Serra da Bodoquena National Park

Serra da Bodoquena National Park at a Glance

About Serra da Bodoquena National Park

Serra da Bodoquena National Park protects a section of the Serra da Bodoquena massif in western Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, preserving karst plateaus, caves and clear-water river systems. The park conserves a transition zone between Cerrado and Atlantic Forest vegetation.

The karst caves and subterranean springs, numerous waterfalls and clear rivers that run through limestone valleys. Outdoor activities include hiking to waterfalls, short river swims and observing riparian and forest wildlife.

The park was created to protect the distinctive karst landscape and its water resources and to conserve regional biodiversity. It forms part of a broader protected landscape around the Bodoquena plateau that is important for freshwater systems feeding the Pantanal and nearby basins.

Geographically the park lies in western Mato Grosso do Sul, with popular visitor towns such as Bonito and Bodoquena serving as access points. The terrain is a mix of limestone plateaus, valleys and forested slopes.

Conservation purpose: Serves as a conservation unit protecting karst landscapes and clear-water rivers typical of the Bodoquena plateau region.
Access points: Commonly visited from nearby towns such as Bonito and Bodoquena, which act as bases for cave and river excursions in the area.

What to See#

Karst and caves: Limestone and karst systems including caves and sinkholes that feed clear rivers and subterranean springs, forming the area’s signature geology.
Rivers and waterfalls: Waterfalls, clear streams and river pools that are used for swimming and short canyon hikes along marked trails.
Vegetation and wildlife: A mosaic of Cerrado and seasonal forest vegetation at the interface with Atlantic Forest, supporting diverse bird and mammal life.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Serra da Bodoquena National Park

Visit in the dry season for the most reliable access and safer exploration of rivers, caves, and trails.

Dry season

May-September · 22-32°C

Best for hiking, river tours, and cave visits; trails are drier and safer.

Wet season

November-April · 20-30°C

Heavier rain can make roads and tracks difficult; waterfalls are fuller but access is harder.

Weather & Climate near Serra da Bodoquena National Park

Climate

Serra da Bodoquena National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1326 mm/year), wettest in December.

Air Quality: AQI 55 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

AugustJulyJune

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

43°

Warmest Month

0°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	Very Good	20° - 30°	25°	177 mm	partly cloudy	73%	2.6 m/s	2.7 extreme	13.1h
February	Very Good	19° - 30°	24°	144 mm	partly cloudy	74%	2.4 m/s	2.5 extreme	12.7h
March	Very Good	19° - 29°	24°	135 mm	partly cloudy	73%	2.3 m/s	2.3 extreme	12.1h
April	Excellent	17° - 28°	22°	107 mm	some cloud	71%	2.6 m/s	1.8 very high	11.5h
May	Very Good	14° - 25°	20°	98 mm	partly cloudy	74%	2.9 m/s	1.2 high	11.0h
June	Excellent	13° - 24°	18°	58 mm	some cloud	72%	3.1 m/s	0.9 moderate	10.7h
July	Excellent	12° - 24°	18°	40 mm	some cloud	63%	3.3 m/s	1.0 high	10.8h
August	Ideal	13° - 26°	20°	41 mm	mostly sunny	53%	3.3 m/s	1.3 high	11.3h
September	Excellent	15° - 28°	21°	74 mm	some cloud	51%	3.4 m/s	1.5 high	11.9h
October	Very Good	17° - 29°	23°	126 mm	partly cloudy	62%	3.2 m/s	2.0 very high	12.5h
November	Very Good	18° - 30°	24°	148 mm	partly cloudy	67%	2.9 m/s	2.4 extreme	13.0h
December	Very Good	19° - 30°	25°	178 mm	partly cloudy	71%	2.7 m/s	2.6 extreme	13.3h

Getting There & Around

How to Get to Serra da Bodoquena National Park

The park is in Mato Grosso do Sul state and is typically accessed from regional towns such as Bonito; travel involves road transfer from these hubs and local guided tours for cave and river visits.

Tips for Visiting Serra da Bodoquena National Park

If planning park activities, reserve guided river trips or cave tours in advance-access can be limited in high season.
Road access can be rough-use a high-clearance vehicle for interior exploration.
Visit waterfalls and caves in the cooler morning hours to avoid peak heat and enjoy better light for photography.

Serra da Bodoquena National Park