How to Get to Bonito & the Pantanal

Bonito lies in the interior of Mato Grosso do Sul, in Brazil’s Centre-West. It sounds remote, but the logistics are simpler than many expect. This guide covers the routes in — and how to continue from there into the Pantanal.

Arriving in Brazil

International travellers generally arrive via São Paulo (Guarulhos, GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (Galeão, GIG), the main gateways, and from there take a domestic flight towards Mato Grosso do Sul.

Option 1: Campo Grande Airport (CGR)

Campo Grande, the state capital, has the region’s main airport, with frequent domestic flights. From Campo Grande to Bonito is about 300 km — roughly 4 hours on paved road. It is the most common route and offers the widest choice of schedules.

Option 2: Bonito Airport (BYO)

Bonito has had its own airport since 2005, just 15 km (about 15 minutes) from the town centre. Frequencies are smaller and seasonal, but there are direct flights operated by carriers such as Azul (from Campinas/Viracopos) and Latam (from Guarulhos), which can shorten the trip considerably. It is worth checking the current schedule when planning your dates.

Transfers and road travel

From Campo Grande to Bonito there are private transfers, vans and regular buses (operated by companies such as Cruzeiro do Sul, with daily departures). For birdwatchers, a private transfer is usually the most practical: it allows strategic stops and the flexibility to catch the first light of day.

From Bonito to the Pantanal

Bonito is an excellent base for reaching the southern Pantanal. The most-used gateways lie around Miranda and Aquidauana, a few hours’ drive to the north, from where the plain is accessed via the Estrada Parque Pantanal. Because conditions vary with the season — especially between flood and drought — internal travel is planned according to the period and the targets of the expedition.

Leave the logistics to those who know

Coordinating flights, transfers and the best access to each biome at the right time of year makes a real difference to your results in the field. Bird Bonito arranges the transfers and the itinerary end to end, so you can focus on what matters: the birds.

Planning to visit the region? Talk to Bird Bonito and we will take care of the logistics of your birdwatching trip.