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São Mateus Cave

4.8
·2k reviews·, Brazil

Discover the ancient wonders of São Mateus Cave, a geological marvel with captivating formations and insightful guides.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Timed group tours

Essential for entry

CrowdMedium
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Dentro, varias formações irão te encantar!

São Mateus Cave

Best Time

Timed group tours

Essential for entry

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the ancient wonders of São Mateus Cave, a geological marvel with captivating formations and insightful guides.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"A fascinating cave with so many different formations, more informative and interesting than expected!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Ahead Online

Tours are timed and must be booked in advance via a Bonito tour agency. :ticket:

Engaging Guides

Guides provide great education about the cave and local nature. :speech_balloon:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fascinating Cave Formations

Fascinating Cave Formations

São Mateus Cave

Marvel at ancient formations sculpted over millions of years, a testament to geological history.

Informative Guided Tours

Informative Guided Tours

São Mateus Cave

Engage with knowledgeable guides who share insights into the cave's geology and local lore.

Quirky Local Museum

Quirky Local Museum

Fazenda Rincão Bonito

Explore a collection of vintage items, offering a nostalgic look at regional life.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

São Mateus Cave tours are timed and require advance booking through a Bonito tour agency. Don't miss out on this fascinating underground world!

Prepare for a Unique Experience

While the cave is smaller than some, its unique formations and informative guides make it a memorable visit. The adjacent museum offers a quirky glimpse into local history.

Best Times

When
Timed group tours
Why
Essential for entry
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Solicito dicas sobre Bonito-MS

Book Ahead Online

Tours are timed and must be booked in advance via a Bonito tour agency. :ticket:

Engaging Guides

Guides provide great education about the cave and local nature. :speech_balloon:

Family-Friendly Fun

A great option for families, offering an enjoyable and educational experience. :familywomanwoman_boy:

Unique Museum Finds

The museum has old items, a quirky collection for a quick browse. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead Online

Tours are timed and must be booked in advance via a Bonito tour agency. :ticket:

Engaging Guides

Guides provide great education about the cave and local nature. :speech_balloon:

Family-Friendly Fun

A great option for families, offering an enjoyable and educational experience. :familywomanwoman_boy:

Unique Museum Finds

The museum has old items, a quirky collection for a quick browse. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find São Mateus Cave to be a fascinating and well-guided experience, with unique formations and an informative tour. While the cave is smaller than some, its charm lies in its accessibility and the engaging nature of the guides. The adjacent museum offers a quirky, nostalgic look at local history, though its content can be a bit eclectic. Overall, it's a highly recommended family-friendly activity in Bonito.

"This cave system is reached via a forest path, guided in a timed group which you must reserve beforehand at a tour agency in Bonito. It is well worth it as the cave is fascinating albeit smaller than a cathedral. Our guide was very well informed. There is also a small museum with old fashioned trucks, typewriters, calculators and many other unrelated objects and a little information about the origins of the Fazenda Rincão Bonito, which gave its name to the town."

Alistair Clark

"The Saint Matthew Grotto was very enjoyable and family friendly.
While you wait for the tour to start there's a museum boasting articles used by the locals throughout the decades as well stuffed animals donated by the local authorities.
The Grotto itself goes at about 50 meters deep into the ground and the guide will give you a vast amount of information about the cave as well as the local nature elements."

Gaspar da Silva

"The tour guides are great! The cave is nice but not overwhelming. The museum is a joke. Old stuff from everywhere without any explanation."

Nils Peters

What People Like

Fascinating cave formations
Knowledgeable guides
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Smaller than expected
Museum is quirky

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

São Mateus Cave is located on the Fazenda Rincão Bonito. Access is typically arranged through tour agencies in Bonito, which often include transportation as part of the tour package. It's recommended to book your tour in advance, as they operate on timed schedules. Reddit

Transportation is usually included when you book a tour for São Mateus Cave through a Bonito tour agency. Confirm this when making your reservation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, it is essential to book your tour for São Mateus Cave in advance. Tours are timed and managed by local agencies in Bonito. Reddit

Tickets for São Mateus Cave are purchased through tour agencies in Bonito. It's advisable to book a few days ahead, especially during peak season. Reddit

São Mateus Cave operates on timed group tours. The specific hours depend on the tour operator you book with, but generally, tours run throughout the day. Reddit

Yes, São Mateus Cave is considered family-friendly and enjoyable for children. The guided tours are informative and engaging. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The tour involves a guided walk through the cave, showcasing its unique formations. Guides are very informative about the geology and local environment. Reddit

The tour duration typically includes the cave exploration and a visit to the adjacent museum. Expect to spend around 1-2 hours in total. Reddit

In some areas, visitors are allowed to touch the formations, which are millions of years old. This is a unique opportunity to connect with geological history. Reddit

The museum features a collection of old items and artifacts from local life, offering a quirky and nostalgic glimpse into the past. Some visitors find it interesting, while others describe it as a bit random. Reddit

São Mateus Cave is described as fascinating but smaller than a cathedral. It offers a concentrated and impressive display of geological wonders. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside São Mateus Cave, but it's always best to check with your guide. Be mindful of others and avoid using flash if it disturbs the formations or other visitors. TikTok

The unique stalactites, stalagmites, and other mineral formations offer stunning photographic opportunities. The 'wish room' is also a popular spot for photos. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

São Mateus Cave is a fantastic choice for families. The guided tours are engaging and educational, making it interesting for children to learn about geology and nature. The cave itself is not overly strenuous to navigate, and the family-friendly atmosphere ensures everyone can enjoy the experience. Reddit

Don't miss the quirky museum on-site, which can be a fun distraction for kids with its collection of old items. It's a great way to break up the day and offer a different kind of discovery. Remember to book your tour in advance to secure your spot and ensure a smooth visit for the whole family. Reddit

Budget Travelers

While São Mateus Cave requires booking through a tour agency, it's often part of a package that can offer good value, especially if transportation is included. The informative guides provide a rich experience that goes beyond just seeing the cave, making it a worthwhile investment. Reddit

Consider combining your visit with other attractions in Bonito that offer similar natural beauty or educational components. The museum adds an extra layer of interest without additional cost once the tour is booked. Planning ahead and booking through a reputable agency can help you find the best rates. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the São Mateus Cave

The São Mateus Cave is a captivating underground attraction known for its intricate speleothems, formed over millions of years. Unlike some larger cave systems, São Mateus offers a more intimate experience, allowing visitors to get remarkably close to these ancient geological wonders. The guided tours are a highlight, with guides providing extensive information about the cave's formation, the minerals present, and even local folklore associated with the site. Some visitors have noted the unique opportunity to touch certain formations, a privilege that underscores the cave's preservation and the respect it commands. Reddit

The cave's relatively compact size makes it an accessible and manageable visit, suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families. The journey to the cave itself often involves a pleasant walk through a forest path, adding to the overall natural immersion. The experience is designed to be both educational and awe-inspiring, offering a glimpse into a world shaped by water and time, reminiscent of the ancient Pangea era. Reddit

Key formations to look out for include various types of stalactites and stalagmites, each with its unique shape and story. The guides often point out specific areas, such as the 'wish room,' which adds a touch of local tradition and intrigue to the exploration. The overall atmosphere is one of wonder and discovery, making it a worthwhile addition to any trip to Bonito.

The Fazenda Rincão Bonito Museum

Adjacent to the São Mateus Cave is the Fazenda Rincão Bonito museum, a collection that offers a distinct contrast to the natural beauty of the cave. This museum houses a variety of vintage items, including old trucks, typewriters, calculators, and other everyday objects that represent a bygone era. While some visitors find the collection to be a bit eclectic or even a 'joke' due to its seemingly random assortment of items, others appreciate it as a quirky glimpse into local history and the evolution of daily life in the region. Reddit

The museum's origins are tied to the Fazenda Rincão Bonito, the farm that gave its name to the town of Bonito. It serves as a repository of the past, showcasing items that were once commonplace but are now relics of technological and social change. The stuffed animals donated by local authorities also add an unusual element to the display. It's a place that sparks conversation and offers a different perspective on the area's heritage, complementing the geological focus of the cave tour. Reddit

For those interested in local culture and history, the museum provides a unique, albeit unconventional, experience. It's a chance to see tangible pieces of the past and imagine the lives of the people who used these objects. The museum is typically included in the São Mateus Cave tour, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

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