May-2014
The cave with the mysterious blue lake in Bonito
What is hidden over there in the forest?
What could it be, that dark place in the middle of the forest? It seems to be a cave, but it is not just a simple cave. It is the cave of Bonito with a spectacular blue lake. An optical illusion due to the reflection of the sunlight with fossils from the ice age hidden inside and lots of stalactites and stalagmites. I went to see this unique Brazilian treasure with my own blue eyes.
Entering the cave…
Visiting the Gruta do Lago Azul
In the morning there are a couple of tours which take you down to the cave of the blue lake. I was lucky enough to walk down into the cave with a private guide.
First I received a helmet and a hairnet to wear underneath the helmet. My guide showed me the signs that explained a bit about what had happened over here and afterwards we walked into the forest for the official visit to the Gruta do Lago Azul.
From a distance I could see a dark spot in the forest. We walked closer to the dark shape for me to find out that it was an opening in the natural wall that stood there. A large staircase, made with stones, led the way down into the cave to the blue lake.
The staircase wasn’t the most easy entrance, but it was very doable. You had to walk some meters downwards to reach the wonderful blue lake. Along the way the stones beside the staircase started looking like figures. Some even looked like animals.
Can you find the figure of a crocodile?
Stalagmites & stalactites
Stalagmites, which are formed on the floor of the cave, and the stalactites on the roof of the cave, are much younger than the massive rock in which the cave was formed. The beginning of the formation of the cave cannot yet be determined, but the formation of the calcareous rock in which the cave was formed, probably took place between 500 and 550 million years ago.
The roof of the cave
The Gruta do Lago Azul differs from the other nearby caves, since it has a large entrance, which permits direct contact with sunlight.
The sun’s rays, which penetrate the lake inside the cave, cause an optical effect of an unbelievable blue color, hence the name of the cave: Gruta do Lago Azul.
Unbelievable yet real blue colors
the saber-toothed cat
At the bottom of the lake of the cave rare species of aquatic animals less than 1cm long have been found. They only live in subterranean environments without light, which is why they are blind and without pigment.
Skeletons of animals that lived in the Pleistocene period (better known as the Ice Age), between 1 million and 10 thousand years ago, have also been found. Amongst the skeletons found, fossils of the 3 meter high giant sloth have been identified, as well as the saber-toothed cat.
They are not visible to tourists, but were found by researchers and the government doesn’t let anyone remove these fossils from the Gruta do Lago Azul.
The animals lived here when the climate must have been much drier and the humidity of the cave must have attracted them, acting like a natural trap.
Myself exploring the Gruta do Lago Azul
Details & information
Company Gruta do Lago Azul
Cost: BR $45
Note: A visit to the cave can be organized through any local travel agency in Bonito. It’s located 19km away from the city center of Bonito. The guided tour takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
*This post was sponsored. However I would never endorse a product or service I did not actually use & believe in. Reader trust is much more important. Learn More..
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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mortgagecrow.com I really liked your post.Much thanks again. Awesome.
I really liked your post.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Do you know, or do you think it’d be possible to visit this cave without a tour company? Is it possible to take a rental vehicle there, and just go in yourself?
Dear Joseph, I’m afraid not. The area around the cave is fenced. Have fun exploring! Renate