Located in the west of Brazil, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the town of Bonito (Beau in Portuguese) is a natural paradise famous not only for its dreamy landscapes of crystal-clear rivers, but also for its varied range of sporting and adventure activities.
A pioneer in ecotourism
Accessible by plane from Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo via Campo Grande, Bonito has one of the best tourist infrastructures in the country. Each experience offered by the region – over thirty in all – can be discovered in small groups, for optimum immersion. In fact, strict policies limit the number of daily visitors to minimise the impact on the environment and ensure the preservation of the natural setting.
Activities promote knowledge of the surrounding environment, focusing on learning and passing on 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 the FIDI (International Smart Destination Fair).
Our selection of must-sees
In the town :
Jiboia project
Focused on protecting snakes and raising public awareness, this initiative offers interactive lectures and supervised observation of various local species. Travellers learn about the importance of these reptiles to the ecological balance, and leave with a fresh perspective on biodiversity.
Aquário de Bonito
For a deeper insight into the region’s aquatic wealth, the aquarium is home to over 60 species in 32 tanks. From freshwater rays to the tiger sorubim, the local emblem, each encounter reveals the formidable diversity of the rivers of Mato Grosso do Sul.
Around Bonito
Abismo Anhumas
One of the region’s greatest natural wonders: limited to 18 visitors per day. Access is via a 72-metre abseil (with electric assistance) that leads to a spectacular cavern housing a crystal-clear underground lake and impressive rock formations. The more adventurous can go snorkelling 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 colour of its underground lake and the prehistoric fossils it contains. A must-see for geology and palaeontology enthusiasts.
Buraco das Araras
Considered to be one of the largest chasms in the world (130 metres deep and 500 metres in circumference), it is famous for being home to numerous scarlet macaws. More than 160 species of birds have been recorded here, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Boca da Onça
Hiking enthusiasts can follow trails through a tropical forest filled with dizzying waterfalls and natural pools. The Salobra River canyon is home to Brazil’s largest abseiling 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 to 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 first and foremost from the balance we cultivate with the world around us.
Photos: Observatório do Terceiro Setor | Visit Brazil | Michel Roggo Minden
