Buraco das Araras Ecoturismo
Duration1 hr, 20 mins
A 100-meter-deep sinkhole surrounded by an easy 970-meter trail. The formation began approximately 10 million years ago, when the roof of a cave collapsed and opened one of the largest sinkholes in South America.
The trail passes by two viewpoints designed for watching red macaws, which fly and land freely inside the crater. The route takes 1h20min, but visitors spend more time standing at the viewpoints than walking. The rhythm is one of pause and observation.
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Buraco das Araras began as an underground cave. Over time, infiltrated water weakened the rock structure until, approximately 200,000 years ago, the roof collapsed and opened this 100-meter-deep crater. Scientists estimate that the site’s formation process began approximately 10 million years ago.
The trail is accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility, with an adapted restroom at the reception area. The site has a rest area, free parking, Wi-Fi and a changing room. Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 people, always accompanied by an accredited monitor or guide.
📍 54 km from downtown Bonito · ⏱ 1h20 · Difficulty: easy
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The route is 970 meters long and follows a calm pace around the edge of the sinkhole. Each stop at the viewpoints allows visitors to observe the scale of the crater and the movement of the red macaws inside the depression.
The visit begins at the reception kiosk, where the guide presents the route and the safety rules. Closed shoes that are securely fastened to the foot are mandatory throughout the trail.
The first viewpoint offers a broad view of the crater. From the edge, you can see the vegetation covering the inner walls and watch the red macaws flying between the rock faces. The 100-meter depth gains perspective when you notice the size of the trees far below.
The second viewpoint has a different angle and is usually the spot with the highest concentration of macaws. Since they are free-living animals, their number and behavior vary according to the time of year, weather and time of the visit. Even on quieter days, the sinkhole landscape sustains the experience by itself.
After the viewpoints, visitors return to the reception kiosk. The common area has a souvenir shop, restrooms and a waiting area with TV and coffee. Parking is free and there is a card payment machine on site.
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● Trail distance: 970 meters
● Groups: maximum 12 people
● Footwear: closed and securely fastened to the foot is mandatory
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We recommend this tour for anyone looking for a light contact-with-nature experience, without physical demands. The trail is flat, accessible and conducted at a slow pace — ideal for families with small children, seniors and anyone who prefers observing rather than exercising. Visitors report including this tour on the first day of their itinerary precisely because it is a gentle introduction to the region.
The red macaws are the highlight, but there is no guarantee of quantity on each visit. Visitors who arrive expecting dozens of birds may find only a few. Even so, the scenery of the 100-meter sinkhole justifies the trip.
For families with children under 5 years old, we recommend extra attention at the viewpoints. The tour is calm, but the observation points require adult care.
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"Wonderful place, where you can easily spot many macaws, especially the red ones. The tour includes a very calm trail around the hole. The guides and support infrastructure are great."
— Maurício Bergerman
"One of the best tours in the region; the beauty of the place and the macaws is something you really have to see. The trail is short and easy, and the guide who was with us was great. For anyone in the Bonito region, I believe it is a ‘must-do’ tour!"
— Robson Souza
"A very interesting experience, both because of the macaws and the formation of the sinkhole. Macaws living freely, in nature, as they should. During our visit, there were not many on site, but it was beautiful to see anyway."
— Fernanda Azevedo
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Yes, this tour has no minimum age restriction. Even so, it is worth speaking with a consultant to assess whether the pace fits well with the family’s routine.
There is no guarantee. Macaws are free-living wild animals, and their presence varies according to the time of year, weather and time of day.
No special equipment is required. Bring closed shoes that are securely fastened to the foot, as well as sunscreen, repellent and a camera.
Yes. The trail is accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility, and the restroom at the reception area is adapted.
Observations about Buraco das Araras Contemplative Trail
Mandatory use of sneakers or closed-toe footwear.
Rules at Buraco das Araras Contemplative Trail
Mandatory use of closed footwear securely fastened to the feet.
Location of Buraco das Araras Contemplative Trail
Travel time: 34 minutes
Distance: 45.3 km
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