The Best of Bonito and Surroundings | Complete Guide with Prices
- Marcello Berdusco
- Apr 3
- 25 min read
Family Trip: The Best of Bonito and Surroundings | Complete Guide with Prices
Underwater, on land, and in the skies, this little corner of Brazil is one of those places that constantly surprises you. There are few places in the world with the power to leave you in awe of nature as often as Bonito (MS). Many times, we felt as if we were immersed in a dream—and what a beautiful dream it was! But luckily for us, it was all very real, and we had the chance to explore not only the attractions of Bonito but also nearby towns like Bodoquena (MS) and Jardim (MS).
We know that, like us, many people dream of turning this destination into a real-life experience. That’s why we promise you one thing: This will be one of the most complete videos you’ll find on YouTube about Bonito and its surroundings.
The Best of Bonito and Surroundings | Complete Guide with Prices – We’ll give you tips on how to get there, tours, restaurants, accommodations, travel agencies, and, of course, we’ll talk about prices. After all, you’ve probably heard that Bonito is an expensive destination. But we want to show you exactly how expensive it is and, most importantly, whether it’s worth it.
We want to be your guide to help you plan your trip and make it as magical as ours was. That being said, it's time to start showing you everything you need to know before traveling to Bonito (MS).
Itinerary Summary | Role Família
Day One: Nascente Azul
We started our first day of the itinerary with a special greeting right in front of our room at Pousada Girassol. A few toucans came to welcome us, and after an amazing breakfast, we hit the road for about 35 minutes until we arrived at the first attraction of our trip.
Good Morning, Everyone! First Day of the Itinerary
We’re kicking off our first day in the best way because today is all about Nascente Azul. There’s going to be a little bit of everything: snorkeling, a natural swimming area, lunch, a trail, and even a zipline. Let’s start this video and show you all the details of Bonito and the Serra da Bodoquena!
First Snorkeling Experience at Nascente Azul
We began our adventure with our much-anticipated first snorkeling experience. After a briefing in a room near the reception, we took a 300-meter trail through beautiful limestone tufas until we reached the area where we left our personal belongings in lockers and got suited up for snorkeling.
At Nascente Azul, you can choose whether to snorkel with a neoprene suit or not. Paula and I decided to go without it.
With a wetsuit: More buoyancy and less risk of feeling cold.
Without a wetsuit: More mobility and a greater sense of freedom.
Let the adventure begin!
Snorkeling Prices at Nascente Azul
The price for snorkeling at Nascente Azul, including day-use access to the Balneário, is R$ 290 in the low season and R$ 360 in the high season. The wetsuits and lockers are already included in the tour price. You only pay an additional fee if you want a Full Face mask.
Trail and First Stop at Rio Bonito
Fully equipped, we set off on another beautiful short trail, about 800 meters long, leading to our first stop at Rio Bonito.
Before snorkeling, we take a break for a training session, where the guide explains how to use the mask and properly snorkel. The color of this water is surreal! The first time we saw it, we were completely amazed.
During the training, it's important to get used to the mask and snorkel. The mask covers your nose, so breathing is done entirely through your mouth. The equipment provides full support, and after a few minutes of adaptation, we’re ready to dive into the experience!
Snorkeling Experience
The snorkeling experience is smooth and effortless. The wetsuit, life jacket, and water shoes help with flotation, providing 100% buoyancy, making this activity accessible to everyone.
The first contact with the river water is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 22°C and 24°C (71°F–75°F).
After the training, we begin snorkeling at the spring, where we spend around 15 minutes before starting the 300-meter descent downstream.
Descent Through Rio Bonito
Nascente Azul is one of the clearest water springs in the world. Here, we can practice freediving and dive a little deeper to get a close-up view of the geological fracture, which releases over 10,000 liters of water per minute.
The descent through the river lasts about 20 to 25 minutes, offering a completely immersive and peaceful experience. The water’s clarity, along with the rich underwater flora and fauna, is absolutely stunning. No swimming skills are required to enjoy this snorkeling activity.
Return and Lunch at the Nascente Azul Complex
After the snorkeling session, we return by truck to the locker area. Our first snorkeling experience of this trip is complete—and it's absolutely surreal.
There are no words to describe it, but everything is just so incredibly beautiful. The Aquatic Garden is one of the most breathtaking sights in the world, filled with colorful fish and crystal-clear waters—a true paradise.
Now, it’s time to pack our things and head for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll explore more parts of the Nascente Azul complex. This has been one of the most amazing and unforgettable experiences of my life. We work with travel, but this one exceeded all expectations. It has officially become one of our favorite destinations in Brazil, and there’s still so much more to explore.
All-You-Can-Eat Buffet at the Nascente Azul Complex
After snorkeling, we had lunch on-site. There is an all-you-can-eat buffet available for R$ 75 per person, offering a variety of fresh salads and delicious homemade food.
Important Tips for Planning Your Trip to Bonito
Reservations and Agencies
The first important tip is that it is mandatory to book your visit dates and times to attractions through an agency. The second is that tour prices are fixed. This means that what really sets agencies apart is their customer service and the conveniences they offer.
We booked all our tours with Bonito Travel and highly recommend their services. They have top ratings on Google Maps, and after our trip to Bonito, we understood why. The service we received was exceptional—almost like a personalized consultation to help us choose the tours that best suited our profile and logistics.
Another point we really liked and worth mentioning is that they use a lot of technology to make your trip easier. Once you book your tours, all the information about your itinerary, departure times, tickets, attraction infrastructure, and appropriate clothing is available in an app, which was a lifesaver during our trip. A highlight is the feature that allows you to set the GPS location directly from the app, reducing the chances of entering the wrong address and arriving late for an activity to almost zero.
In addition to online service, they also have a physical store in downtown Bonito (MS). For those interested in booking with Bonito Travel, Rolê Família followers get special conditions. We’ll leave the contact information and more details in the video description.
Another important point is that attractions have limited daily availability, so it’s highly recommended to book your tours in advance. For the low season, booking at least one month ahead is ideal, while for the high season, it's best to secure your reservations at least three months before your trip.
Zipline and Activities at the Balneário
After lunch, we took a little break. Now, we’re heading for the zipline, which costs R$ 80 per person. We’ll spend the rest of the day enjoying the Balneário da Nascente Azul, which offers other activities such as a water zipline, a suspension bridge, small waterfalls, shallow pools, as well as chairs and umbrellas for those who just want to relax.
Balneário Prices
For those who are not doing the floating tour and just want to visit the Balneário, the prices are R$ 95 in the low season and R$ 105 in the high season. If you need to store your belongings, the Balneário offers lockers starting at R$ 20.
Our day ended with lots of fun and the certainty that this trip is only going to get better in the coming days!
Day 2: Eco Park Porto da Ilha
Starting our second day of the itinerary, and today is Eco Park Porto da Ilha day! We’ll be doing the Combo Bote, which includes three activities: boat ride, boia cross, and stand-up paddle.
The Eco Park is located in a 3-hectare conservation area on the banks of the Rio Formoso, about 15 minutes by car from downtown Bonito (MS). The prices vary depending on the activities you choose. For those who just want to enjoy the Balneário structure, the cost is R$ 90 in the low season and R$ 100 in the high season. The Combo Bote costs R$ 340 in the high season and R$ 260 in the low season.
Stand-Up Paddle
The first activity of the day was stand-up paddle, which lasts about 40 minutes. It was a great way to start the day with energy!
Boia Cross
Right after, we headed to boia cross, which lasts around 20 minutes. Most of the time, you just let the current carry you, enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are also fun sections where you go down small waterfalls, adding some excitement to the ride.
Lunch
Time for a lunch break! Eco Park offers both an à la carte menu and a buffet. The buffet costs R$ 72 per person, while our à la carte meal, which served four people, cost R$ 180.
Boat Tour on Rio Formoso
After lunch, we set off for the most anticipated activity of the day: the boat tour down Rio Formoso. The experience includes a 6 km descent, where the group works together to navigate through rapids and waterfalls.
One of the highlights is the water fights with other boats, which are super fun and a great way to cool off!
Before heading back to the Eco Park base, there’s a stop for a swim in the crystal-clear green waters of Rio Formoso—a perfect way to end the adventure!
Enjoying the Eco Park Facilities
After finishing the activities, we took advantage of the Eco Park's facilities, which include decks where you can leave your belongings and enter the water, waterfalls for a natural hydromassage, and a floating deck in the middle of the river, perfect for admiring the scenery or jumping into the water.
Final Thoughts
As for the water temperature, it's cold but not freezing, making it super refreshing. The color is absolutely stunning—a surreal transparent green.
It truly is an incredibly beautiful place.
Third Day: Boca da Onça
Starting the Day
Good morning, everyone! We're kicking off our third day of the itinerary, and today is Boca da Onça day! That’s why we're starting the video from the car. The drive from downtown Bonito to Boca da Onça takes about 55 minutes to an hour.
Today, we’re doing the Combo Adventure, which includes several activities at Boca da Onça. We'll show you everything in detail.
A really cool fact: Boca da Onça was ranked the 7th best attraction in Brazil and the 11th best in South America by TripAdvisor last year. We’re really excited to experience it all and share it with you!
Breakfast & Important Information
An important detail about the Boca da Onça tour: Breakfast and lunch are included in the experience.
Now, I’ll stay quiet for a moment because we’re enjoying our breakfast—and just listen to the birds singing. It’s the best soundtrack to start the day right. Breakfast done!
Combo Adventure at Boca da Onça
We hopped on a safari-style truck to reach the starting point of the trail. The Combo Adventure covers about 4.5 km of trails, passing through eight waterfalls and five swimming spots.
The experience, which includes breakfast and lunch, costs R$ 436 in the low season and R$ 525 in the high season.
Before we started the trail, our tour guide gave us some details about the hike and shared the origin of the name "Boca da Onça."
According to the story, the farm’s original owner once saw a jaguar carrying a deer in its mouth. Armed with only a pocket knife, he managed to take the deer away from the jaguar. The new owner found the story fascinating and decided to name the farm Boca da Onça (Jaguar’s Mouth).
Trail and Swimming Stops
The trail is considered moderate. For those accustomed to hiking, it will be easy, but for those less experienced, it can be a bit tiring. The good news is that the route includes several stops to recover energy and continue the tour.
The first stop is at Cotia Pools, a place for contemplation and photos. The water is stunningly clear, and there's a spot called Sky Window, offering an incredible view. The first swimming stop is at Ducha da Anta, a beautiful waterfall.
Our next stop is Buraco das Araras, another place for swimming. The water here isn’t as transparent but is still very beautiful. We continued to the Jabuti Waterfall, a scenic spot, and then to Buraco do Macaco, one of the most anticipated attractions of the day, where we swam in a crystal-clear waterfall.
We then arrived at Poço das Antas, a small but stunning natural pool. Here, you can also go behind the waterfall and admire the beautiful green color of the water.
Kiosk and Final Stop
The trail continues to the kiosk, a support area where visitors can grab a bite, have a drink, or use the restroom. We then entered the Salobra River for the first time at Prainha Boca da Onça, a spot where you can take a refreshing dip and admire the Boca da Onça Waterfall.
Boca da Onça Waterfall
To end the day on a high note, we arrived at Boca da Onça Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the state, standing at approximately 156 meters (512 feet) with a large natural pool where visitors can swim. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, we tackled the 886-step ascent to return to the main area—a tiring climb, but absolutely worth it.
Boca da Onça Rappelling
At the end of the trail, we visited the Boca da Onça Rappel, the tallest platform rappel in Brazil, at approximately 90 meters (295 feet). After that, we returned to the base, thrilled with our adventure.
Lunch and Conclusion of the Day
We returned to the Boca da Onça base, where the reception and restaurant are located. Finally, we enjoyed a delicious homemade meal we had been eagerly waiting for. We finished our hiking adventure at 4:30 PM, hungry but extremely satisfied. The food was truly amazing, with a great variety of options.
We headed home feeling fulfilled and were lucky to witness a stunning sunset to wrap up this incredible day.
Day 4: Snorkeling in the Rio Sucuri
Introduction to Rio Sucuri
Good morning, everyone! We're starting our fourth day of the itinerary. Today, we are visiting one of the clearest rivers in the world, the Rio Sucuri. We are at the support point, where the reception area is located. After receiving some important information, we will get equipped and ready to enter the water.
Trail and Start of Snorkeling
Fully equipped, we took a van to the starting point of our adventure. Before getting into the water, we went on a 400-meter (1,300-foot) trail, exploring three breathtaking natural springs. The most amazing part is that this is just the beginning of the tour, and the scenery only gets more spectacular from here.
During the trail, we experienced a baptism with the waters of Rio Sucuri. After completing the hike, we arrived at the floating deck, where the snorkeling tour officially begins. The guide gave us instructions, and we entered the water. Even on a cloudy day, the water's color was absolutely stunning.
Snorkeling in Rio Sucuri
The Rio Sucuri is named not because of snakes but due to its snake-like shape when viewed from above. The 1,200-meter (3,900-foot) snorkeling experience lasts about 35 minutes, immersing us in a magical environment where we can admire the river’s brilliant colors and enjoy the presence of many fish, especially the Piraputanga, the symbolic fish of Bonito.
The cost of snorkeling in Rio Sucuri is R$ 220 in the low season and R$ 348 in the high season.
Comparisons with Nascente Azul
We have just completed the second snorkeling tour of our itinerary, and it was incredible once again. Some notable differences compared to Nascente Azul: The water in Rio Sucuri is slightly colder, around 21°C; the route is longer, lasting about 35 minutes; and the river has a strong current, allowing you to float effortlessly while simply observing the fish and the underwater garden.
Stay at Pousada Girassol
Taking advantage of a free afternoon, we want to talk about our accommodation in Bonito. We are staying at Pousada Girassol, one of the highest-rated places in the region, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google Maps and 9.4 out of 10 on Booking.
Pousada Girassol is cozy, with several relaxation areas to unwind after the tours and a heated pool that also functions as a jacuzzi. The fruit trees complement the inn’s architecture, and it’s not uncommon to see birds like the majestic toucans, which showed up almost every morning during our stay.
The rooms are well-equipped and comfortable, with prices starting at R$ 421 for double rooms. Other highlights include the delicious and complete breakfast and the great location, just a 5-minute walk from Bonito’s town center.
For those interested, we have a discount coupon: Just visit the pousada's website (linked in the video description) and use the promo code 'Rolê Família' when booking your room.
Fifth Day: Adventure in the Caves and Cultural Dive
Introduction to the Fifth Day
Good morning, everyone! We're starting our fifth day of the itinerary, which promises to be a busy one. Today, we will explore three different places, beginning with the São Miguel Caves, which are dry and contemplative, unlike other caves in the region that are flooded. Our tour will last about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and soon our group will be called to receive instructions about the visit.
Exploring the São Miguel Caves
After receiving instructions, we set off on a 250-meter walk to the entrance of the cave. Inside, we admire geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, as well as other rarer formations that the guide explains in detail. One particularly interesting formation is the "curtain", where water does not drip but instead flows down the wall, creating a stunning visual effect.
The tour includes stops for contemplation and photography, with highlights such as the "sky window", a spot offering a spectacular view of the Serra. Throughout the visit, the guide shares fascinating facts about the formation of the caves and the story of their discovery, which happened by accident—the landowner followed missing animals into the forest and found that they were using the cave as a refuge from the external heat.
History and Geology of the Caves
The guide also talks about the cave’s former name, "Gruta dos Carneiros," and the legends surrounding the name "São Miguel." Exploring the geology, the guide explains that the Serra da Bodoquena region, where the caves are located, has similar geological characteristics dating back approximately 10 million years.
The entrance fee for visiting the São Miguel Caves is R$ 82 in the low season and R$ 118 in the high season, making it an excellent option to combine in your itinerary with the next attraction of the day—the famous Blue Lake Cave.
Blue Lake Cave: One of Bonito’s Postcard Attractions
The second attraction of the day is the Blue Lake Cave, one of the most visited and iconic sites in Bonito. After a 300-meter walk, we begin descending a 300-step staircase to the lower part of the cave. During the descent, the guide shares interesting facts about the cave, enriching the experience.
In 1992, the cave was explored by a Franco-Brazilian team of divers, marking the first documented underwater exploration of the site. The immersion revealed the presence of endemic species and ancient fossils, leading to restrictions on daily access to the lake to preserve its unique ecosystem.
The wonder grows with every step that brings us closer to the Blue Lake, whose mesmerizing water invites us to get even nearer. The visit to the Blue Lake Cave lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with prices of R$ 100 in the low season and R$ 160 in the high season.
Balneário Bosque das Águas: Relaxation and Nature
The third and final attraction of the day is Balneário Bosque das Águas. This location offers nine decks along the Formoso River, providing various water activities and relaxation spots. Despite the unusually cold weather, with temperatures around 12°C, we explored the decks and the river waters, making for a refreshing experience even in the chill.
During our walk, we encountered curious local wildlife and took the opportunity to jump into the water, testing its temperature, which was pleasantly warmer than the air. The entrance fee to the Balneário is R$ 80 in the low season and R$ 110 in the high season, making it a great option for those seeking a relaxing experience close to nature.
Conclusion of the Fifth Day
On this fifth day of our itinerary, we experienced a rich mix of geological adventure, cultural immersion, and natural relaxation. The travel between locations and the colder weather added a unique element to our day, which ended with the satisfaction of having explored some of Bonito’s most precious gems.
Now, with our hearts warmed by the experiences we’ve had and our bodies refreshed by the waters of the Formoso River, we are ready to continue our journey in Bonito, carrying with us unforgettable memories of these magical places.
Sixth Day: Adventure and Discoveries
Introduction to the Sixth Day
Good morning, everyone! We're starting another exciting day in our itinerary. Today, we are visiting the canyons of the Salobra River. We drove for about an hour from downtown Bonito to reach the reception area of our tour. Today’s adventure is the Kayak Duck experience, which combines a bit of hiking and kayaking through the Salobra River, surrounded by stunning canyons. I'm sure it's going to be amazing!
Preparing for the Adventure
Upon arrival, we parked the car and had breakfast to boost our energy and warm up a bit since today is quite cold. After breakfast, we geared up and took an open safari-style truck to the starting point of our activity, which is located 6 km down a dirt road.
The Journey Through the Salobra River
We arrived at the river, where the water is an ultra-crystalline green, and we started our 6,000-meter descent. Welcome to the kayaking adventure! I’ll be here up front to explain a few things about the activity. The first part of the experience involves a quick test to get used to the kayak equipment.
Paddling is pretty easy! My dad is learning, but he's doing great. Let’s go on this adventure! Since we’re just getting started, let me explain a bit more about this tour. Basically, we’ll be going down 6 km of the Salobra River.
There are shallow areas where we have to step out of the kayak and deeper sections where we paddle. One person steers and propels the kayak, while the other can relax and enjoy the scenery. We take turns—sometimes I paddle, and other times Paula paddles while I film.
Exclusivity and Natural Beauty
First of all, this is a very exclusive tour since the maximum number of tourists per group is only six people. It's an experience where you can fully enjoy nature without too much noise or crowds. Second, this is our second time visiting the Salobra River, and I have to say—it is absolutely stunning. The color of the water is breathtaking. Even without sunlight, it already looks incredible.
As we approach the larger canyon walls, the landscape becomes even more impressive, and the water’s color gets even more vibrant. Every minute we spend descending the Salobra River, the water becomes more crystal clear. What a fantastic tour—truly an unforgettable experience!
I know I’ve mentioned the water several times, but that’s because it’s just that beautiful. However, now I want to highlight another mind-blowing feature of this tour: the canyon walls. In some areas, they reach over 70 meters (230 feet) high. The combination of these massive rock formations with the crystal-clear water makes the Salobra canyons one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever seen.
Ending the Tour
I have to confess—it’s nearly impossible to pick our favorite experience from this trip. Just like the Salobra canyons, many of the other places we visited are now on our list of the most beautiful places we've ever seen.
The final stretch of the tour follows the same pattern: paddling through the deeper sections of the Salobra River, carrying the kayak through the shallow areas, swimming in the refreshing waters, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery every second of the way.
We made a stop right in front of the Morro do Jericó cliff. Guys, look at this water color! This is also a swimming spot, and seriously—like I said before—every passing minute, the Salobra River gets even more impressive.
Wrapping Up the Day
We finished our adventure and returned to the reception area, where they welcomed us with a delicious homemade meal—the kind of food we absolutely love. And the best part? It’s already included in the tour price!
Now, for our final verdict on today’s experience: honest opinion, guys—this was one of the most amazing and beautiful tours we have ever done. The Salobra River is incredibly beautiful. At the start of the day, there was no sunlight, and it was already stunning. Then, when the sun finally came out, the river’s colors became even more vibrant, making it even more spectacular.
Kayaking through the canyon, admiring the massive rock formations, and stopping to swim in those magical waters—it was absolutely sensational. We loved every second of today’s adventure, and tomorrow, we’re back for another incredible day in Bonito!
Second to Last Day: Adventure at Abismo Anhumas
Introduction to the Second to Last Day of the Itinerary
Good morning, everyone! We’re starting our second to last day of the itinerary, and today is one of the days we’ve been most excited to experience and share with you. Today, we’re taking on what is called "Brazil’s Greatest Adventure", as we explore the Abismo Anhumas.
To sum it up, this adventure takes place inside a cave with a stunning underground lake. We’ll be descending approximately 70 meters via an electric rappel, followed by snorkeling in the cave’s lake. We can’t wait for this, as it’s unlike anything we’ve done so far. Now, let’s gear up because we’re about to start our descent!
Preparing for the Adventure
The adventure at Abismo Anhumas actually begins one day before. Everyone must visit the Abismo office, located in downtown Bonito, for a checkpoint. There, we receive important instructions and try on the neoprene suits and water shoes that we’ll be using during the dive.
On the day of the rappel, before making the descent, the "Guardians"—the staff operating the attraction—give another briefing, this time focused on all safety protocols for the activity.
Descent and Snorkeling at Abismo Anhumas
After all the explanations, we begin our descent through a rock fissure, using an electric rappel system. Upon reaching the deck, we have a few minutes before putting on our neoprene suits. During this brief moment, we try to process what we are witnessing before our eyes.
It’s not every day that we find ourselves inside a cave filled with incredible formations, overlooking a crystal-clear underground lake with a volume of approximately 24,000 cubic meters and a visibility of up to 60 meters. The feeling of turning this dream into reality is truly emotional.
And to make it even more exciting, we put on our gear and head into the water. Diving into this abyss is one of those experiences that, no matter how many photos or videos we take, nothing can truly capture the real energy and beauty of being there. It’s a mix of mystery, happiness, and tranquility.
Besides the crystal-clear water, the lake is filled with stunning limestone cones. These structures form over a process that takes millions of years, and Abismo Anhumas is home to the largest known limestone cone in the world, standing at approximately 19 meters tall.
Post-Dive Reflections
We just finished our dive and quickly put on warm clothes because the water here is around 18°C (64°F)—a little chilly!
But, guys, I know this tour is expensive, but it’s an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It truly feels like a dream. It’s breathtaking, it’s something one of a kind, and seriously—if you ever get the chance to do this tour at Abismo Anhumas, go for it! It’s absolutely surreal.
Contemplative Tour
After getting dressed and warming up, we took a contemplative boat tour. Here, the guide shared a bit more about the history of this place. The farmhands had set fire to the pasture, and when the flames spread, they came to put it out. The forest was certainly much denser back then, and that’s when they discovered this hole in the 1980s.
The geologists who had already been studying the Gruta do Lago Azul, including Professor Bogian and Professor Lino, were brought here. That’s when they entered the cave for the first time in the 1980s.
The geological study of the rock formations was conducted during the 1980s, while in the 1990s, biologists arrived to study the cave’s ecosystem. Many of these biologists were also divers, which allowed them to investigate the cave’s aquatic life. So far, the only documented species living in the water is a tiny, blind, albino crustacean, about 7mm long, named Potiara Brasiliense.
Conclusion and Anticipation of the Return
Guys, we’re ascending back up now, leaving this incredible place behind, and I have to say—it’s so hard to say goodbye to the beauty of this site. As I mentioned before, this is such a unique and extraordinary experience. We’ve explored many caves and crystal-clear waters before, but this place is on another level. There are simply no words to fully describe the experience of Abismo Anhumas.
Now that we’ve returned to the surface and completed this amazing journey, I want to highlight something I haven’t mentioned before: The service and hospitality here are outstanding. If you’re afraid of rappelling, don’t worry—the team provides all the safety measures to ensure that you can enjoy the descent and take in the breathtaking view. Both the explanations during the dive and the boat tour were excellent and added so much to our overall experience.
Once again, I just want to open my heart to you guys. If you’ve been following us, you know that we’ve been to many places in Brazil with caves and crystal-clear waters, but Abismo Anhumas is on another level—it’s like the ultimate combination of everything, but multiplied! The grandeur and magnitude of this place are unbelievable. Honestly, I feel so grateful and so happy to have had the opportunity to experience this adventure.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Bonito, here’s my recommendation: Make sure to visit this place—it’s absolutely worth it!
Final Day of the Itinerary: Snorkeling and Discoveries
Returning to Our Accommodation: Pousada Girassol
After an unforgettable adventure at Abismo Anhumas, we returned to our accommodation at Pousada Girassol. One of the things we love about this place is that they offer an à la carte breakfast. This is perfect for those who come back exhausted from a tour and don’t feel like going out to eat—there are great meal options available right at the pousada.
Now, before we kick off our last day of the itinerary, let’s take a moment to share some important travel tips to help you plan your trip better!
Exploring Beyond: Other Attractions in Bonito
This region has so many incredible places to visit that it's practically impossible to see everything you want in just one trip. Besides the locations we showcased in this video, there are many other amazing attractions that you can add to your itinerary, such as Buraco das Araras, Gruta do Mimoso, Gruta Catedral, Fazenda Sete Corê, Parque das Cachoeiras, the waterfalls of Serra da Bodoquena, Estância Mimosa, Aquário Natural, the Nascentes da Serra, Praia da Figueira, and Barra do Sucuri.
For prices and detailed information about these tours, you can check directly on the Bonito Travel website.
Gastronomy in Bonito: Restaurants Tested and Approved
The center of Bonito is small but full of restaurants and shops where you can buy souvenirs from your trip. The main streets are Rua Coronel Pilad Rebuá and Praça da Liberdade, where you'll find the iconic Piraputanga monument and the Bonito sign.
Now, let's talk about the restaurants we tried and recommend!
We start with Casa de João, a traditional Pantanal cuisine restaurant rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google Maps. There, we ordered a classic fried traíra and also rabada (oxtail stew).
Another highly rated spot we visited was Bacuri, one of the top-rated restaurants in the region, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating. As an appetizer, we had rib pastels, and for the main courses, we tried alligator stroganoff and a grilled filet soleado.
Next up is Juanita, also highly recommended with a 4.8 out of 5 rating. The highlight here was the grilled pacu, which my parents declared the best fish they’ve had in a long time. Since I’m allergic to fish, I ordered a grilled picanha, which was delicious as well.
We also visited Boteco Juanita, which has a more casual, bar-like vibe and is rated 4.6 out of 5. This place offers typical bar food, such as batata formosa (loaded fries), rib coxinha, and creamy carreteiro rice.
To wrap up our food recommendations, our final tip is Espaço Jack, a buffet-style restaurant with an all-you-can-eat meal for R$ 48 per person. We found the options super tasty and even went back for lunch more than once!
Final Adventure: Lagoa Misteriosa and Snorkeling in Rio da Prata
Starting our last day of the itinerary, and to end the video on a high note, today we're visiting two attractions located on the same property, in the same farm. As you can see, there's a bull feeding in the background, and both attractions are located in the municipality of Jardim. It took us around 40 minutes to get here from Bonito’s town center.
To start the day in the best way possible, this morning, we're visiting Lagoa Misteriosa.
What is Lagoa Misteriosa?
Let me explain a little about this place: it's a flooded sinkhole. A sinkhole forms when the ground collapses inward, creating a deep depression. The name Lagoa Misteriosa (Mysterious Lagoon) comes from the fact that in 1998, a diver named Gilberto Menezes reached a depth of 220 meters using a scuba tank and still didn't find the bottom. So, the actual depth of this submerged sinkhole remains a mystery.
I'm super curious to explore this place, especially because it isn’t open year-round. It only opens during specific periods. I’ll explain more later, but from what I've heard, it’s absolutely stunning.
To reach Lagoa Misteriosa, we first walked a 500-meter easy trail, followed by a 185-step staircase leading down to the lagoon. With every step, the landscape became even more breathtaking, and our desire to dive into that deep blue water grew stronger.
We didn't wait long on the deck before jumping into the water. One of the best parts is that freediving is allowed here, and since we love freediving, we took full advantage of the opportunity. The shade of blue in Lagoa Misteriosa had a unique vibrancy, unlike any other blue we've seen on this trip. Even after eight days and so many incredible attractions, we continued to be amazed by the beauty of this place.
Unlike other locations, Lagoa Misteriosa is not open all year round. Between mid-October and mid-April, there's a natural proliferation of microalgae, making the water murky. This is a natural process, so during these months, the attraction remains closed.
The water clarity is directly linked to the ambient temperature. When the average temperature exceeds 26°C, the microalgae start to develop. When it cools down, a thermal inversion occurs, making the lagoon crystal clear again.
This tour lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and the price is R$ 210 in the low season and R$ 230 in the high season.
Wrapping Up Lagoa Misteriosa
As I mentioned before, it was incredible! An unforgettable experience. The water clarity, the vibrant blue, everything was breathtaking. Honestly, it’s one of the most stunning places we've ever seen.
Now, it’s time for lunch, and in the afternoon, we have another adventure lined up!
Since we started this video with a snorkeling experience, it’s only fitting to end it with another one—and one of the most beautiful in the region. We're about to snorkel in the Rio da Prata.
Snorkeling in Rio da Prata
We're waiting for our group to be called. Soon, we’ll gear up and head out for our final adventure of the trip.
With our wetsuits on, we began our journey by exploring some interesting spots at the Recanto Ecológico. We visited:
✅ The artisanal dulce de leche production area
✅ The apiary
✅ The organic garden
✅ The nursery for native plants
After this, we hopped on a minibus for a 20-minute ride to a drop-off point near the river. From there, we took a short walk before reaching a stunning viewpoint, where we stopped for photos. There’s also a water spring, the first one we’ve seen on this trip.
As soon as we entered the water, schools of piraputangas greeted us. They swam among fallen tree trunks, adding a unique charm to the scenery.
In the first few meters of the float, we saw one of the most impressive water springs in the area.
A Unique Snorkeling Experience
Most of the snorkeling route takes place in the Olho d’Água River, not the Rio da Prata. The itinerary consists of: 1.7 km in the Olho d’Água River 600 meters in the Rio da Prata
This is the longest snorkeling experience we’ve done here, lasting around an hour in the water.
At one point, due to a strong current, we had to exit the river briefly. But right after, we jumped back in beneath a small waterfall and let the current carry us for a few meters.
When it comes to water flow, we found Rio da Prata to be a middle ground between Rio Sucuri and Nascente Azul. It’s not as strong as Rio Sucuri, where you just drift with the flow, but also not as weak as Nascente Azul, where you can pause along the way to observe things at your own pace.
One of the coolest parts of this tour was the chance to remove our life jackets and freedive in a powerful spring, nicknamed the "volcano" because of its strong upwelling. It was absolutely incredible!
The price for snorkeling in Rio da Prata is R$ 360 in the low season and R$ 475 in the high season.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
As our trip comes to an end, we wanted to share our honest opinion. The prices of the tours might seem high at first glance, but they are absolutely worth it.
And I’m saying this not just as a tourist, but as someone who has worked in tourism for over ten years.
Many of the places we visited on this trip are among the most breathtaking destinations we've ever seen. Plus, every attraction had excellent infrastructure and highly knowledgeable guides who enhanced our experience.
Final Verdict: Worth Every Penny!
Bonito isn’t just one of the most incredible destinations in Brazil—it’s one of the most spectacular places in the world.
Final Message
And that’s it, guys—another amazing video wrapped up!
This was a very special episode for us to film, edit, and share with you because Bonito has been one of the most requested destinations by our community. We’re thrilled to have experienced everything here and to be able to share it with you.
Bonito and its surroundings are places we will definitely return to. There are still so many attractions left to explore, and some we’d love to experience again because they were so amazing.
Special Thanks
A huge thank you to Pousada Girassol for their amazing hospitality and to Bonito Travel for organizing all our tours. The booking and contact links are in the video description!
Now, tell us—what was your favorite moment from this adventure? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
And if you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more unforgettable journeys.
See you at our next destination! Until then, keep exploring, living, and collecting unforgettable moments. We’re in this together, family! ✨🌍
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