Rio do Peixe Waterfalls

Rio do Peixe is the most complete waterfall tour for anyone who wants to spend the day getting in and out of the water without effort. The trail is easy, the swim stops are many and lunch is served at the farmhouse, cooked on a wood-fired stove. It is 35 km from the center of Bonito, which puts the tour in the full-day category.

What the tour is like

The group is welcomed at the farm, given life vests and sets off with the guide along a flat trail through the riverside forest. From then on the routine is the same until the end: walk a few minutes, stop at a waterfall or natural pool, get in the water, move on to the next.

The stops range from shallow pools, good for children, to deep pools with a jumping platform and a cable drop that launches anyone who wants it into the middle of the pool. One of the waterfalls has a taller drop and is the photo spot. At the pools with fish the guide usually asks for silence so the schools come closer.

The trail ends back at the farmhouse, where lunch is ready: arroz carreteiro (a rice and beef dish), roast meat, cassava, salads and homemade sweets. Afterwards, hammocks, a rest area and, with luck, a visit from monkeys, macaws and occasionally a tapir that wanders around the farm.

Best season and time of day

Between February and April the waterfalls carry more water; between May and September the water is clearer and the weather more stable, with cold mornings that can make the first swim take some courage. September and October combine heat with still-clean water. Since departure is in the morning, count on the whole day being taken and do not book anything for the afternoon.

Price

Tickets are sold by Bonito’s licensed agencies under the single-voucher system, at the same price everywhere and with lunch included. The reference price, in Brazilian reais (BRL), is in the “At a glance” box on this page with the date it was checked. Transport is quoted separately.

Rio do Peixe, Ceita Corê or Parque das Cachoeiras?

These three are the waterfall tours within the municipality of Bonito. Parque das Cachoeiras is the closest and shortest, with no lunch. Ceita Corê has a longer trail, a zipline and a spring in the afternoon. Rio do Peixe sits in the middle: a full day, but with low effort, a relaxed pace and lots of water. For families and for anyone wanting a rest day between river snorkels, it is the safest choice. The full picture is in waterfalls in Bonito.

Is it worth it?

Yes, for anyone with four days or more who can devote one of them to waterfalls. In a 4-day itinerary, it fits well on the third day, after a river snorkel and the Blue Lake Cave. With only two or three days, think twice: Parque das Cachoeiras delivers a similar experience in half a day and frees up the afternoon. For a trip with children, see also Bonito with kids.