Dare
to discover Bonito (Bonito (visitbrasil.com)), an ecotourism
destination in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. In addition
to captivating you with its crystal-clear waters, fascinating caves,
majestic waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, this earthly paradise has
everything needed for those seeking adventure and adrenaline.
In this guide, we share some routes and tips to plan your trip from Chile, and you'll see it's easier than you imagine.
By Plane from Santiago to São Paulo
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Chile to Bonito. The fastest alternative is to fly to São Paulo and then connect with a domestic flight to Campo Grande, the nearest city to Bonito. The total flight time, including the layover, will be approximately 6 hours: 4 hours to fly from Santiago to Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo (GRU) and 2 hours to fly from São Paulo to Campo Grande.
Flying from Santiago to Rio de Janeiro may not be practical since the flight to Campo Grande will stop in São Paulo, increasing the total flight time to 9 or 14 hours due to the airport layover.
The airlines that offer direct flights from Santiago to São Paulo are LATAM and Sky Airline. Once in São Paulo, you can fly with Gol, Azul, or LATAM to Campo Grande. Flight prices vary depending on the season, airline, and how far in advance you book. You can find fares ranging from USD 500 to USD 1,500.
Airline Websites:
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights:
Book in Advance: Plan your trip ahead of
time to get better prices on flights.
Compare Prices on Different Platforms: Use
search engines like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner to compare
offers from different airlines. Here are the links:
Consider Flying in the Low Season: Flight
prices are usually cheaper outside the high season (from December to
February).
Be Flexible with Your Dates: If possible,
adjust your travel dates to find lower fares.
Transfer from Campo Grande to Bonito
Travel worry-free with all the comforts that Tangol Tours offers.
Ask about private transfers that take you from Campo Grande airport
to your hotel and back.
By Bus
Traveling by bus from Santiago to Bonito is possible but not practical due to the long hours involved. You can make the entire trip by bus or fly to an intermediate point like São Paulo and then take a bus to Bonito.
If you decide to travel by bus from Santiago, you will spend
around 40 hours traveling and make at least one vehicle change. The
advantage of this mode of travel is mainly the price, which can be
half the cost of a plane ticket. Another advantage is that you won’t
have to worry about paying tolls or the risk of getting lost.
You can find buses from Santiago to Bonito: Rome2rio
Alternatively, you can fly to São Paulo and then take a bus to Bonito, which will take around 23 hours. Note that this route is only available a couple of days a week, so plan your trip in advance to avoid surprises. Also, keep in mind that you will make a bus change in Campo Grande.
You can find buses here: Busbud
By Car
Traveling by car offers the freedom and flexibility to discover
the unparalleled beauty of this destination at your own pace. Follow
this guide to plan your trip and experience an unforgettable
adventure.
Recommended Route:
The distance from Santiago de
Chile to Bonito is approximately 3,090 kilometers. The estimated
travel time is 40 hours without counting stops.
The most recommended route crosses Argentina until reaching Foz do Iguaçu, where you will take the BR-163 highway to Bonito. Details of the trip can be found here: Google
Maps
Important:
Keep in mind that to cross the border between Chile and Argentina, the following documents are required:
Valid ID or passport for all
passengers.
Notarized authorization if
traveling with minors who are not your children.
Green Card or current vehicle
insurance for Mercosur.
Vehicle's technical inspection up to date.
Tips for Your Car Trip:
- Planning: Define
your itinerary in advance, including the stops you want to make and
the places where you will stay.
- Precautions:
Check the condition of your vehicle before starting the trip. Make
sure you have optimal levels of oil, water, and fuel.
- Weather: Research
the weather conditions in the different areas you will pass through
during your trip.
- Tolls: Be aware
that there are tolls on the roads in Argentina and Brazil. Be
prepared with cash to pay them.
- Rest: It’s
important to make regular stops to rest and avoid fatigue at the
wheel.
- Accommodation:
Book your accommodation in advance, especially if traveling during
high season.
- Equipment: Make sure to carry all the necessary documents for the trip, as well as appropriate clothing for different climates, a first aid kit, and basic tools for the car.
-
If you don’t have a car or need one in better condition for this
great journey, consider renting one. Check some options on Kayak:
Rent cars in Chile from $13,902/day
Foz do Iguaçu, a Must-Stop Along the Way
If traveling by car, we recommend stopping in Foz do Iguaçu, where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet. Spend at least one day enjoying this city where the customs and traditions of the three countries coexist.
The main attraction is the Iguazu Falls, one of the new seven
wonders of the world. With its 285 falls, it is the largest waterfall
system in the world. Enjoy the rainbows that form around, let the
mist soak you, and marvel at the power of the falling water.
Part of the falls belongs to the Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side. This park offers train rides and nautical excursions to maximize the experience of the jungle and river contact. Don’t miss the impressive Devil's Throat, the main fall of the waterfalls that will leave you speechless.
Another essential stop is the Triple Frontier, the exact point where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet. The view from the Argentine Landmark is incredible, as you can see the bridges that connect the countries. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to navigate between the Iguazu and Paraná rivers that converge at the site.
On the Brazilian side, you can visit the Bird Park, dedicated to
species of the Atlantic Forest, a set of ecosystems that hosts one of
the largest biodiversities on the planet. Or, visit the Chen Tien
Buddhist temple, where you can learn more about this Eastern
philosophy among gardens and statues.
To Conclude Your Trip with a Golden Touch, Visit
the Gruta do Lago Azul
If you want to conclude your trip to Bonito in the best way, we
recommend visiting the Gruta do Lago Azul, about 30 kilometers away.
This lake with its crystal-clear and deep waters, surrounded by
stalactites and stalagmites, is an ideal place to relax and enjoy
nature.
Embark on the Adventure:
Walk a 300-meter trail surrounded
by lush tropical vegetation, appreciating the local flora and fauna.
Descend 200 steps that will take
you inside the cave, where a spectacle of lights and colors awaits.
Contemplate the majesty of the
Lago Azul, with its crystal-clear waters reaching a depth of 87
meters.
Observe underwater life from
floating platforms, where you can see colorful fish and other
organisms.
Be captivated by the natural light filtering through the
skylights of the cave, creating a magical atmosphere.
More Than Just a Cave:
Learn about the history and
geology of this unique place on a guided tour by experts.
Hike around the cave and enjoy
nature in its purest state.
Book your tour in advance, as access to the cave is limited
to protect this fragile ecosystem.
Ask about the excursion with included transport to the Gruta do
Lago Azul that Tangol Tours offers: Tangol
Tours - Gruta do Lago Azul
Tips for Your Trip to Bonito:
- Plan Your Itinerary:
Bonito offers a wide variety of activities and attractions. Research
in advance and select those that interest you the most.
- Bring Appropriate
Clothing: The weather in Bonito is warm and humid. Bring
comfortable and light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and mosquito
repellent.
- Enjoy Nature: Bonito is a magical place
where you can connect with nature and have unforgettable
experiences.
- With this complete information, you are ready to embark on an
unforgettable adventure to Bonito. Get ready to discover a natural
paradise that will surprise you!
Have a great trip!