Crystal rivers, caves and eco adventures
This guide covers Bonito and the nearby Serra da Bodoquena region in Mato Grosso do Sul, including attractions in neighbouring Jardim. The area is famous for spring-fed rivers so clear you can float above fish, plus caves, sinkholes and waterfalls. It is one of Brazil's best ecotourism destinations, with strict visitor limits that keep it pristine.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
A cave with a deep, startlingly blue lake lit by sunlight in the morning. It is Bonito's symbol and a protected natural monument.
Official site lists R$120 low season and R$180 high season (transport not included); USD is approximate.
Snorkel and drift down a spring-fed river among fish in crystal-clear water. It is the most famous float in the region.
Check the official site for current prices.
A spring pool and river float with very clear water and many fish, close to town. It suits beginners and families.
Check the official site for current prices.
A riverside swimming area with clear water, fish and lawns. It is a relaxed and budget-friendly spot.
Check the official site for current prices.
A giant sinkhole where red macaws nest on the red cliffs. Short trails lead to viewpoints.
Check the official site for current prices.
A forest trail past a series of waterfalls with natural pools for swimming. It is a classic half-day walk.
Check the official site for current prices.
A 72 metre abseil into a cavern with an underground lake for snorkelling or diving. Training is required the day before.
Check the official site for current prices.
A trail through canyons with many waterfalls, including the tallest in Mato Grosso do Sul. Optional abseil is offered.
Check the official site for current prices.
A gentle float in an exceptionally clear river with aquatic plants. It is calm and photogenic.
Check the official site for current prices.
A dry cave with formations, reached by a suspended walkway through the forest. It is a short, easy visit.
Check the official site for current prices.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one cave and float, day two Buraco das Araras and the Aquario Natural, day three waterfalls and the Balneario.
Wetlands with outstanding wildlife viewing.
124 mi · Tour, about 3 hours each way; overnight lodges are better
A deep flooded sinkhole for snorkelling or diving.
31 mi · Agency transport, about 1 hour
Access to Serra da Bodoquena park and rivers.
50 mi · Car, about 1h30
Gateway to the Pantanal edge and wildlife tours.
68 mi · Car, about 2 hours
Best: December to March for the clearest water and warm weather, or May to September for dry, mild days. Water stays clear most of the year; heavy rain can cloud rivers briefly.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
Usually July
A winter cultural festival; confirm dates each year.
US State Department advice for Brazil is Level 2 (exercise increased caution) for crime; Bonito is a small, calm tourist town where normal care is enough; the main risks are road driving and outdoor activities.
The small town center is walkable, but every attraction is out of town on farm roads.
There is no useful public transport to the attractions; use a rental car or agency transfers.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: first-timers, budget
On the main street with restaurants and agencies.
Best for: couples, nature lovers
Farm lodges close to rivers and caves.
Best for: budget, drivers
Small town closer to Rio da Prata and Buraco das Araras.
Best for: first-timers, budget, food
Hotels and restaurants within a short walk of agencies and the main street.
Best for: nature, couples
Lodges and reserves outside town with river access.
Best for: families, budget
Close to the city's public river beach.
| Main airport | Bonito Regional Airport (BYO), 8 mi from the center |
| To the center | The airport is on highway MS-178, about 13 km from town; use a hotel or agency transfer. Flights are limited, so many visitors fly into Campo Grande (CGR), about 300 km away, and drive or take a shuttle. |
| Around town | Book tours through an accredited local agency, which also arranges transport; a rental car gives more freedom. |
| Ride apps | Uber, 99 |
River fish, often grilled or in stews.
Paraguayan-style cheese bread common in the region.
A savoury corn cake despite the name.
Cold mate tea, drunk all day.
Rice with dried beef.
| Plugs | Type C and N; Brazil uses 127 V or 220 V depending on the city, so check the local voltage before plugging in |
| Tap water | Use bottled water |
| Tipping | Restaurants usually add a 10 percent service charge to the bill, and extra tipping is optional. |
| Payments | Cards and Pix instant payments are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for street vendors and small kiosks. |
| Etiquette | Follow guides' rules strictly: no sunscreen or repellent before river floats, and no touching the river bed. |
Bonito grew as a ranching settlement in the early 1900s and became a municipality in 1948. Its limestone landscape, which filters river water to great clarity, drew little attention until the 1990s. Locals then built a model of controlled ecotourism with a voucher system, daily visitor caps and mandatory guides. Today tourism is the town's main economy.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.