Bonito: Estancia Mimosa Waterfalls Trail & Swimming Day Trip

Summary

Swim in Bonito’s wild waterfalls with a local guide, spot rare birds and taste wood-fired ranch food

You’ll follow forest trails with a local guide near Bonito, swim beneath eight unique waterfalls, watch birds flit through sunlight, and share a homemade lunch cooked over wood fire at Estancia Mimosa. Expect laughter, muddy shoes, cold river water — plus moments where time feels slower than usual.

What’s the experience like?

You know that sound when water hits rock — not crashing, more like a steady hush? That’s what pulled me off the gravel path at Estancia Mimosa, just outside Bonito. Our guide, João (who everyone seemed to know), stopped to point out a toucan overhead while I was still trying to figure out if my shoes would survive the mud. The air smelled green — sharp and sweet at the same time — and every so often you’d catch a whiff of woodsmoke drifting from the ranch kitchen. We were maybe half an hour into the trail and already I’d lost count of how many shades of green there were.

The main thing here is the waterfalls. Eight of them, each with their own quirks. Some are little trickles where you can sit under the spray; others have these natural pools deep enough for swimming (and yes, they hand you a life jacket). I’ll admit I hesitated before jumping from the diving platform — it looked higher once I was up there — but João just grinned and said “Vai!” so I did. The water was cold but not shocking, more like waking up fast. Somewhere along the way we ducked into a small cave that smelled faintly of earth and river moss. There were birds everywhere — João kept naming them in Portuguese; I tried repeating one but he laughed gently and told me to stick to English.

Lunch back at the ranch was this spread of stews and rice cooked over a wood fire. It tasted smoky and rich, nothing fancy but exactly what you want after swimming all morning. People lingered around long tables swapping stories or just staring out at the Bodoquena mountains in the distance. I’m still not sure if it was the food or just being tired from so much sun and water, but it felt like everything slowed down for an hour or two. There’s also horseback riding if you want (I skipped it — next time maybe), but honestly just sitting there listening to cicadas felt right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Estancia Mimosa trail and waterfalls

• Join small guided group
• Walk 2,800 m trail
• Observe birds and animals
• Visit eight waterfalls
• Swim in natural pools
• Stop at four viewpoints
• Explore small caves

Top questions

How long is the trail at Estancia Mimosa?

The trail is about 2,800 meters long through forest along the Mimoso River.

Can you swim in all eight waterfalls?

You can swim in several natural pools along the route; each waterfall is different.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch with homemade dishes prepared on a wood-burning stove is included.

Are guides provided during the tour?

Yes, every group is led by a specialized local guide throughout the experience.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?

You may spot birds (over 250 species), plus other animals native to the Cerrado biome.

Are life jackets provided for swimming?

Yes, life jackets are included for all swimming activities in natural pools.

Is horseback riding available at Estancia Mimosa?

Yes, guided horseback rides through forests and fields are offered as an extra activity.

What should I wear for this tour?

Closed comfortable walking shoes are mandatory; neoprene boots can be rented onsite.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Bonito hotels or meeting point arrival at Estancia Mimosa, all entry fees for trails and waterfalls within their private reserve area, guidance from a local expert throughout the walk (plus birdwatching tips if you ask), use of life jackets for swimming stops, accident insurance coverage during activities, and a big homemade lunch with regional dishes cooked over a wood-burning stove before heading back in the afternoon.