The Pantanal & Bonito
Brazilian beach-life is probably the first images conjured up when thinking about a trip to Brazil, but there are plenty more unique locations in the country which should be considered. The Pantanal is a popular destinations for backpackers looking for the real inner Brazil experience. Located in the State of Mato Grosso, this is an excellent place for enjoying nature and maybe a little adventure. Many people venture here via Campo Grande, a nice city crowded with colored yellow trees and beautiful squares. The place is called 'Cidade morena', because of the red earth in the area.
The Pantanal

An incredible place to visit in the state of Mato Grosso is the Pantanal. Nature here is only comparable to the amazon Basin, but because the Pantanal has less dense vegetation and a flat terrain, it is easier to find and view animals here. This region is the world's largest inland wetlands and it extends over an area similar to the size of France.
The biodiversity in the Pantanal is awesome. There are more than 300 bird species, and 230 fish species, including the giant pintado, and the menacing piranha. In the immense animal species list there are also armadillos, monkeys, opposums, coatis, pumas, anteaters, anacondas and the fabulous 'Jacaré', which are big caiman. The Green Toad Bus offers you the chance to spend a couple of days in the heartland of the Panatanal, to see another side of the credibly diverse country of Brazil.
Bonito

"Bonito" means "beautiful" in Portuguese, and the natural attractions of the area certainly help it live up to its name. Located about 250 km from Campo Grande, in the Serra do bodoquena, it is a freindly town situated close to incredible caves and river systems. The main caves to visit are Gruta da Nossa Senhora Aparecida and Gruta do Lagoa Azul, about 25 km from Bonito. Lagoa Azul is a lake about 150 m long and 70 m wide, but is also found 180 m below ground level. Hear you will appreciate its unique blue waters and fascinating yellow and brown stalactites.
In Bonito and the surrounding area, there are also pleasant river excursions for adventure lovers. The rivers are unbelievable to swim in because the water springs from underneath the river beds which have a limestone base. In this process, calcium carbonate is liberated into the water. The calcium carbonate then calcifies all impurities in the water, and causes them to sink down to the river bed creating crystal clear water in the process.
As a result of this process, teems of fish make this area their habitat due to the nutrients in the river beds. Species such as Dourado, Pacu and metre long catfish can be found in these water's in their thousands, it's a truly unforgettable experience to snorkel with all these fish in their natural environment. The river not to be missed is called the Rio Prata!
An incredible excursion for the adventurous is the Abismo Anhumas. It is a unique tour that includes a 70 metre rappel descent into an abyss below the earths surface. You´ll see a lake with crystal water and caverns. You will have to do training the day before the excursion to teach you how to climb out of the abyss.

Travel Articles > May,04 2010
'Bonito' means beautiful!
The Pantanal is framed by mountains, and just on the other side is the town of Bonito (pop: 15,000), now the de facto centre for eco-tourism in Brazil.... [Read +]

Tourist Attractions & Activities > Transport Information | January,19 2012
How to Get to the Pantanal
A common theme in emails we receive at the Green Toad Bus headquarters is 'How can we take a bus to the Pantanal?' Few people know exactly where the Pantanal is, and fewer know how to get transport...... [Read +]

Testimonials > Brazil Quick Trip | October,27 2011
Pantanal/Bonito/Iguazu/Amazon with Onno
I did the Pantanal/Bonito/Iguacu itinerary recently, and it was a blast! Incredible nature and lots of animals made this trip an absolute highlight. It was great to find a travel company that can a...... [Read +]

Travel Articles > May,04 2010
The Pantanal, Brazil
The Pantanal is the world's largest wetland, a 640,000 square kilometre compression in the earth and one of the richest areas of biodiversity on the planet. People come here to see birds and animal...... [Read +]
Bus Passes

Travel Pass from Campo Grande to Campo Grande (via Pantanal & Bonito). - Frequency: Daily Departures - Recommended Minimum Duration: 6 days - Rou...
US$480.00

Travel Pass from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu via Campo Grande, Pantanal & Bonito. - Frequency: Daily Departures - Recommended Minimum Duration...
US$630.00

Travel Pass from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu via Ilha Grande, Paraty, Sao Paulo, Pantanal, Bonito. - Frequency: Daily Departures - Suggested ...
US$720.00

Travel Pass from Foz do Iguacu to Rio via Campo Grande, Pantanal & Bonito. - Frequency: Daily Departures - Recommended Minimum Duration: 9 days -...
US$610.00

Travel Pass from Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro via Pantanal, Bonito, Sao Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande. - Frequency: Daily Departures - Minimum No....
US$690.00

Travel Pass from Campo Grande to Foz do Iguacu via Pantanal & Bonito. - Frequency: Daily Departures - Recommended Minimum Duration: 7 days - Rout...
US$560.00

Travel Pass from Rio de Janeiro to Corumba (border with Bolivia) via Campo Grande & the Pantanal - Frequency: Daily Departures - Recommended Minim...
US$460.00

3 Day / 2 Night Pantanal Experience Departs Campo Grande to the Pantanal and returns to Campo Grande. Get a taste of the adventure found within...
US$435.00