Serra da Bodoquena Waterfalls

The Serra da Bodoquena Waterfalls tour (Cachoeiras Serra da Bodoquena) takes place in the municipality of Bodoquena, north of Bonito, about 72 km from the town center. It is the most distant waterfall sold by Bonito’s tour agencies, and that defines who should do it: travelers on a longer trip who have already done the classics and want a place with fewer groups at the same time.

What the tour is like

The day has three parts. The main one is the trail, about 2.5 km through the forest, with eight swimming stops at falls and pools of limestone-filtered water. The guide stays with the group, explains how the waterfalls formed and keeps time at each swimming spot. Next comes a raft ride on the Betione River, which is gentler, and time at the attraction’s river beach area (what Brazilians call a “balneário”, a riverside day-use spot for swimming and relaxing). A regional lunch wraps up the program.

In total, the time at the attraction is about 4 hours. Add the drive there and back, and the tour takes the whole day.

Who it suits

People who enjoy hiking with swimming stops and want some variety after river snorkeling and caves. Couples and groups of friends get the most out of it. With small children, the long drive weighs more than the tour itself: Estância Mimosa is 25 km away and offers something similar. If you want adrenaline, Boca da Onça lies in the same direction and offers rappelling and the tallest waterfall in the state.

Price

The info box on this page shows the 2026 reference price, in Brazilian reais (BRL), and the date it was checked. The full-trail voucher includes guide, raft, river beach area and lunch. There is a cheaper version without the full trail, giving access to the waterfalls, the river beach area and lunch. Transfers are extra, as on most tours. You buy through a licensed agency under Bonito’s single-voucher booking system, in which every tour is booked in advance through an accredited agency at a fixed price.

Best season

From December to March the falls carry more water and the forest is greener, with strong heat. In the dry season, May to September, the water in the pools is clearer and the dirt roads are in better shape. Heavy rain the day before can cloud the water and make the ground slippery. See the month-by-month comparison in best time to visit Bonito.

Is it worth it?

Yes, if you are already heading to the north of the region or have at least five days. On three- or four-day itineraries the distance does not pay off: the waterfalls closer to Bonito offer similar swimming and hiking with half the driving. If you decide to go, set aside a day just for Bodoquena and do not squeeze in another big tour afterward. Our hub on waterfalls in Bonito compares all the options, and the Serra da Bodoquena guide explains the region.