Boca da Onça, Bodoquena MS: a waterfall trail and Brazil biggest abseil

Boca da Onça gathers in a single valley the tallest waterfall in Mato Grosso do Sul, a trail passing several falls with pools to swim in, and an abseil of around 90 metres. It is the most physically demanding full-day outing in the region.

What Boca da Onça is

Boca da Onça lies in the municipality of Bodoquena, within the Serra da Bodoquena range, a little over an hour by road from Bonito. It is a narrow valley carved by the Rio Salobra, with a sequence of waterfalls — and among them the tallest fall in the state, which gives the place its name.

Unlike most attractions in the region, this is not a single point but a route. The trail drops to the valley floor and follows the river for hours, with stops to swim in the pools at the foot of the falls, before a vehicle brings you back along a service road.

The three ways to visit

Boca da Onça runs options that differ sharply from one another, and choosing the wrong one is what causes disappointment.

The abseil is booked separately and is usually combined with the trail on the same day. It requires no previous experience but it does require willingness: the descent is free-hanging, with the wall away from you and nothing under your feet.

What the waterfall trail is like

• It starts with a long, continuous descent to the valley floor.
• It passes a sequence of falls, several with their own pool for swimming.
• It alternates shaded forest with open stretches beside the river.
• There is a meal stop partway through.
• It ends with a vehicle transfer — you do not climb back up the same drop.

Not every fall on the route allows swimming, and that changes with the river level on the day. Anyone who wants to make the most of the pools has to manage their time: lingering at the first falls means rushing the last ones.

When to go

Waterfalls and snorkel floats want opposite seasons. Here the rainy months make the falls fuller and more spectacular, at the cost of a slippery trail and possible closure on days of heavy rain. The dry season delivers firm ground and stable days, with less powerful falls. There is no wrong choice — only mismatched expectations.

What to bring

• Closed trainers with good soles. This is not a flip-flop outing.
• Swimwear under your walking clothes.
• A dry change for the journey back.
• Water and stamina: the route is long and hot in places.
• Sunscreen and repellent applied before you start the trail.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be an athlete for the trail?

No, but you need to be willing to walk for several hours with a significant drop and climb. Knee problems show up on the descent; poor stamina shows up throughout.

Can I see the tall waterfall without doing the trail?

Yes. There is a low-effort viewpoint visit for people who want the scenery without the full day of walking.

Does the abseil require experience?

No experience is required and the team manages the descent with you. It does require tolerance for heights — the wall falls away and your feet hang in the air for much of the way.

Written by: Adriano Habermann Last updated: September 13, 2026