Visiting Bonito, Brazil, With Kids

Bonito, Brazil, is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and family travelers. The region is distinguished by its strong focus on ecotourism, and adventurous tour options abound. You’ll find myriad amenities geared towards families and kids, making this the perfect vacation spot for active and nature-loving families.

Where to start when it comes to activities in the area? Here are a few of our favorite highlights when building a Bonito itinerary for our clients and families.

Snorkeling in Crystal-Clear Rivers

The southwestern town of family-friendly Bonito sits in the state of Mato Grasso do Sul. Celebrated for its gorgeous caves and river snorkeling adventures, you’ll never run out of family-friendly adventures. Scope out nature on a short drive through the lush forests surrounding the Rio da Prata (Prata River) to the mouth of the river.

At Baía Bonita Ecological Reserve, savor a one-of-a-kind experience. On a Bonito, Brazil, snorkeling tour, float in the river’s crystal-clear waters while eyeballing brightly-hued schools of fish. You won’t have to do much swimming as you float along, thanks to the current. This makes appreciating the spectacular parade of fish and underwater vegetation before your eyes effortless.

A good snorkeling outfitter will provide wetsuits as needed because water temperatures can get chilly. Wetsuits also aid buoyancy. Pack a waterproof camera! (This family-friendly tour is accompanied by a support boat.)

Next, take a walk on the wild side along the Animal Trail, a favorite among Bonito, Brazil, tours. During your trek, keep your eyes peeled for colorful flora and elusive fauna, including monkeys, anteaters, exotic birds, tapirs, and more. You’ll also have the option of lunching at the attraction’s reception for an additional charge.

For families with younger kids, there are other shorter and equally wonderful options for snorkeling in pristine waters with abundant species of fish and knowledgeable guides.

Water activities at Ecopark Porto da Ilha

Ecopark Porto da Ilha was one of the first tourist attractions in Bonito, and it remains a mainstay of the area today. This revamped and revitalized attraction includes a restaurant, bathing areas with waterfalls, and well-appointed restrooms. However, the main attractions are the adventure tours that launch from this hotspot. They include:

• Inflatable boat tours
• Duck boat tours
• River tubing tours
• Stand-up paddleboard experiences
• Electric boat rentals

The Ecopark Porto da Ilha Boat Tour is an excellent option for families. Explore the Formoso River in inflatable boats with a capacity of up to 12 people per boat. The tour covers three miles of river, including three waterfalls and one area of rapids. It also incorporates a chance to stop for swimming.

Step Back in Time at Gruta do Lago Azul

Blue Lake Cave is one of Bonito’s most picture-perfect locations. It includes a lake of stunning azure color so brilliant you won’t believe your eyes. Punctuating the beauty of the water are fragile calcareous formations, reminding you of your subterranean surroundings.

Blue Lake Cave has been listed as a protected natural monument since 1978. During a tour, enjoy an easy walk to the cave entrance, followed by a descent of roughly 656 feet down a staircase dug into the earth.

Scientists hypothesize that an underground river feeds the intensely blue lake, and the cave is complemented by speleothems and rock formations that are thousands of years old. Some of these formations resemble winged angels.

The lake is estimated to be more than 200 feet deep, and it includes a cache of incredible secrets—prehistoric fossils of saber-toothed tigers, armadillos, and giant sloths, dating to the Pleistocene (12,000 years ago)! Discovered in 1992 by a Franco-Brazilian cave diving expedition, the underwater site contains a cornucopia of giant mammal fossils.

Marvel at the Buraco das Araras

Imagine a vast natural sandstone sinkhole more than 400 feet deep and 1,604 feet in diameter carved into the Brazilian Cerrado. Welcome to the Buraco das Araras! Known as a doline in geological terms, the crater formed when huge boulders collapsed through the earth, creating the cave.

The land depression is also characterized by limestone corrosion below the surface. It’s the only cave of this type in Brazil and one of only five dolines in the world with these features. It’s also considered the second largest doline in the world.

Apart from the geological uniqueness of this land formation, your family is also in for an incredible avian show. Countless beautiful scarlet macaws and several other bird species, including araçari toucans, inhabit the Buraco das Araras. Besides feathered friends, other wildlife in the area include armadillos, coatis, anteaters, and broad-snouted caimans.

But the main attraction of this destination remains the macaws inhabiting the sinkhole. They skitter around the crater, flying from trees surrounding the outside to ledges within the crater. Nothing beats the exhilaration of observing these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

Hiking and Waterfalls

Bonito offers a wide range of easy hikes and stunning waterfalls. One popular spot is Boca da Onça, a trail that leads to the region’s tallest waterfall, offering well-marked paths and swimming spots along the way. Another family-friendly option is the Parque das Cachoeiras, where you can enjoy multiple cascading falls and safe, shallow pools perfect for kids to swim in. These hikes are designed to be accessible, making Bonito a great choice for families looking to explore Brazil’s natural beauty together.

Bonito, Brazil, With Kids

Bonito, Brazil, is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty and eco-tourism adventures. Located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, it boasts crystal-clear rivers, vibrant underwater life, and lush forests. Visitors can explore unique attractions like snorkeling in the transparent waters of Rio da Prata, visiting limestone caves like Gruta do Lago Azul, and enjoying waterfalls and hiking trails. Bonito’s commitment to sustainable tourism makes it a top destination and one of our favorite spots for nature lovers seeking an immersive experience in Brazil’s wild landscapes.

The best time to visit Bonito, Brazil, depends on what activities you’re interested in. For the clearest waters and best visibility for snorkeling and diving, the dry season from May to September is ideal. During this time, rivers are at their most transparent, and temperatures are mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

However, if you prefer to see lush greenery and powerful waterfalls, the wet season from December to March is a great choice. Keep in mind, though, that rain can make some trails muddy, and visibility in the water might be reduced.

Besides Bonito, check out our Brazilian Amazon River Cruise, an immersive exploration of one of the most pristine rainforest parks in the world. We also offer an eight-day Chapada Diamantina/Salvador Adventure, an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the world’s magnificent natural landscapes.

At Our Whole Village, we create transformational trips for curious families who want to create lasting memories while making a difference. We’re here to help you and your family experience the world, its people, and its cultures. Contact us to learn more about the unforgettable journeys we handcraft for adventure-seeking families like yours.