Bonito

Bonito in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul is considered a model for sustainable tourism in Brazil. The exceptional clarity of the waters is due to the high concentration of calcium carbonate in the soil, which acts as a natural filter and binds impurities to the riverbed. Snorkeling in rivers like the Rio Sucuri or the Rio da Prata allows visitors to float in the water amidst huge schools of dorado and piraputanga fish. In addition to the rivers, the karst landscape hides spectacular caves. The Gruta do Lago Azul is the most famous of them, a deep limestone cave with stalactites and an underground lake that shines in an intense cobalt blue depending on the sunlight. For the adventurous, the Abismo Anhumas features a 72-meter deep rappel through a narrow crevice down to a huge underground lake where scuba diving is possible. To protect the sensitive ecosystems, access to the attractions is strictly regulated. All tours must be booked in advance through local agencies and are accompanied by certified guides. The good time to visit is the dry season from April to September, when the water is clearest, although the waterfalls are more impressive during the rainy months. Bonito's airport receives direct flights from major Brazilian cities.

Nearby cities

Curitiba

The capital of Paraná, globally recognized for its innovative urban and ecological solutions.

Londrina

A thriving university city in northern Paraná, originally planned by British investors for coffee cultivation.

Maringá

A very green, planned city in the interior of Paraná, known for its quality of life and its conical cathedral.

Bella Vista Norte

Located on the Apa River, which forms the natural border with Brazil, the city lives from forestry and border culture.

History & landmarks

Wire Opera House

A unique circular theater made of steel tubes and polycarbonate, built in the middle of a former quarry.

Greenhouse of the Botanical Garden

A beautiful Art Nouveau-style greenhouse that became the architectural symbol of Curitiba.

Nature

Iguazu River

The Iguaçu River is best known for forming Iguazu Falls on the border between Brazil and Argentina.

Paraná River

The Paraná River is one of South America's great river systems and a major source of hydropower.

More places

Itaipu Dam

A monumental hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River, supplying a massive amount of electricity to both Brazil and Paraguay.

Bird Park Foz do Iguaçu

An ecological park focusing on the conservation of Atlantic Rainforest bird species.

Curitiba Zoo

An extensive zoo in southern Brazil that is part of a large regional park and houses many endangered species.

Morretes

A charming historic town in Paraná, famous for its traditional Barreado dish and the train ride through the Atlantic Forest.

Antonina

A historic port city in the state of Paraná, surrounded by the lush nature of the Serra do Mar.

Port of Paranaguá

Paranaguá is one of the most important ports in Brazil for agricultural exports.