Parque das Cachoeiras Waterfall Trail

Parque das Cachoeiras (“Waterfall Park”) is the waterfall option closest to the center of Bonito and the easiest of them. The trail runs 1.7 km along the Mimoso River, with seven waterfalls along the way and five points where the group gets into the water. There is no lunch included and no long hike: it is a half-day tour, which sets it apart from Rio do Peixe and Ceita Corê, which take the whole day.

What the tour is like

The visit starts at the visitor center, where the group is given life vests and the guide explains the route. The trail enters the riverside forest and follows the river along boardwalks and dirt paths, flat the whole way.

The swim stops come one after another. The waterfalls have names (Salto, Amor, Gruta, Figueira, Sinhozinho, Sol and Mulungu) and modest heights, but the natural pools below them are deep enough to swim in. The Mimoso’s water is cold and clear, without the spring-water visibility of Rio da Prata but with the greenish tint typical of the region’s limestone rivers.

The guide manages the time at each stop so that groups do not bunch up. At the end, the trail returns to the visitor center, where there is a restaurant, changing rooms and a rest area, and the ticket lets you stay in the park’s river-beach area for the rest of the session.

Best season and time of day

The waterfalls carry more water at the end of summer, between February and April, but it is precisely during heavy rain that the water can turn murky. Between May and September the river is clearer and the water colder. For swimming, the hot days of September and October are the most comfortable. Morning is the best time: less heat on the trail and time left over for another tour in the afternoon.

Price

Tickets are sold by Bonito’s licensed agencies under the single-voucher system, at the same price everywhere. The reference price, in Brazilian reais (BRL), is in the “At a glance” box on this page with the date it was checked. Children up to 5 do not pay. Transport and meals are quoted separately.

Parque das Cachoeiras or Rio do Peixe?

Parque das Cachoeiras is closer, shorter and cheaper, with no lunch. Rio do Peixe is 35 km away, has more drops and stops, includes a farm lunch and takes the whole day. If you have few days and want a waterfall without giving up another tour the same day, Parque das Cachoeiras does the job. If you want a waterfall day as the main event, Rio do Peixe or Ceita Corê give you more. The full comparison is in our guide to waterfalls in Bonito.

Is it worth it?

Yes, especially for families with children and for short trips. It is the easiest waterfall tour to combine: here in the morning, then a river beach or the Blue Lake Cave in the afternoon. Anyone traveling in search of big waterfalls will prefer Boca da Onça, in Bodoquena, which has the tallest drop in the state and a full day of hiking.