Why Are So Many People Replacing Part of Their Bonito Itinerary with Bodoquena and Jardim?

When someone plans a trip to Bonito, they immediately think of crystal-clear snorkeling, giant caves, and that kind of nature that feels like it wraps around you. But there is one detail almost no one realizes until they arrive: Bonito’s tour slots sell out fast. Like… really fast.

And then, travelers who arrive with a rigid itinerary or leave decisions until the last minute often end up without availability at the most popular attractions.

But there is a local secret that people from the region know well: the tours in Bodoquena and Jardim.

They are very close to Bonito, offer nature that is just as impressive, strong trail and waterfall experiences, and still come with a bonus that makes a real difference to your budget:

In Bodoquena and Jardim there is no environmental tourism fee.

Yes. While Bonito implements a mandatory environmental fee starting on December 20 (R$15 per person per day), these two towns continue with no additional charge.

For families or groups, this makes a real difference.

This article is exactly to show you why Bodoquena and Jardim are smart alternatives, not just “Plan B” options, when exploring the Serra da Bodoquena region.

Why look at Bodoquena and Jardim too?

Bonito is incredible, but it is not everything. The Serra da Bodoquena is vast, diverse, and full of attractions outside Bonito’s municipal limits. Many of these experiences are just as good and sometimes even wilder and more intense than Bonito’s classics.

In addition:

• tours have greater availability

• excellent value for money, since there is no environmental fee

• different landscapes, with more rustic areas, cliffs, and waterfalls

• short distances, about 30 to 70 km, depending on the attraction

Those who already know Bonito usually love expanding their itinerary. First-time visitors are often even more impressed by how beautiful the entire Serra da Bodoquena region really is.

What to expect from tours in Bodoquena

Bodoquena is a small, simple, peaceful town, surrounded by landscapes that look hand-crafted. The region has a truly untamed nature feel: dense forest, powerful waterfalls, humid trails, and rivers with unreal colors.

Here are the main attractions to keep on your radar:

1. Serra da Bodoquena – Day Use + Waterfalls

This is the classic. The tour combines easy trails, accessible waterfalls, and several swimming stops. The on-site restaurant is welcoming and very good, the decks are perfect for resting, and the atmosphere feels like “a day very well spent.”

Ideal for:

• families

• travelers looking for a relaxed day

• anyone wanting easy trails plus beautiful waterfalls

It is the kind of tour that delivers great photos, great stories, and that feeling of escaping everyday life.

2. Salobra River Canyons

One of the most cinematic places in the entire Serra da Bodoquena.

The trail is easy, passing through dense forest, extremely clear water sections, and massive rock walls that make you feel tiny. The main waterfall is beautiful, cold, and framed by rock formations that always impress.

Perfect for those who enjoy:

• raw, powerful nature

• “wow” landscapes

• full immersion

Here, the feeling is being completely disconnected from cities, technology, and hurry.

3. Other experiences in the region

Depending on the season and available operations, Bodoquena also offers smaller trails, hidden swimming spots, small waterfalls, and contemplation areas that only locals usually know.

It is a region worth revisiting. There is always something new or different to discover.

What to expect from tours in Jardim

Jardim is Bonito’s neighbor and is home to some of the most iconic attractions in Mato Grosso do Sul.

Yes, some of the most famous snorkeling tours are there and many people do not even realize it.

And just like Bodoquena, Jardim does not charge an environmental fee.

Highlights include:

1. Buraco das Araras

A massive natural sinkhole with hundreds of macaws flying overhead.

Easy trail, good accessibility, and an extraordinary contemplation experience.

It is one of those places where you just stop, breathe deeply, admire, and realize nature does not need explanations.

2. Rio da Prata Snorkeling

One of the most famous snorkeling tours in all of Brazil. Beautiful schools of fish, crystal-clear water, a long route, and abundant underwater vegetation.

Those who love snorkeling often say Rio da Prata feels like “BBC Earth in real life.”

Great for:

• beginners

• experienced snorkelers

• travelers seeking rich aquatic life

3. Lagoa Misteriosa

The famous deep blue lagoon with no visible bottom. Divers from all over Brazil travel here just to descend into its surreal layers of blue.

Even non-divers understand the name just by looking at it.

And how does the environmental fee work?

To be very clear:

• Bonito: mandatory environmental fee starting December 20, 2025, at R$15 per person per day

• Jardim and Bodoquena: no environmental fee

That means on a 5-day trip with 4 people, visiting attractions outside Bonito can represent significant savings, especially if your plan is to alternate between trails, waterfalls, and snorkeling.

For larger groups, the impact on the final budget is even greater.

When should you include Bodoquena and Jardim in your itinerary?

✔ When visiting Mato Grosso do Sul for the first timeBeautiful all year round.

✔ When you want to save money without losing qualityNo environmental fee, no extra charges.

✔ When you want to see different landscapesBonito: crystal-clear rivers, snorkeling, caves.Bodoquena and Jardim: cliffs, trails, waterfalls, and wilder areas.

✔ When you already know Bonito and want to expand your tripThis is the route locals recommend for second or third visits.

✔ When you want a balanced itinerary between adventure and contemplationThis combination works extremely well.

Is it worth it?

Absolutely.

Bodoquena and Jardim are not Plan B.

They are natural extensions of Bonito, with unique landscapes, intense experiences, and attractions that fit perfectly into any itinerary.

And with one big advantage: no environmental fee.

For anyone planning a trip, watching the budget, or looking for less obvious experiences, these two destinations are powerful cards that can completely transform the itinerary.