Background

Gruta do Lago Azul: A Subterranean Spectacle

Discover the Gruta do Lago Azul in Bonito, Brazil: a natural monument with a stunning blue lake and ancient fossils.

4.9

Gruta do Lago Azul Natural Monument, or Blue Lake Cave, is a mesmerizing cave in Bonito, Brazil, featuring a stunning subterranean lake with crystal-clear, intensely blue waters. Discovered in 1924 by a local Terena Indian, the cave holds ancient secrets, including fossils of prehistoric mammals dating back over 12,000 years.

A brief summary to Gruta do Lago Azul Natural Monument

Local tips

  • Wear closed-toe shoes like sneakers, as they are mandatory for the tour due to the uneven path and 300-step staircase.
  • Book your tour in advance through a local tourism agency, as spots are limited to preserve the environment.
  • Visit between September and February to witness the most intense blue color of the lake, caused by direct sunlight.
  • Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water for a more comfortable visit.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From Bonito city center, the Gruta do Lago Azul is approximately 20 km away. Head northeast on MS-178, then turn onto Rodovia Frida Garzella dos Santos, following the signs to the Gruta do Lago Azul Natural Monument. The drive takes around 30 minutes. Parking is available near the entrance. As tours must be booked in advance through an agency, ensure your transportation is arranged with them. There are no tolls on this route. Parking costs are typically included in the tour package.

  • организованный тур

    The most convenient way to visit Gruta do Lago Azul is through a tour booked with a local agency in Bonito. These tours typically include transportation from your hotel in Bonito to the cave entrance, as well as the entrance fee and a guided tour of the cave. The cost of the tour varies depending on the agency and the season, but typically ranges from R$150 to R$250 per person. Confirm pickup time and location when booking. This removes the need for independent transportation and ensures a seamless experience.

Unlock the Best of Gruta do Lago Azul Natural Monument

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Gruta do Lago Azul Natural Monument

The Gruta do Lago Azul Natural Monument, located near Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, is a protected area renowned for its breathtaking caves and unique calcareous formations. The main attraction, the Blue Lake Cave, features a subterranean lake that shimmers with a vibrant blue color, especially between September and February when sunlight penetrates through an opening in the cave's ceiling. This creates a spectacle of reflections on the water. The cave's main hall slopes down to a lake over 50 meters long, with the entrance being approximately 40 meters in diameter. Divers have explored the depths of the lake, discovering fossils of giant sloths, saber-toothed tigers, and other large mammals from the Pleistocene era, revealing the region's ancient past. The Gruta de Nossa Senhora Aparecida, another cave within the monument, is currently closed to visitors for safety reasons but contains unique speleothems that resemble angels. Visiting the Gruta do Lago Azul is a unique ecotourism experience. Access to the cave is controlled to preserve its fragile environment, and visitors must be accompanied by guides. A trail and a staircase with approximately 300 steps lead to the cave's interior.

Popular Experiences near Gruta do Lago Azul Natural Monument

Popular Hotels near Gruta do Lago Azul Natural Monument

Select Currency