The 300-meter walk that separates the receptive from the imposing mouth of the cave precede the anxiety of entering one of the most impressive cavities of Bonitoa municipality in Mato Grosso do Sul that is the Brazilian capital of ecotourism.
Once here, one descends 78 steps amidst stalactites and limestone formations until darkness takes over the enclosure – as the entry of light is restricted by the shape of the opening of the place. It is at this moment that the powerful lanterns are lit and reveal, at the bottom, a lake of waters as clear and crystalline as our eyes can see.
so is the Mimoso Grotto, Bonito’s newest attraction which offers floating and diving in the interior waters of the cavity, which can reach up to 70 meters in depth. Officially inaugurated on January 2 this year, the site started to receive tourists after more than 10 years of studies and installation and operation license procedures, according to the attraction’s management.
But its history is older: despite not being the first flooded cave suitable for diving in Brazil, the Gruta do Mimoso was the main cave for the practice in the country in the 1990s, where many divers started their training. Now legally authorized for tourism, the property is located about 35 km from the center of Beautifulnear Nascente Azul and Rio do Peixe towards the city of Bodoquena, opens its doors for visitors to appreciate the natural beauties that surround the place.
Unlike what happens with the Blue Lake Grotto, postcard from Bonitothe Gruta do Mimoso is a private property where visitors can swim in the waters of the flooded cave, contrary to the strict protocols of contemplation of Lago Azul, where rules are applied to preserve the natural heritage.
An ideal itinerary is to try to visit the Gruta do Lago Azul first and then float in the Gruta do Mimoso on the same day, in order to understand the differences and have the opportunity to see the waters of a cave up close.
Preparations
Recently built, the reception area of Gruta do Mimoso has a place for the registration of visitors, who must have scheduled a prior time to visit the cave. For now, in this inaugural period, the destination has only worked with floating and diving, and the contemplation activity will be implemented gradually.
Thus, the tour begins with the change of clothes and the delivery of equipment in the changing rooms. For buoyancy, visitors must wear a bathing suit underneath and wear a wetsuit, as well as proper shoes for diving. Regardless of the modality, everyone receives a protective helmet.
Accompanied by a guide, the group of no more than 10 people follows a route for about 300 meters to the showers, where tourists refresh themselves and remove any chemical products. Just ahead is the mouth of the grotto, with a deck and wooden steps that lead to the long-awaited walk.
It is interesting to know that the 78-step staircase can be partially submerged at certain times of the year due to the oscillation of the inland waters, since the lake has elevation changes according to the rains. CNN Travel & Gastronomy visited the place in early February, and the waters were very low, but still revealed impressive natural and geological beauties.
floating and diving
Once inside the cavity, our eyes get used to the little light inside, where stalactites (formations that start from the ceiling) and stalagmites (formations that start from the floor) reveal rare works of nature made over thousands of years. Mysterious and fascinating place, you must be prepared to enter the cave, as the darkness and stairs can intimidate some visitors.
The cave is divided into different rooms, the first of which is a space with beautiful formations where anyone can contemplate the natural beauties even without entering the water. The rest of the halls can only be accessed through diving.
Main activity to do in Bonitoa fluctuation here is different from Sucuri River or the River of silverfor example: it has less biodiversity and a limited space, but it is special because it is made inside a cavity – unprecedented tour in destination. The wetsuit helps to contain the cold sensation of the water and, equipped with waterproof masks, snorkel and flashlight, visitors enter the lake and float around the enclosure.
It’s amazing to be able to look down and notice the huge rock formations right under your feet. In and out of the water, the lights of the lanterns hit the rocks and edges of the cave, revealing blue tones and creating a environment beyond photogenic. In all, including directions outside the cave, the tour lasts about 1h30.
In addition to fluctuation, scuba diving they are also carried out alongside guides – sometimes even with both activities taking place at the same time. Among the modalities, there are from baptism diving (a species of sample for those who do not have certification) to the most advanced, in which only certified divers contemplate the depths of the waters, where they get to see the cone hall – submerged limestone formations with almost eight meters high.
Starting in March, the float at Gruta do Mimoso will cost BRL 219 in low season and BRL 259 in high season. Both baptismal and accredited diving will cost R$ 400 in low and high season.
Service
Gruta do Mimoso, Bonito, MS (Road MS-178 towards Bodoquena)
Activities: floating, diving and contemplation in the grotto
It has free Wi-Fi for visitors and the sale of snacks and drinks
More information by WhatsApp: (67) 9715-4500
Instagram: @passeiogrutadomimoso
Source: CNN Brasil