Traveling abroad to remote locations can become a quest for filtered water. In Bonito Brazil, travelers swim in crystal-clear naturally filtered water. Nature has blessed this area with magic waters that flow from underground limestone springs into mysterious caverns, gem-like lagoons, and pristine rivers, creating a paradise for nature-lovers and adventurers.
Former ranchers have renovated their farms to provide access to the points while maintaining a high level of environmental consciousness. Activities, arranged through one of the tourist agencies in Bonito, include rappelling, whitewater rafting, trails, tubing, and snorkeling.
Rio Sucuri Tubing
Anacondas sun on the banks of the Rio Sucuri, known for its white water rafting and swimming, for those brave enough. Spend a lazy day floating on an inner tube down the Baía Bonita river, as tame and clear as that of a water park. On a trek, spot macaws, monkeys, tapirs and even boa constrictors.
Abismo Anhumas Cavern
The Abismo Anhumas was discovered in the late 70’s when a fire stripped the land’s surface. The chamber expands a space as big as a soccer field. The intensity of the electric blue water at the bottom of the 236-meter descent into an underground cavern can replace feelings of terror with amazement. Surreality hits at the bottom where stalactites anoint their tips in the pristine water. PADI certified divers take it to the next level; beneath the surface fingerlike stalagmites reach up from the 262-meter depth.
River Floats
A tamer option is a float down the Prata or Formosa River. On the path through the forest, it is common to spot monkeys and coatis, before arrival at the nascente or birth of the river. Before entry, knowledgeable guides point out the different fish species, easily spotted from a bridge. Floaters are positioned facedown in the water and released to drift with the gentle current. Pitapitangas and Dourado fish, the length of a forearm, peek curiously into wide eyes behind goggles. Frisky river otters latch onto fins. These happy fellows don't seem to be aware they’re endangered. Tapirs splash across the shallow bed, not even flinching at the bizarre black-suited humans—the only mammals in the area that rival them in size.
Estância Mimosa Ranch
The Estância Mimosa tour combines culture with nature. The ranch serves a typical southern Brazil cuisine from a wood stove. On the trails to the natural pools and waterfalls, it's possible to spot anteaters, macaws, caiman, monkeys and more. The most enticing site is the Desire waterfall. It is said that wishes made in the cave behind the falling water come true.
Boca de Onça Waterfall
The Boca de Onça, Panther's Mouth waterfall, named for the fang-like sheaths of water that surge over the mouth-shaped opening, is the tallest in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul at 510 feet. A nearby 295-foot rappel is possible for the adventuresome. The farm serves a traditional meal of Paraguayan soup, dried beef, and Pacu, a regional fish related to the piranha.
Where to Stay:
The recently opened Wetiga Hotel (55-67-3255-1699; doubles for $200) is decorated with natural feature and regional artwork. Manila and Tim the new owners of the Pousada Villa Verde (55-67-3255-1818, doubles for $40) speak English and are helpful in arranging tours.
Where to Eat:
Get a taste for alligator of capybara at the Pantanal Carnes Exoticas (dinner for two $60; 55-67-3255-2763). Taboa Bar (drinks for two $20; 55-67-3255-1862) has it’s own brand of cachaça and live music on the weekends. Try the capeta, a devilish blend of cachaça, condensed milk, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla.
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