Located in the same region of Gruta Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave), Gruta de São Miguel is one of the most impressive caves in Bonito, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, and a perfect destination to include in your travel plan.
On the previous post I commented about the beginning of my first day in Bonito, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and how it was to visit Gruta Lago Azul. Since they’re pretty close to each other, it’s interesting to organize your itinerary so that you go on both tours together.
After leaving Gruta Lago Azul, I took the way back to Bonito, since I had already passed the entrance to Gruta São Miguel, so I was familiar with the path.
Despite the weather still ugly and some mud on the road, the path to the entrance of the tour was pretty smooth.
Bonito: visiting Gruta São Miguel
The first point that’s worth highlighting is the organization and structure of this touristic site – by the way, that’s something I’ll point out about practically every attraction in Bonito.
It’s amazing how organized and well-prepared they are to welcome travelers. Everything is always on time, following the rules and standards of the region – an organization that values the preservation of nature.
Just like the previous tour, I also arrived at Gruta São Miguel at the scheduled time.
After having the whole group united, our guide showed us a video from which we could learn a little more about the site where the cave is located – Reserva Natural Parque Ecológico Vale Anhumas (Natural Reserve Ecologic Park Vale Anhumas).
If you’re lucky as I was, you’ll see many macaws around the house where the reception of the tour operates. After watching the video, we went up to the second floor, and from there we kept walking through an elevated walkway among the trees – have no worries, it’s pretty safe!
The experience of walking as high as the treetops and seeing birds up close, including some macaws, makes the beginning of the tour a thrilling experience.
Moments before reaching the entrance of the cave, the guide took us to a place where the tree roots had taken over a wall, creating an impressive sight – it reminded me of some temples I visited in Camboja!
From there, we went ahead to the entrance of the main cave, and once again nature’s work left us breathless.
Gruta São Miguel is approximately 3 thousand square meters, and inside of it we can find an infinite number of marks and formations created through time.
Places like this always make me wonder about our origins, about how many things have already happened before we were here, and for how much time all of that will still be around, after all of us are gone.
It’s a place that vibrates a different kind of energy, almost like a sanctuary. A spot in the world that keeps stories, secrets and mysteries we’ll probably never uncover.
The track along the cave is clear and everywhere we go we can see millenary formations like stalactites, stalagmites, curtains and textures that resemble coral reefs.
Throughout the way, the guide told us curiosities and interesting facts about the cave – that’s why it’s so important to pay attention during the tour, it’s always worth learning a bit more.
Gruta São Miguel: general information
For those going on this tour, tips are standard:
. Wear light clothes and comfortable sneakers (slippers are not recommended);
. Insect repellent and sunscreen are important for the first walking part;
. At the reception of the site you’ll find a toilet at your disposal and some products to purchase;
. Consider around 2 hours for this tour, it doesn’t take very long. A good alternative is to also schedule a visit to Gruta Lago Azul, which is nearby.
How much is it?
The price of the tours in Bonito are standardized, so you’ll always find the same price in every agency.
The price tends to change between high and low seasons, floating around BRL 50.00.
How to get to Gruta São Miguel | Map
Gruta São Miguel is located at about 18 kilometers far from the center of Bonito – taking the main square as a reference.
The path to the cave is smooth, though part of it is under construction and the rest is a dirt road. I went there right after it had rained, so there was some mud on the way, but I had no problems in my Fiat Uno.
I recommend you leave Bonito at least 1 hour before your scheduled time for the tour. Leaving the city from the main street, you’ll reach a roundabout. There, you must take the left way out.
Keep going ahead and pay attention to the signposting. The signs will show the way to Gruta São Miguel and also Gruta Lago Azul. You must turn left at the exact point where there’s a big tree in the middle of the road – it’s pretty easy to identify.
Following the road, you’ll soon reach the entrance of the farm where Gruta São Miguel is located, on the right. If you keep going, you’ll get to Gruta Lago Azul. On the map below you can see the route more easily.
You can also access the map here: Gruta São Miguel map.
Tips for your travel plan in Bonito
As I mentioned before, since they’re located in the same region, it’s a good idea to visit Gruta São Miguel and Gruta Lago Azul together. It doesn’t matter which one you visit first, but try going to one of them right after the other.
Consider a whole morning in your travel plan to visit both caves, that should be enough. After that, you can return to have lunch in the center of Bonito.
Accommodation in Bonito
If you’re looking for a hotel to stay in Bonito, my suggestion is to check Booking.com, one of the most reliable hotel booking systems in Brazil!
Besides booking your accommodation with safety, on Booking you’ll find offers and the best prices. Keep in mind that when you make your reservation using the links from the blog, you’re helping me without spending a single dime in exchange.
I hope you liked this post, and keep following the trip through Bonito. If you’ve been to Gruta São Miguel, or if you have any questions, feel free to leave a commentary on this post. Thank you and see you soon!
