Bonito and the Pantanal Together: The Complete Itinerary to Experience Two Paradises in One Trip

Bonito and the Pantanal

Imagine starting your day floating in a crystal-clear river surrounded by colorful schools of fish, and by nightfall being on a Pantanal safari spotting local wildlife, capybaras, and with a bit of luck, even jaguars on the horizon. This combination is real, possible, and unforgettable. We are talking about Bonito and the Pantanal together.

Two destinations that, on their own, already represent the very best of Brazilian ecotourism, but when combined into a single trip, become a complete and truly unique experience in the world.

Bonito, in the Serra da Bodoquena region, is known for its natural attractions that look straight out of a postcard. The Pantanal, considered the largest tropical wetland on the planet, hosts a daily spectacle of wildlife. Traveling to both destinations is like combining the best of all worlds: adventure, contemplation, culture, and biodiversity in their purest form.

In this blog, you will find a structured and detailed 7-day itinerary, as well as options for those who want to extend or shorten the trip. We will cover how to get there, what to do, where to stay, the best time to visit, local cuisine, and practical tips.

Why combine Bonito and the Pantanal?

Traveling to Bonito or to the Pantanal alone is already memorable. But when you combine the two, you create an itinerary that balances contemplation and adrenaline.

• Short distances: Around 300 km from Campo Grande to Bonito, and about 200 km to the southern Pantanal region (Miranda and Corumbá). This allows you to explore both destinations in the same trip without long journeys.

• Complementary profiles: Bonito is ideal for those seeking adventures in rivers, caves, and trails, while the Pantanal is perfect for wildlife observation in its natural habitat.

• Better value for money: Instead of traveling twice, you concentrate airfare costs into a single trip and multiply your experiences.

• A unique experience worldwide: There is no other place where, within a few days, you can float in crystal-clear rivers, explore ancient caves, and then spot jaguars and jabirus on safaris.

And more: this trip can be tailored for honeymoon couples, families, solo travelers, or groups of friends.

How to get there and get around

The usual starting point is Campo Grande (MS), home to the region’s main airport.

• Campo Grande → Bonito: about 4 hours by road.

• Campo Grande → Pantanal (Miranda or Corumbá): about 3 hours by car.

• Bonito → Pantanal: around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Transportation options

• Rental car: total freedom to set your own pace, ideal for families and couples who enjoy stopping for photos.

• Private or shared transfers: comfort and safety, without the stress of driving on unfamiliar roads.

How many days to plan

To make the most of it, the ideal is a 7-day trip:

• 3 to 4 days in Bonito (snorkeling, waterfalls, caves, and balneários).

• 3 days in the Pantanal (safaris, horseback riding, night spotting, and boat tours).

With more time, you can extend to 10 days. With only 5 days, a condensed itinerary is also possible.

What to do in Bonito

Snorkeling experiences

Bonito’s signature activity. Wearing mask and snorkel, you float over rivers so clear that fish, logs, and underwater formations are visible like in a natural aquarium.

• Rio Sucuri: one of the clearest rivers in the world.

• Nascente Azul: a complete experience that can include a balneário.

• Aquário Natural: ideal for families and beginners.

Waterfalls and trails

• Parque das Cachoeiras: a sequence of waterfalls perfect for swimming.

• Ceita Corê: forest trails and beautiful waterfalls.

• Boca da Onça: the highest waterfall in Mato Grosso do Sul, at 156 meters.

Caves and contemplation

• Gruta do Lago Azul: Bonito’s postcard, with deep turquoise waters.

• São Miguel Caves: impressive rock formations.

• Gruta Catedral: a newer attraction with remarkable formations.

Adventure and adrenaline

• Bote on the Rio Formoso: inflatable rafting, guaranteed fun.

• Abismo Anhumas: for the brave, a 72-meter rappel into a submerged cave.

• Boia Cross: perfect for groups, laughter and excitement.

Balneários for relaxation

• Nascente Azul: snorkeling plus full day-use structure.

• Praia da Figueira: artificial lake, great for families.

• Balneário do Sol: close contact with animals like monkeys and macaws.

What to do in the Pantanal

Photographic safaris

In adapted 4x4 vehicles, you explore farms and fields observing capybaras, caimans, blue macaws, and with luck, jaguars.

Boat tours

River safaris with stunning sunsets and, depending on the season, sightings of giant otters and impressive bird flocks.

Pantanal horseback riding

A truly authentic experience, riding alongside local cowboys who share stories and traditions.

Night spotting

At night, the Pantanal reveals another side: anteaters, owls, and caimans with glowing eyes.

Sport fishing

In permitted areas, fishing species like dourado and pintado, always respecting environmental rules.

Where to stay

In Bonito

• Hotels and pousadas: practical and close to restaurants and shops.

• Vacation homes and Airbnb: ideal for privacy and flexibility.

• Rural lodgings: peace surrounded by nature.

In the Pantanal

• Farm hotels: full cultural immersion.

• Rustic lodges: simplicity and direct contact with wildlife.

Local cuisine

• Bonito: alligator meat, grilled pacu, pintado with urucum, boneless traíra. Restaurants like Casa do João and Juanita are references.

• Pantanal: arroz carreteiro, Pantanal barbecue, sopa paraguaia, and of course, tereré. Many lodges offer full board.

Best time to visit

• Dry season (May to September): clearer rivers and easier Pantanal access.

• Rainy season (December to March): lush vegetation and flooded Pantanal landscapes.

• October and November: transition period, great for all tastes and stunning photos.

Suggested 7-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Campo Grande → Pantanal (Miranda or Corumbá).

Day 2: Photographic safari + boat tour.

Day 3: Horseback riding + night spotting.

Day 4: Drive to Bonito + balneário.

Day 5: Nascente Azul snorkeling + Parque das Cachoeiras.

Day 6: Gruta do Lago Azul + Bote on the Rio Formoso.

Day 7: Morning at Aquário Natural + return to Campo Grande.

Suggested itinerary. Order may change depending on availability.

Practical tips

• Book in advance: attractions in Bonito have daily visitor limits.

• Use biodegradable sunscreen and bring insect repellent (especially mint-based for the Pantanal).

• Transportation is not included in tours by default. Talk to a consultant if you need it added.

• A GoPro or underwater camera guarantees unforgettable memories.

Bonito and the Pantanal together are not just a trip, they are an immersion into the natural heart of Brazil.A unique opportunity to experience crystal clear rivers, ancient caves, rich wildlife, and Pantanal culture all in a single journey.

And to turn this dream into reality without any hassle, count on Bonito Travel, a specialist agency that takes care of every detail of your trip.