Crystal-clear rivers and freshwater adventures
Bonito is one of Brazil’s best destinations for exploring waterways and caverns. In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, mineral-filtered water flows through a network of clear-water rivers, creating exceptional conditions for freshwater snorkelling. The surrounding limestone landscape is filled with flooded caves, forest trails and waterfalls.
Several rivers flow through the region, each offering a different experience for your Bonito adventure tour. You can take a leisurely float along the Rio da Prata or Sucuri Rivers, where schools of fish swim through aquatic plants below, all visible thanks to the clear water. The Formoso River offers a more active day out, with rafting and swimming in a series of natural pools surrounded by forest. Jacada guests can also enjoy an exclusive picnic beside the remote Salobra River, exploring a secluded canyon rarely visited by other travellers.
Bonito’s limestone geology has created some of Brazil’s most spectacular natural attractions. Abseil 72 metres into the flooded cavern of Abismo Anhumas, where an underground lake fills a vast limestone chamber. Visit the vivid blue waters of Gruta do Lago Azul, hike to Boca da Onça – the tallest waterfall in Mato Grosso do Sul, or watch colourful macaws wheel above the towering sinkhole of Buraco das Araras.
Our travel designers know Bonito inside out. Working with trusted local partners, including specialist guide Marcos Violante, we can arrange private experiences, recommend the best time to visit each attraction and combine Bonito with the Pantanal for a seamless journey through two of Brazil’s most remarkable natural regions.
Speak to one of our travel designers to start planning your luxury Bonito tour.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
The great thing about Bonito is how you finish each day feeling like you’ve really experienced the landscape, whether that’s in the water, on a forest trail or exploring one of the region’s astonishing caves. I find guests are often surprised by just how much there is to do in this part of Brazil.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Brazil
There are many incredible places to stay in Brazil. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Get inspired with our Brazil example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
10-Day Trip
Natural Wonders of Brazil
10-Day Trip
Natural Wonders of Brazil
9-Day Trip
Nature in Brazil’s Wetlands and Rainforest
9-Day Trip
Nature in Brazil’s Wetlands and Rainforest
11-Day Trip
Highlights of Brazil
11-Day Trip
Highlights of Brazil
Places to combine Bonito with
Amazon
An unmatched natural wilderness, its sheer scale is hard to comprehend. Brazil’s amazon is the ultimate adventure with hikes, boat trips, nature walks, bird watching and fascinating cultural encounters.
The Pantanal
South America’s premier wildlife spotting location and the world's largest wetlands area. The place to find the sleek, strong and surprising large jaguars among many other intruiging and endangered species.
Buzios
Buzios is a collection of sandy coves where clear blue waters lap at the glistening rocks. The town itself is bustling with many chic bars, boutiques and restaurants where it’s become known as the St Tropez of Brazil.
Cerrado
A huge savannah region of Brazil where allusive jaguars lurk and the iconic maned wolf roams. Due to Corrado's size there's a massive range of plant and animal biodiversity that can be explored with expert naturalist guides.
Chapada Diamantina
Chapada Diamantina is a stunning part of Brazil’s interior where table-top mountains, waterfalls, vast plains, caves and streams stretch out endlessly before you. Explore this natural playground on foot, mountain bike or horseback.
Fernando de Noronha
One of the world's premier dive spots, Fernando de Noronha is part of a tropical archipelago 160 kilometre off Brazils coast. Crystal clear waters are home to dolphins and turtles and the white sandy beaches are beyond idyllic.
Florianopolis
Many Brazilians and Argentineans head to the secluded beaches of Florianopolis to relax. Long white sandy stretches punctuated by little fishing villages with great surfing, windsurfing and kayaking activities.
Ibitipoca
Ibitipoca, just half a day's drive from energetic Rio, is an area of intense natural beauty and serenity. Great for hikes, horse rides and swimming in waterfalls, there’s also lots of opportunity to join in with and learn about local rural life.
Iguassu Falls
Brazil’s largest waterfalls thunder into the Parana river below. From Brazil, stand within the lush tropical rainforests for the best views of the 275 cascading waterfalls, stretching all the way into Argentina.
Paraty
A picturesque town of cobbled streets and white washed buildings with bright colourful doors and shutters. Nestled into the Costa Verde it’s a wonderful place for exclusive boat trips around the many inviting coves and beaches of the area.
Picinguaba
A beach destination that is well and truly off the beaten-track. A protected area that’s crammed with natural highlights from secluded sandy beaches to lush rainforests teeming with wildlife.
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil’s most iconic city with one of the most famous beaches in the world on its doorstep; Copacabana. The towering sugarloaf mountain and emerald green forests and parks, coupled with a vibrant culture make Rio a city not to be missed.
Salvador
An architecturally beautiful city with a rich history. This is one of the best places to learn about Brazil’s African culture with an expert guide. As you explore the city's old town look out for the impromptu displays of hypnotic capoeira.
Sao Paulo
A magnificent metropolis and Brazil’s capital of commerce, known mostly as a business city. There’s much more though; a thriving art scene, gourmet restaurants, stunning hotels along with a cosmopolitan fashion and music scene.
Trancoso
Rural beach life, relaxed and connected to local culture and stunning nature. There’s an effortless and sophisticated luxury hidden away here among village life that attracts Brazil's glamorous crowd.
Meet your Latin America team
When to visit Bonito
Bonito can be visited year-round, but the experience changes subtly with the seasons. The drier months from May to September bring the clearest conditions for freshwater snorkelling, while the rainy season from December to March fills the region’s waterfalls and natural pools, but can affect the clarity of the water. The region’s limestone caves can be explored throughout the year.
Freshwater Snorkelling
May–September
Waterfall Hikes
December–March
Cave Exploration
Year-Round
Travel guides
Plan your trip to Bonito
Whatever you want from your adventure in Bonito, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
