Written by: Elaine Villatoro – Live More, Travel More
If you love nature and adrenaline, pack your bags and embark on an adventure in Mato Grosso do Sul. In this Brazilian state, you’ll have the chance to engage in extreme sports and water activities amidst some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. To help you plan an unforgettable and thrilling trip, we’ve highlighted 5 attractions that are definitely worth including in your itinerary.
Rappelling and Hiking at Boca da Onça
Get ready for a day full of adventure in the city of Bodoquena! At Boca da Onça Ecotour, not only can you admire the highest waterfall in the state (which gives the farm its name), but you’ll also find Brazil’s largest platform rappel.
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll descend 90 meters on a negative rappel, meaning you won’t touch the limestone wall that forms the stunning canyon. This precaution helps protect the wall and minimizes environmental impact. Next, you’ll descend a large staircase leading to the famous Boca da Onça Waterfall, which stands 156 meters tall.
After lunch, it’s time to explore the Adventure Trail, which takes you on a 4 km journey to discover a total of 8 waterfalls.
Diving at Lagoa Misteriosa
The name itself is intriguing; to this day, the depth of this crystal-clear lagoon in Jardim remains unknown. The greatest depth recorded so far is 220 meters. With visibility up to 40 meters, snorkeling and diving in Lagoa Misteriosa are fantastic experiences.
Since the lagoon is considered a flooded cave starting from 6 meters deep, we recommend scuba diving for a more special experience. Don’t know how to dive? You can take an introductory course here, allowing you to dive up to 8 meters with an instructor. Already certified? For basic divers, you can explore up to 18 meters, while advanced divers can reach up to 30 meters.
Floating in Crystal-Clear Rivers
Finding rivers with such clear waters is not easy, but in Mato Grosso do Sul, you’ll have the privilege of floating in some of the world’s most transparent rivers. Among the options are Rio Sucuri, the Natural Aquarium, Nascente Azul, and Recanto Rio da Prata, with the latter recognized for its sustainability efforts.
Choose one and be enchanted by the fish, springs, and, if you’re lucky, perhaps even spot a beautiful boa constrictor in its natural habitat!
Inner Tube Rafting in Bonito
For fun and excitement for the whole family, consider a ride on an inner tube. This activity is offered by Hotel Cabanas, Parque Ecológico Rio Formoso, and Eco Park Porto da Ilha, all located in Bonito. The rapids are considered calm, making them ideal for sparking the adventurous spirit of children in a safe environment.
Rappelling with Snorkeling or Diving at Abismo Anhumas
It’s not every day you get the chance to rappel 72 meters into a cave and then snorkel or dive inside it. For this reason, Abismo Anhumas offers the perfect combo for adventure tourism enthusiasts and is one of the best tours in Bonito.
If you’re certified, we suggest opting for scuba diving. This way, you’ll not only admire the cave’s formations but also observe a giant anteater skeleton located 18 meters underwater.
So, which of these activities makes you most eager to explore Mato Grosso do Sul?
To learn more, visit the destination’s website.
