake at the bottom transforms into one of the most iconic sights in Brazil. It’s impossible not to be mesmerized by the turquoise-blue gradient of the lake, framed by rock formations sculpted by water over thousands of years, forming various speleothems (stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, columns, etc.).
.
.
Our guide explained that the lake’s water is crystal clear, and the stunning blue tones come from sunlight filtering in. Even on cloudy days (like the one we experienced), the beautiful blue color is still visible, and there’s no specific time that’s better than another to visit. Whenever you go, the view will still be just as impressive.
Blue Lake Cave has an opening about 40 meters wide, and the lake is 90 meters deep. It’s home to a species of blind albino crustacean measuring about 9 mm and contains fossils of animals from the last Ice Age (Pleistocene period, between 1.8 million and 11,000 years ago), including the giant sloth and the saber-toothed cat.
The guided tour of the Gruta do Lago Azul takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How about researching your accommodation in Bonito? We stayed at Pousada Olho d’Água and loved it!
.
Ecopark Porto da Ilha and Boat Ride on the Formoso River
When I first visited Bonito in the early 2000s (yes, it’s been a while 😅), the activities at Eco Park Porto da Ilha were limited to the boat ride and a small restaurant. Today, Eco Park Porto da Ilha has grown into a large complex with a variety of activities: river tubing, duck tours, stand-up paddleboarding, a natural pool with a waterfall and a deck, and facilities including a restaurant, a bar, changing rooms, and more.
We did the boat ride, which is the main attraction of the place. About 10 boats, each carrying 12 people, cover about 5 km along the Formoso River, passing through three small waterfalls and one set of rapids. It’s a relaxing and fun ride, with most of the fun coming from splashing water between boats. This ride is suitable for all ages. And don’t worry: we spotted an anaconda just a few meters from our boat, but everyone survived 😂. Apparently, the snake lives in that part of the river and just watches the boats go by, so there’s no need to worry — it’s completely safe.
You’re not allowed to bring cell phones or cameras on the ride; only GoPros on chest or head mounts are allowed. There are photographers along the way, and you can buy the photos afterward, though we didn’t think it was worth it.
Althoughit was one of the kids’ favorite activities, I wouldn’t consider it a must-do, even though I did this ride both times I visited Bonito 😂. The location, despite its good facilities, felt quite different from the other places we visited, mainly because of the larger crowds and a bit of disorganization during the tour organization — which is understandable given that about 120 people leave at the same time, while most other tours usually have groups of 10 to 20 people.
.
Grutas de São Miguel (São Miguel Caves)
São Miguel Cave is a dry cave with impressive geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, travertines, and coralloids, all highlighted by well-designed lighting. Walking through the cave feels like stepping into a fantasy world.
This is a pleasant and peaceful tour. It starts with a 200-meter walk along suspended bridges through the cerrado, followed by an easy, flat trail for a short distance. Our guide stopped to show us the cave from the outside through an entrance not open to visitors before we continued to the main entrance.
.
After going down a few steps, we walked 160 meters through the cave, taking in the impressive formations, with plenty of photo opportunities. On the way out, we even spotted some bats that live in the cave.
Surprisingly, the kids enjoyed São Miguel Cave more than the Blue Lake Cave, likely because here you can walk among the formations (of course, while staying on the designated paths and not touching anything).
.
Snorkeling at the Sucuri River Springs
The Sucuri River is considered one of the clearest rivers in the world and has been featured in a few Brazilian soap operas and TV shows. Once you get there, you’ll see its reputation is well deserved.
The tour follows a similar format to snorkeling at Rio da Prata. After putting on a wetsuit and grabbing a mask and snorkel, we were taken by a 4WD vehicle to the start of an easy 500-meter trail through the riparian forest, with stops along the way at scenic spots for photos.
We floated 1,800 meters along the crystal-clear waters of the Sucuri River, surrounded by plenty of fish and beautiful underwater scenery. We also spotted capuchin monkeys playing in the trees along the river and spotted two otters near the end of the float.
The tour includes a support boat along the route, but we happily let the current carry us along, floating until the very end of the route.
If you’re only planning to do only one snorkeling tour, it’s hard to choose between Rio Sucuri and Rio da Prata. Both are beautiful and very well organized. At Rio da Prata, we saw a greater variety of fish, more springs, and loved the swimming area at the end of the route, but the Sucuri River captured my heart with its stunning vegetation and incredibly clear water.
There’s a restaurant on site (if I recall correctly, it’s à la carte — we didn’t eat there, as we did the tour in the afternoon and had lunch in town).
.
Boca da Onça Ecotur
Boca da Onça Ecotour is a nature complex offering a range of activities, mainly focused on hiking trails and rappelling.
We opted for the Adventure Trail, a 4 km hike through preserved forest, passing ten waterfalls and five natural pools where you can swim. The Monkey Hole Waterfall is one of the funniest I’ve been to, I recommend using a life jacket (available at no extra cost) to enjoy the swim under the waterfall without any worries.
The trail ends at Boca da Onça Waterfall, the tallest in Mato Grosso do Sul State, at 156 meters high. This waterfall is truly the highlight of the tour, and it’s absolutely spectacular. Take a moment to enjoy a refreshing dip in its pool before tackling the 886 steps (yes, eight hundred and eighty-six steps) that lead to the top. At the top, you’ll find the rappelling platform and breathtaking views of the valley, before heading back by truck to the visitor center.
For those who prefer not to climb the endless steps, there’s an option to leave halfway and take the truck, though you’ll miss the last two waterfalls. Even with a knee injury, I decided to take on the stairs, and I have to say, I don’t regret it.
At the visitor center, a delicious breakfast and lunch are served (both included in the tour).
We did this tour on our last morning in Bonito. We left our hotel, Pousada Olho d’Água, at 7 a.m., went to Boca da Onça, and then headed straight to Campo Grande, where we stayed at the Aeroporto Plaza Hotel — a very basic but fair hotel located right in front of Campo Grande airport. It’s perfect for those who, like us, just need a clean place to sleep before catching an early flight the next day.
Other Things to Do in Bonito
With more than 90 tours, so there’s no shortage of what to do in Bonito — and even with more time available, it’s impossible to do them all.
Based on recommendations from friends and conversations with other travelers, I’ve compiled a list of what I’d like to do next time I visit Bonito:
Abismo Anhumas: Often considered the most spectacular tour in Bonito. We skipped it this time because I thought our kids (11 and 12 years old at the time) might not be up for it physically, but I was wrong — a friend of my daughter went and loved it!
Salobra River Canyons – Eco Serrana Park: Because I couldn’t find much information about it, I didn’t include this tour in our itinerary, but once we arrived, we realized it must be incredible.
Lagoa Misteriosa: A sinkhole filled with water, offering snorkeling and incredible views. It’s open to visitors from April to October; during the rest of the year, visibility isn’t good.
Rio do Peixe: A trail through the forest with waterfalls and natural pools, great for all ages.
Other shorter snorkeling options include Nascente Azul and Aquário Natural (both also offer additional attractions on site).
Additionally, there are several day-use river clubs in and around Bonito (Eco Park Porto da Ilha is one of them), such as Nascente Azul, Jardim Ecopark, Praia da Figueira, Refúgio da Barra, Estrela do Formoso, and others, all offering activities for all ages.
Bio Park is a wildlife rescue center and sanctuary for animals that cannot be reintroduced into the wild.
.
.
Where to stay in Bonito and Campo Grande
During our time in Bonito, we stayed at Pousada Olho d’água, and I highly recommend it. It’s one of the most charming guesthouses in Bonito, offering excellent service and a delicious breakfast.
In Campo Grande, we chose the Aeroporto Plaza Hotel. A very basic but fair hotel, right in front of the airport. It was perfect for us, as we just needed a place to rest after four days exploring Bonito, to get a good night’s sleep before our early flight the next day. If your flight arrives in Campo Grande at night, I recommend staying at the airport hotel and leaving for Bonito the next day, to avoid driving late at night on single-lane roads (even though they’re in good condition).
.
Map of what to do in Bonito, Brazil, in four days
On this map, you’ll find everything we did in 4 days in Bonito, including the tours we took, where we stayed, the restaurants we enjoyed, and other useful points around the Brazilian southern Pantanal. Be sure to check this other post on the blog, where I share a complete guide to Bonito: when to go, how to get there, how to get around & more.
How to use this map: Click the menu tab in the upper left corner of the map to access different layers, including points of interest and routes. You can toggle layers on and off by checking the corresponding boxes. To see details about specific locations, click on the icons on the map.
To save this map to your Google Maps account, just click the star icon next to the map title. To access it later on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, tap the menu button, go to “Your Places”, select “Maps”, and you’ll find this map saved there.
.
Aqui estão os sites que sempre uso para planejar minhas viagens:
– 🛌 Hospedagem: Booking
– ☀️ Passeios: Civitatis & Get Your Guide
– 📱Chip de celular: e-SIM da Airalo – cupom DANAE2375
– 🚗Aluguel de veículos: RentCars – cupom DANAE
– ⚠️ Seguro-viagem: Real Seguros
.
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
- Complete guide to visiting Lençóis Maranhenses: Tips and essential itinerary
- Chapada das Mesas – Complete itinerary: what to do, where to stay, how to get there
- What to do in Pirenópolis: ecotourism and history in the interior of Goiás
- Chapada dos Veadeiros – Complete guide: best waterfalls, accommodations and many tips.
.
Check out all our posts about traveling in Central and South America:
Colombia
- What to do in 3 days in Bogotá
- What to do in Cartagena de Indias – Colombia
- How to visit Tayrona National Park – the most beautiful beaches in mainland Colombia
- The best of Colombia – 12-day itinerary
Argentina
- Northern Argentina: a 10-day itinerary through Salta and Jujuy
- El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier – the best of Argentinan Patagonia
- The best of Ushuaia: a 4-day itinerary for spring and autumn
Chile
Belize
- One week in Belize: a perfect itinerary for first-time visitors
- What to do in Belize: the best of San Ignacio, Caye Ambergris and Caye Caulker
Guatemala
.
Did you like these tips? Then follow me on social media:
Instagram @danae_explore
Pinterest @danaeexplore
Comments or questions? Contact me on social media! I love to chat about travel 😉
And before you go, don’t forget to SAVE THIS PIN to your PINTEREST account, so you can find this post with whato to do in Bonito, Brazil whenever you need it!
