Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
}
Estância Mimosa
15 miles (24 km) NW of Bonito
.
Tel
(067) 9986 4802.
#
8am-3pm
daily.
& 8
www
.estanciamimosa.
com.br
Some of the best hiking
opportunities are offered in
the Estância Mimosa trail,
which features rivers, natural
pools, and as many as eight
waterfalls. There are various
bathing spots located in and
around these natural features.
The trail goes past the gor-
geous riverside forest of the
Rio Mimoso, with caves and
a rich array of wildlife. The
fauna includes a variety of
birds and mammals, while
various kinds of fern, orchid,
and bromeliad are part of the
lush vegetation found in this
area. An optional horseback
excursion is also available.
Rio Sucuri flowing near Bonito, reflecting the lush greenery around
Bonito
9
Mato Grosso do Sul
.
*
17,000.
@
n
Setuma, (067) 3255 1449.
8
Taika Tour, Pilad Rebuá 211, (067)
3255 1354; Ygarapé Tours, Pilad
Rebuá 1853, (067) 3255 1733.
}
Rio Sucuri
12 miles (20 km) SW of Bonito.
This glassy river is broken
by waterfalls and large pools
filled with 3-ft (1-m) long
piraputanga
(ray-finned fish,
typical of the Rio Paraguai
basin) and silver dourado
fish. Many pools are set in
woodland cut with
wildlife trails. The
gentle flow of the
Rio Sucuri and the
excellent facilities
draws a plethora of
snorkelers and rafters,
from morning to
afternoon, mainly
in the high season.
Particularly popular
are the flotation
points where visitors begin
a pleasant 1-mile (1.6-km)
float downstream. Tour
agencies provide meals
and equipment.
A one-street town, Bonito is
lined with
pousadas
,
restaurants, shops, and
tour operators whose
lifeline is tourism. It
lies just beyond the
Pantanal's southern
extremities, in the
Serra do Bodoquena, a
low,
cerrado
-covered
range of rugged hills
busy with primates
and birds, including
the black-collared hawk. There
are numerous sights around
Bonito, all protected by regu-
lations. Only Bonito-based
tour agencies can organize
trips and arrange permits.
Black-collared
hawk
Lake and stalactites at the Abismo
Anhumas cavern
}
Abismo Anhumas
16 miles (25 km) W of Bonito
.
#
7:30am-noon daily.
&
A pothole that descends a
vertical 240-ft (73-m) deep,
the Abismo Anhumas is a
cavern filled with a large,
clear blue lake featuring vast
stalagmites, stalactites, and
many other cave deposits. It
is possible to snorkel in the
lake. The entrance to the cave
is by rappel. The growing
number of adventure activities
include cave diving and
canopy tours using rope
bridges and zip lines. A group
of 16 people are permitted in
the cave on any given day.
Book with Bonito tour
agencies in advance as
training is required.
}
Gruta do Lago Azul
12 miles (20 km) W of Bonito.
#
7am-2pm daily.
&
The Serra do Bodoquena is
dotted with caves, the most
spectacular of which is the
Gruta do Lago Azul. The main
highlight is a radiant under-
ground lake that shines as
blue as a sapphire in the
morning light. From the
cave's spectacular mouth, a
narrow path leads deep down
through striking stalactite
formations. At the bottom lies
the lake, illuminated by
ambient light that streams
through the cave's opening.
Aquário Natural
Baía Bonita
4 miles (7 km) SE of Bonito
.
Tel
(067)
255 1193.
#
7:30am-3:30pm daily.
&
www
.aquarionatural.com.br
One of the natural springs
in the area, the Baía Bonita
features a pristine aquarium,
which contains 30 different
varieties of fish. Facilities
within the complex include
a warm swimming pool and
relaxation cabin. Snorkeling
trips to the Rio Sucuri and Rio
da Prata are offered by tour
companies. Wetsuits and
snorkels are also provided.
