Catedral Cave (Gruta Catedral)
A cave about 5 km from the center of Bonito. A 1-hour-10-minute visit with trail, museum and viewpoint.
Updated September 24, 2026 · Details being verified
At a glance
- Distance
- 5 km from town
- approx. 11 min
- Duration
- approx. 1.2h
- Minimum age
- 6+
- Effort
- Easy
- Price
- R$103 – R$139
- Checked Sep 2026
* Reference price, subject to change. Confirm with a local agency before booking.
Voucher adulto 2026: cerca de R$ 103 na baixa temporada e R$ 139 na alta. Criança de 6 a 11 anos: cerca de R$ 10. Inclui guia, capacete com lanterna e visita ao museu. Idade mínima de 6 anos segundo a agência consultada (outras indicam 5). Transfer à parte. Confirmar na reserva.
In Bonito, tours are booked through licensed local agencies at the same price everywhere. Tickets are not sold at the gate. How the voucher system works
- Families
- Rainy day
- Tight budget
- Half day
Catedral Cave (Gruta Catedral), formerly known as São Mateus Cave, is about 4.7 km from the center of Bonito. It is the closest cave to town among those sold by the agencies, and the visit is short: about 1 hour 10 minutes between trail, cave, museum and viewpoint. That is why it usually fills the arrival day, the departure day or a rainy day.
What the visit is like
The circuit starts with a trail of about 300 meters through the forest, with a 15-meter suspension bridge right at the beginning. At the cave entrance the group receives helmets with headlamps. Inside, the path runs about 180 meters, with a descent of roughly 60 steps, among stalactites, stalagmites and columns. There is no lake and no swimming: it is a dry cave, for looking.
The visit also includes a small museum with objects and information about the history of the region and the culture of the Kadiwéu, an Indigenous people of the area, plus a viewpoint over the surrounding forest.
Who it suits
Families with children aged 6 and up, travelers short on time and anyone looking for an inexpensive activity close to town. Agencies rate it as easy. For older travelers, the 60 steps are the thing to watch. Pregnant women and people with heart, respiratory or joint problems should skip it.
Catedral, São Miguel or the Blue Lake Cave
The Blue Lake Cave is Bonito’s signature sight and should be the priority on a first trip. São Miguel Cave pairs with it on the same day because it is on the same route. Catedral Cave is in a different direction, close to town, and handles the loose hours of a trip well. Our hub on caves in Bonito compares all three.
Price
The info box on this page shows the 2026 reference price in Brazilian reais (BRL). It includes guide, helmet with headlamp, museum and parking. Transport and meals are not included. You buy through a licensed agency under Bonito’s single-voucher booking system.
Is it worth it?
Yes, as an add-on: it is quick, cheap and close. It does not replace the Blue Lake Cave. On a rainy day, combine it with Projeto Jiboia in the evening and the Casa da Memória Raída museum for a full day that does not depend on the rivers. See more ideas in Bonito on a rainy day.
Practical tips
- A good choice for your arrival or departure day: it is close to town and lasts just over an hour.
- Closed shoes are mandatory. Flip-flops and sandals are not allowed.
- The descent into the cave has about 60 steps. If you have knee problems, weigh that up first.
- It runs in the rain. Use it as a Plan B when a river snorkeling tour is canceled.
What to bring
- ✓Closed shoes
- ✓Light clothes for the trail
- ✓Water
- ✓Agency voucher
Rules and restrictions
- !Closed shoes required
- !Helmet required
- !Not recommended during pregnancy
- !Do not touch fish, plants or rock formations
Facilities
- Guide included
- Equipment included
- Parking
Getting there
Located about 4.7 km from the center of Bonito, around 11 minutes by car. Go by car, taxi or agency transfer.
Map coming soon.
Opening hours
Visits at scheduled times throughout the day, shown on your voucher. The full circuit takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Catedral Cave the same as São Miguel Cave?
No. They are different caves on different properties. Catedral Cave is the former São Mateus Cave, about 5 km from the center. São Miguel Cave is 17 km away, on the caves route, near the Blue Lake Cave.
How much does Catedral Cave cost?
The 2026 reference price is about R$ 103 (Brazilian reais) per adult in low season and R$ 139 in high season. Children aged 6 to 11 pay a token amount, around R$ 10. Transfers are extra.
What is the minimum age?
The agency we consulted states 6; others mention 5. Confirm when booking and bring the child's ID.
Can pregnant women visit?
It is not recommended. Agencies also advise against the visit for people with heart or respiratory conditions or joint problems, because of the staircase inside the cave.
Tours to combine with this one
Cave
São Miguel Cave (Gruta de São Miguel)
A dry cave 17 km from Bonito, with a suspended walkway through the forest, lookouts and a lit chamber of stalactites and stalagmites. An easy visit, good for rainy days.
- 17 km from town
- 1.3h
from R$108 *
Cave
Blue Lake Cave (Gruta do Lago Azul)
Bonito's postcard: a limestone cave with a deep, electric-blue lake, 21 km from town. A walk-and-look tour with no swimming.
- 21 km from town
- 1.3h
- Minimum age: 6+
from R$120 *
In town
Projeto Jiboia Snake Talk
An evening talk about snakes in the center of Bonito, with terrariums and a photo with a boa constrictor around your neck. The town's most popular night-time activity, good with kids.
- 0 km from town
- 2h
from R$80 *
Prices, minimum ages and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change without notice. The verification date is shown next to each figure.