Bonito, Brazil: Discover Crystal-Clear Waters, Waterfalls, and Cave Adventures
Nestled in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, the eco-friendly town of Bonito offers some of the country's most stunning underwater experiences despite its landlocked setting. It's an ideal stopover before or after exploring the Pantanal wetlands—plan a few days for unforgettable aquatic adventures in hidden savanna oases.
Swim Beneath the Waterfalls of Boca da Onça
Immerse yourself in emerald pools at the base of massive waterfalls at Boca da Onça, a private farm blending ecological hikes with relaxation. Follow scenic trails along the Salobra River, feeling the mist from eight waterfalls and swimming in four natural pools. The highlight is the 156-meter (511-foot) Boca da Onça waterfall. Trails teem with wildlife: spot bacuri trees with prickly pods, jaracatia trees (coconut-flavored sweets), neon caterpillars, stick insects, and leaf-cutter ants.
Refuel at the lodge with Brazilian cuisine, then relax in the infinity pool overlooking canyon hills. Adrenaline seekers can rappel 90 meters beside the main waterfall.
Snorkel the Pristine Springs of Mato Grosso do Sul
Freshwater springs in Mato Grosso do Sul rival ocean snorkeling with their exceptional clarity. Bonito provides easy access to two rivers within an hour's drive.
Rio Sucuri meanders through lush farmland like a natural lazy river. Drift over vibrant aquatic plants in dayglow green, purple, and maroon; swaying grasses; and giant snail shells. Crystal-clear waters reveal fish like red-tailed piraputanga, pacu, and schools near shore roots.
Rio da Prata offers abundant fish encounters, including large dorado, in slightly less clear but wildlife-rich waters.
Rappel into the Anhumas Abyss
Test your limits rappelling 72 meters (236 feet) into the Anhumas Abyss to a platform on a royal blue lagoon in a 14-million-year-old cave. Guided boat tours showcase towering stalactites and limestone formations.
Snorkel in crystal waters pierced by sunbeams, spotting blind cave fish amid 19.2-meter (64-foot) underwater stalagmites. Experts guide you through the highlights. Ascend via rope or assisted pull-up.
Honorable Mentions
These water-linked sites offer unique experiences without swimming.
Gruta do Lago Azul
This vast cave features a vividly blue lake reaching 87 meters deep, with fossils of saber-toothed tigers and giant sloths.
Buraco das Araras
A 100-meter-deep sinkhole (one of the world's largest, ~300,000 years old) boasts red cliffs, a mossy pond, scarlet macaws, ibises, toucans, hawks, and enigmatic caimans.
Exploring Bonito
Three-and-a-half hours from Campo Grande, Bonito is a green haven with a central fountain featuring piraputangas and savanna-inspired decor.
Dine on pacu fish at Juanita’s or moqueca stew at Casa do João. Sample craft beers at Bonito Beer’s patio.
Pioneering ecotourism since the 1990s, Bonito enforces sustainability—sites like the Abyss limit visitors (20/day). Book ahead, especially in peak season.
Bailey Freeman visited Brazil with support from ATTA and H20 Ecoturismo. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies for positive coverage.
