Best hotels in Bonito

While most Bonito visitors march through the rivers and caves on packed tour schedules, Pousada Boyrá sits in blissful isolation on the banks of the Formoso River, close enough to reach all the attractions but far enough away that the toucans outnumber the tourists. The boutique eco-lodge occupies eleven acres of preserved forest, just where the Cristalino and Formoso rivers meet, creating a stunning - and almost private - water playground. Completing the picture is the famous infinity pool that seems to spill directly into the river beyond, a team that anticipates your every need, and plenty of beautiful araras (scarlet macaws) regularly appear for impromptu performances.

Right in the heart of Bonito, Pousada Arte da Natureza is a splashy retreat in every sense. With pools edged in glass, jacuzzis bubbling under swaying palm trees, and waterfalls cascading into blue lagoons, it’s less a pousada and more a private water park. Behind the theatrics lies real comfort, however, with modern eco-style rooms, some with their own (incredible) plunge pools, and an on-site tour desk that will help you unlock Bonito’s treasures. Whether you want to snorkel in the crystalline rivers, float through flooded caves, or just stroll into town for a caipirinha, everything is at your fingertips.

Ensconced by lush tropical gardens and just a short stroll from Bonito’s lively centre, Pousada Surucuá is a peaceful hideaway with all the thoughtful comforts you could want after a day in the wilderness. Family-run, it almost feels like a beloved country estate – all tropical gardens, hammocks scattered under fruit trees, and afternoon coffee and cake. Spacious, bright rooms open directly onto the greenery, and there's a pretty outdoor pool, too. With local tours on tap and town’s restaurants and shops a gentle walk away, Surucuá is a great balance of adventure-ready and genuinely restful.