We love traveling to discover the natural wonders around the world, don’t we?! Mato Grosso do Sul has been gaining recognition among nature enthusiasts thanks to one of its destinations, the Pantanal. But did you know there’s so much more to explore in this Brazilian state? To inspire you to pack your bags, we’ve highlighted 5 stunning landscapes you can find here—check them out.
Gruta do Lago Azul
It’s hard to believe, but this place really exists! One of the most anticipated attractions in Mato Grosso do Sul is the Gruta do Lago Azul. The highlight here is the striking blue hue of its waters, a result of sunlight filtering through the cave entrance and illuminating the lake. To preserve it, the cave was designated a protected site by IPHAN (National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage) in 1978. A fascinating fact is that extinct animal bones, such as those of the giant sloth and saber-toothed tiger, were found at the lake’s bottom. Today, the lake is home to two species of albino shrimp: Potiicoara brasiliensis and Megagidiella azul.
Rio Sucuri
The Rio Sucuri’s stunning underwater landscape is due to its high limestone concentration, which acts as a natural filter, removing impurities and making it one of the clearest rivers in the world. The banks are adorned with lush, vibrant vegetation, creating a charming contrast with the river’s translucent blue. During a floating tour, colorful fish and aquatic plants are guaranteed highlights. An aerial view of the area reveals the river’s sinuous curves, resembling a snake, which explains its name.
Abismo Anhumas
It’s astounding how this flooded cave can offer so many incredible sights at once. The first impressive view for visitors to Abismo Anhumas is during the descent: a 72-meter rappel down to a floating platform. On the platform, the scene changes dramatically, with the shifting beam of light entering through the small cave entrance and changing direction with the sun’s position—truly unique. If that’s not enough, you can also enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving, experiencing an extraordinary underwater landscape due to the crystal-clear waters and large stalagmites.
Lagoa Misteriosa
Lagoa Misteriosa is yet another natural spectacle. This sinkhole holds crystal-clear waters of a deep, hypnotic blue that captivates anyone who sees it. In this fascinating setting, tourists can float or scuba dive, with the latter offering a unique perspective: viewing the trees surrounding the cave entrance from a few meters underwater. And speaking of depth, its mystery lies there. The deepest recorded mark is 220 meters, making it one of Brazil’s deepest flooded caves.
Grutas de São Miguel
The speleothems (cave formations including stalagmites and stalactites) of Grutas de São Miguel create a majestic scene. Unlike the previously mentioned caves, this one isn’t flooded. A major highlight of this tour is the option to explore it both by day and night. With a flashlight in hand, visitors can delve into this palace sculpted over billions of years, uncovering the mysteries of each of its fascinating chambers.
