Things To Do
in Bonito
Bonito, Brazil is a renowned ecotourism hub in Mato Grosso do Sul, famous for crystal-clear rivers and lush Cerrado landscapes. The town serves as a gateway to submerged caves, transparent springs, and abundant biodiversity, offering unforgettable snorkeling, cave tours, and hiking. Sustainable tourism and guided adventures are at the heart of the Bonito experience, with conservation and education woven into every excursion.
Visitors can expect a serene, nature-forward vibe with a focus on responsible travel and outdoor discovery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading to Rio da Prata. Here, you can enjoy a guided snorkeling tour in the stunningly clear waters, teeming with colorful fish and vibrant aquatic plants. As you float downstream, take in the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding you and capture the moment with underwater photography.
After the snorkeling adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush gardens of the site, where you can taste local flavors. Spend the afternoon hiking through the surrounding trails, observing the diverse flora and fauna that make this region so special. Don’t forget to stop at the viewpoints to appreciate the views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
Return to Bonito and unwind at your accommodation before heading out for dinner. Choose a local restaurant to savor traditional Brazilian dishes, such as 'picanha' or 'moqueca'. As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll through the town square, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps stopping for a refreshing coconut water.
Start with a light breakfast before embarking on a tour to Gruta do Lago Azul, one of Bonito's most famous caves. The journey includes a short hike through the lush vegetation leading to the cave entrance, where you’ll be amazed by the imposing stalactites and stalagmites. As you descend into the cave, the striking blue lake will take your breath away, creating a magical atmosphere.
After exploring the cave, enjoy a packed lunch in the nearby picnic area surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby Gruta de São Miguel, where you can witness more incredible rock formations and learn about the geological history. Take your time to capture the stunning visuals before returning to Bonito.
Head back to Bonito for dinner at a local steakhouse, where you can try some of the region's best grilled meats. After your meal, explore the artisanal shops and local markets for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Conclude your day with a relaxing evening at a local bar, enjoying live music and mingling with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $2-5 |
| 🥗Lunch at a mid-range restaurant | $10-20 |
| 🍽️Dinner at a mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse per night | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty and biodiversity
- Easy to combine multiple outdoor activities
- Well-developed ecotourism infrastructure
- Friendly, small-town atmosphere
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Some attractions require advance booking and can be seasonal
- Prices can be higher for guided tours
- Limited public transport in remote areas
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica?" - Where is...?
Places to Visit in Bonito
Visit one of these nice places.
Cavern with a striking blue lake, a must-see photography spot when accessible, offering dramatic light contrasts.
Crater and bird-view area perfect for capturing macaws and lush forest landscapes.
Crystal-clear river waters and underwater formations ideal for underwater photography (snorkel tours).
Lush Cerrado landscapes and waterfalls with scenic viewpoints for nature photography.
Food in Bonito
Bonito Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional fish dish baked on a clay tile, often served with rice and fresh river fish.
Must-Try!
A versatile street-food pancake made from tapioca starch, filled with sweet or savory toppings.
A refreshing bowl of frozen açaí puree topped with fruits and granola, popular as a cooling snack after a tour.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market where you can buy fresh fruit juices, local snacks, and regional ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly “Bom dia” or “Oi”; a handshake is common in formal settings.
Follow park rules, stay on trails, don’t touch wildlife, and always take your trash with you.
Polite conversation in Portuguese is valued; addressing people as senhor/senhora for older or formal situations.
Safety
Tipping in Bonito
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; guide and driver tips of 5–10% are common if service is good.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted in hotels and shops; carry some cash for local markets and small operators; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically cooler and drier with pleasant days; best for hiking and long outdoor activities; water visibility remains excellent in rivers.
Higher humidity and frequent afternoon showers; rivers swell and some tours may be limited; mornings are often sunny with dramatic cloud formations.
Bonito at Night
Hiking in Bonito
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forest trail leading to a spectacular crater and macaw-viewing platform.
Cave trail to the Lago Azul with access to cave chambers and blue water views.
Forest trails through Cerrado habitat with waterfalls and wildlife.
Mountainous park area with scenic overlooks and trekking paths.
Airports
How to reach Bonito by plane.
Small regional airport serving Bonito with domestic flights and transfer options to larger hubs.
Major gateway with national and international connections; from there, you can reach Bonito by road or domestic flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Brazilian families and community members who support ecotourism; a mix of young travelers and families visiting from Brazil and abroad.
A large share of visitors are international travelers seeking nature-based experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular water-based activities in Bonito’s crystal clear rivers.
Cerrado and riverine habitats attract diverse birds.
Trail-based exploration of waterfalls and caves.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bonito.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy fresh fruits, salads, tapioca, cheese dishes, and vegetables at most eateries; ask for regional bean dishes without meat; many places accommodate special diets with advance notice.