South America

Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul

Brazil

In short: Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul is a 320 km wildlife road trip in Brazil, typically driven over 4-5 days, best in May to September. Highlights: Bonito, Rio da Prata, Abismo Anhumas.

Distance

320 km

Duration

4-5 days

Best Season

May to September

IconicModerateWildlife

This classic Mato Grosso do Sul road trip links Bonito’s clear rivers and sinkholes with the limestone hills of Bodoquena and the wildlife flats of the southern Pantanal. Expect good paved highways, short gravel detours, birdlife everywhere, and memorable stops for swimming, cave views, and ranch stays.

~0 refuels

~1 charge

Practical notes

Some of the best side trips involve unsealed access roads and seasonal flooding in the Pantanal, so allow extra time in the wet season. Book popular river activities and ranch stays ahead, especially on weekends and Brazilian holidays.

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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Departure

Bonito

Start in Bonito, the gateway to Brazil's clearest rivers and cave country. It is the best base for snorkeling, sinkholes, and jungle walks.

Hotels

City

Miranda

A practical stop on the way into the Pantanal, with ranch access and open-road views. It is a good place to slow down before the wetland tracks.

Hotels

City

Corumbá

Reach the historic river city at the edge of the southern Pantanal. Its port feel and frontier atmosphere make a fitting final stop.

Hotels

Pantanal Sul — Arrival — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Arrival
Pantanal Sul
Finish in the open wetlands where herons, jabirus, and marshes stretch to the horizon. It is the broad, wild ending this route deserves.

Things to Do

Rio da Prata — Nature — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Nature
Rio da Prata
Float over glass-clear water with silver fish and dense riverbank forest. The ranch setting makes the whole experience feel remote and pristine.

Abismo Anhumas — Landmark — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Landmark
Abismo Anhumas
Descend into a huge flooded cavern lit by shafts of light. It is one of Bonito's most dramatic underground adventures.

Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena — Nature — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Nature
Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena
Drive into limestone hills, waterfalls, and forested trails. The park adds a wilder, less crowded side to the Bonito region.

Boca da Onça Ecotour — Landmark — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Landmark
Boca da Onça Ecotour
Hike past falls and natural pools to one of the area's biggest cascades. The cliff views and swimming spots are a strong reward.

Estrada Parque do Pantanal — Nature — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Nature
Estrada Parque do Pantanal
Follow the classic wetland road through flooded plains and wildlife-rich edges. Expect birds, cattle ranches, and slow seasonal travel.

Fazenda San Francisco — Nature — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Nature
Fazenda San Francisco
Stay or tour a working Pantanal ranch with great chances of seeing wildlife. Capybaras, birds, and jaguars make this area famous.

Snorkel Rio da Prata — Snorkeling — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Snorkeling
Snorkel Rio da Prata
Drift through some of Brazil's clearest freshwater. The visibility and fish life make it a signature Bonito experience.

Abismo Anhumas rappel and dive — Cave adventure — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Cave adventure
Abismo Anhumas rappel and dive
Descend into a flooded sinkhole by rappel or elevator and explore underground chambers. The scale and light inside are unforgettable.

Boca da Onça waterfall trail — Hiking — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Hiking
Boca da Onça waterfall trail
Walk a scenic trail past waterfalls, lookout points, and natural pools. It is one of the best active outings in the Bodoquena hills.

Pantanal wildlife safari — Wildlife watching — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Wildlife watching
Pantanal wildlife safari
Search for birds, capybaras, caimans, and other wetland animals from roads and ranch tracks. Dawn and dusk are the best times to go.

Where to Eat

Tapera Restaurante — Brazilian — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Brazilian
Tapera Restaurante
A reliable place for regional Brazilian plates in Bonito. Good for a relaxed lunch between river trips and cave visits.

Casa do João — Pantanal Brazilian — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Pantanal Brazilian
Casa do João
A classic stop for local flavors and hearty Mato Grosso do Sul dishes. The setting fits a road trip centered on nature and ranch country.

Juanita Restaurante — Brazilian — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Brazilian
Juanita Restaurante
Well known in Bonito for regional food and generous portions. It works well for a dinner after a full day outdoors.

Estância Mimosa — Ranch lunch — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Ranch lunch
Estância Mimosa
A rural stop with home-style meals tied to the ecotour experience. It is a strong choice when visiting waterfalls and trails near Bodoquena.

Restaurante do Fazenda San Francisco — Pantanal ranch cuisine — Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul — Brazil

Pantanal ranch cuisine
Restaurante do Fazenda San Francisco
Expect simple, filling meals that match a Pantanal ranch stay. It is a practical way to taste local life far from town.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul drive?

The Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul covers 320 km from start to finish.

How long does the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul take to drive?

Most travellers spend 4-5 days on the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul?

The recommended season for the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul is May to September.

Where does the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul start and end?

The Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul runs from Bonito to Pantanal Sul.

What are the main stops on the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul?

The Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul passes through Bonito, Rio da Prata, Abismo Anhumas.

Can I drive the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul in a regular car?

Yes — the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul, based on its 320 km length.

Is the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul safe to drive?

What scenic tier is the Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul?

The Bonito and Bodoquena Pantanal Sul is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.