Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and get into the water with the 35 or so species of fish - mainly
dourado
and 35cm
piripitanga
fishes - a ticklish experience with no danger from piranhas, which never
swim this far upriver. The sanctuary is accessible by a path from the reception through
a swamp and zoo of Pantanal animals - the Trilha dos Animais - home to white-
collared peccaries, deer and the majestic
caramugeiro
snail hawk. From the Aquário,
the
Bahia Bonita
, a kilometre-long stretch of river, runs down to meet the Rio
Formoso, where there's a death-slide (a pulley and rope system for exciting
splashdowns into the river).
Tour companies also offer snorkelling trips to the
Nascente Rio Sucuri
(R$168 full
day) and the
Rio da Prata
(R$210 full day).
Ecopark Porto da Ilha
12km from Bonito • Daily 8am-6pm; no guide or authorization is required • Half-day whitewater rafting R$250 •
T
67 3255 3021
Around 12km from Bonito down the Rio Formoso, there's an interesting island that
has been turned into a public nature reserve, known as the
Ecopark Porto da Ilha
. he
Ilha do Padre is surrounded by waterfalls and covers almost 12 acres. Whitewater
rafting down to the island (sometimes done by moonlight) is one of the more exciting
options available from tour agents in Bonito. Other options include “Slack Line” -
walking across a tightrope across the river, and “Stand Up” - standing on a surfboard
and steering down the river using an oar.
Although the Formoso is an active whitewater-rafting river, there are also delightful
natural swimming spots, lots of exotic birdlife and lush vegetation. It's not quite as
beautiful as the Aquário Natural at the river's source, but still very pleasant. Come
prepared for biting flies and mosquitoes, and note that the island is annoyingly busy
at peak holiday times (such as Easter).
7
Nascente Azul
Rodovia Bonito, Bodoquena Km 22 • Daily 8am-5pm • Full day R$115 •
T
67 3255 2297,
W
nascentezul.com.br
Named “Blue Spring” because of its turquoise colour, the
Nascente Azul
, 29km from
Bonito's centre, offers forty-minute river-snorkelling trips that begin with a 1.8km trail
through a forest, passing waterfalls on the way. The spring is 8m deep and full of river
fish. There's also a restaurant serving local dishes.
Abismo Anhumas
23km from Bonito • Call for times • R$460 •
T
67 3255 3313,
W
abismoanhumas.com.br
Those seeking a unique adventure will love the
Abismo Anhumas
, 23km from Bonito.
This otherworldly abyss has a depth of 72m and is accessed by rappelling down (you
need to attend a training session at General Osório 681 in town the day before). Once
down, you can admire the majestic stalactite formations before snorkelling or diving
(for the latter you need to be certified) in the water, where stalagmites are clearly
visible. There's a limit of 18 visitors per day, so be sure to book ahead.
Balneario Municipal
Km 7 on road towards Jardim • Daily 8am-6pm • R$20
Just outside Bonito is the
Balneario Municipal
, a cheap and easy half-day out. It may
not be as impressive as the Aquārio Natural, but nevertheless the water is clean and
teeming with fish. Snorkelling equipment is available but not necessary as the river
is shallow and clear. Swimming in the balneario is hugely refreshing during the hot
summer months, but try to get there early as it gets busy during high season. This
spot is particularly popular with families and teenagers.
