Located in the west of Brazil, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the city of Bonito (Beau in Portuguese) is a natural paradise famous not only for its dreamlike landscapes with crystal-clear rivers, but also for its wide range of sports and adventure activities.
A Pioneer in Ecotourism
Accessible by plane from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, Bonito has one of the best tourist infrastructures in the country. Each experience offered by the region – more than thirty in total – can be discovered in small groups, for an ideal immersion. In fact, strict policies limit the daily number of visitors to minimize the environmental impact and ensure the preservation of the natural setting.
The activities promote knowledge of the surrounding environment, with a focus on learning and transmitting knowledge about environmental conservation. This innovative approach has borne fruit: in 2022, Green Initiatives certified it as the world’s first carbon-neutral ecotourism destination, and in 2025 it won the Environmental Sustainability Award at FIDI (International Smart Destination Fair).
Our Selection of Must-Sees
• Jiboia project: Focused on snake protection and public awareness, this initiative offers interactive lectures and supervised observation of various local species. Travelers learn about the importance of these reptiles for ecological balance and leave with a new perspective on biodiversity.
• Aquário de Bonito: For a deeper view of the region’s aquatic wealth, the aquarium houses more than 60 species in 32 tanks. From freshwater rays to the sorubim-tigre, the local emblem, each encounter reveals the formidable diversity of the rivers of Mato Grosso do Sul.
• Abismo Anhumas: One of the region’s greatest natural treasures: limited to 18 visitors per day. Access is via a 72-meter rappel descent (with electric assistance) leading to a spectacular cave with a crystal-clear underground lake and impressive rock formations. The most adventurous can do snorkeling or scuba diving (with PADI certification), always under the supervision of certified guides.
• Blue Lake Cave (Gruta do Lago Azul): Not far from Abismo Anhumas, this other natural treasure stands out for the turquoise color of its underground lake and the prehistoric fossils it contains. A must for geology and paleontology enthusiasts.
• Buraco das Araras: Considered one of the world’s largest abysses (130 meters deep and 500 meters in circumference), it is famous for housing numerous red-and-green macaws. More than 160 bird species have been recorded here, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
• Boca da Onça: Hiking enthusiasts can follow trails through a tropical forest filled with dizzying waterfalls and natural pools. The Rio Salobra canyon houses Brazil’s largest rappel platform, offering a sensational panoramic view of the entire region.
Bonito embodies the harmonious encounter between man and nature. Each excursion is an invitation to marvel at biodiversity and become aware of its fragility. In this natural setting, which has become a model for ecotourism, environmental conservation and the thrill of discovery go hand in hand, reminding us that true beauty comes primarily from the balance we cultivate with the world around us.
Source: visit-latin-america.com