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The Boca da Onça waterfall dropping into a forested gorge near Bodoquena

No. 11 Top Landmarks & Attractions 2026

Cachoeira Boca da Onça

Bodoquena, Brazil

A forest trail of waterfalls and natural pools in Brazil's Serra da Bodoquena.

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Photo: Sidney Michaluate, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Cachoeira Boca da Onça is No. 11 in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2026 ranking of the top attractions in the world. The waterfall is in the municipality of Bodoquena, in the Serra da Bodoquena of Mato Grosso do Sul state, and is usually visited from the ecotourism town of Bonito.

The Boca da Onça ecotour follows a forest trail past a series of waterfalls and natural pools. It ends at the main fall, which the operator describes as the highest waterfall in Mato Grosso do Sul. For adventurous visitors there is also a high rappel descent.

A natural pool beneath waterfalls on the Boca da Onça trail
A natural pool beneath waterfalls on the Boca da Onça trail. Photo: Felipe Do Espirito Santo, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to visit

The drier months, roughly May to September, are generally more comfortable for walking. The summer rainy season, around December to March, is hotter and can affect trails. The park may close in bad weather.

Highlights

  • 1

    The main waterfall

    The trail leads to viewpoints over the main Boca da Onça fall as it drops into a forested canyon.

  • 2

    The waterfall trail

    The guided walk passes a string of smaller waterfalls, with stops to swim in natural pools.

  • 3

    Rappel

    A separately booked rappel descent from a high platform is one of the most famous adventure activities in the region.

  • 4

    Wildlife

    The forest is home to birds and monkeys. Guides point out plants and animals along the way.

Getting there

Most visitors stay in Bonito, which has a small airport with limited flights and is a few hours' drive from Campo Grande (CGR), the state capital. Boca da Onça is roughly an hour's drive from Bonito, partly on unpaved roads; tour agencies can arrange transport.

Practical tips

Booking
As at most Bonito-area attractions, visits are with a guide and must be booked in advance through a licensed local agency, which issues a voucher. Check the official website for what is included.
Fitness
The trail has long stretches of steps and uneven ground, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. Wear shoes that can get wet.
Currency
Brazilian real (BRL). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash.
Language
Portuguese. Some guides speak English or Spanish; ask when you book.
Visa & entry
Since 10 April 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia need a visa to visit Brazil, available as an e-visa. UK and EU citizens can visit visa-free for short stays. Check official Brazilian government guidance before you book.

Official information: Boca da Onça Ecotour (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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