Bonito

Introducing Bonito

Amid spectacular natural wonders, Bonito is a small, charming town in southwest Mato Grosso do Sul that is enjoying the ecotourism boom. Most travelers come here to snorkel down crystal-clear rivers, but there are dozens of other ways to enjoy the scenery, from rappelling and rafting to horseback riding and bird-watching. Despite its popularity, the town is still a great place to kick back outside peak holiday periods (December to February).

Only local travel agencies are authorized to hire guides to the area’s attractions, so you’re obliged to book tours through them. The main street is lined with agencies, all charging the same. The better ones include Muito Bonito Tourismo (255-1645; Rua Coronel Pilad Rebua 1448) and Ygarapé Tour (255-1733; Rua Coronel Pilad Rebua 1853). River-trip prices include snorkel gear but don’t include transportation, so try tacking onto a group that has already organized transport.

One of the best rivers for snorkeling is the Rio da Prata(5hr trip incl lunch US$46), some 50km from Bonito; the trip includes a short hike through rainforest, followed by 3km swim among 30 varieties of fish while floating gently downstream. There’s also the crystal-clear Rio Sucuri(3hr trip US$37) 20km from Bonito and the Aquário Natural Baía Bonita(3hr trip US$37), 7km from Bonito.

The Gruta do Lago Azul (half-day excursion US$12), 20km from Bonito, is a large cave, with a luminous underground lake and stalactites. The Balneário Municipal (admission US$5), 7km from Bonito, is a natural swimming pool with lots of fish (and no guide needed, easily reached by mototaxi or by bicycle). The Abismo de Anhumas (full-day excursion including rappelling and snorkeling US$120), 22km from Bonito, is a 72m abyss with an underground lake and incredible stalactites.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009