Destination: Bonito
Bonito is a very popular ecotourism destination not very well known outisde Brazil. The main reason for its relatively unknown status outside Brazil might be due to its remote location (see the GoogleMaps link below): Bonito is a village in the southernmost part of the Pantanal, 300 km away from the nearest major airport (Campo Grande).
WE LIKE THE MOST: the crystalline waters of the rivers around Bonito, snorkelling surrounded by fish, the apparent concern for the environment
WE LIKE THE LEAST: the big distances that need to be covered through dirt roads to get to the different attractions; the construction of large hotels and a landing strip; the expensive prices of the trips
HOW TO GET THERE: there are two options: by bus (from São Paulo, it’s a 15-hour journey) or by plane (to Campo Grande and from there a three-hour drive to Bonito)
CAREFUL WITH: anacondas in the Sucuri river (no, I’m just kidding; I mean, there are anacondas but you won’t come across them)
FAVOURITE PLACES: the Gruta Azul, the Sucurí river, the Rio da Prata, the Buraco das Araras
PIECE OF ADVICE:
- the different natural attractions have a maximum number of visitors allowed each day – the limit is strictly enforced. Don’t go anywhere without booking first
- take an underwater camera, even if it is a disposable one
- don’t forget to bring plenty of insect repellent with you
- don’t expect big emotions from the whitewater rafting at the Formoso river, there is just one exciting rapid, the rest is all calm
- if you buy a package holiday to Bonito, do find out which trips are included; the main trips are very expensive, from R$150 upwards
LINKS: Bonito Turismo (city council), Bonito Online
WEATHER FORECAST: The weather in Bonito for the next 10 days
GOOGLE MAPS: Bonito
PHOTOS: Bonito
SEE ALSO ON THIS BLOG: Bonito – trip report
[Don’t forget to check out the list of other destinations already covered in this blog, here]
brazil, travel
Hi, Great blog!
My husband and I will be in Sao Paulo with family for a while in April and were thinking of going to Bonito for 2 nights/3 days. Where can I get more info on the bus-lines from Campo Grande to Bonito? Or is there anywhere I can rent a car + GPS?
We’re young, just married and this will be our first time traveling in Brazil. Do you think Bonito is a good choice?
We also love the idea of Iguazu Falls but are afraid 3 days there will be too much? and Fernando de Noronha also seems to be stunning but I understand April is the wrong time of year to be there? What else can you suggest that is not too difficult to get to and is suitable for a romantic and beautiful getaway ?
aviva, 2 nights in Bonito is just definitely on the shorter than short side. Such a great effort for such a quick visit. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it. But since you want to do it. Info on bus routes: bus transportation in Brazil.
You can rent a car but it won’t be of much help in Bonito as the routes to the different tourist locations are not signposted (and take you through dirt tracks).
3 days in Noronha is an absolute no-no.
I’ve been to Iguazu Falls twice, three nights and five nights, and didn’t get bored for a second. There are plenty of things to do there.
Paraty is a beautiful and romantic spot in the state of Rio, easy to get too, with awesome landscapes and beaches.