Bonito history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of modern Bonito begins in the second half of the 19th century. Initially, these territories were part of the vast district of Miranda. The starting point of settlement is considered to be the purchase of a plot of land known as the Rincão Bonito fazenda (farm) by Captain Luiz da Costa Leite Falcão in 1869. It was around this estate that the future settlement began to form.

The settlement received official recognition in 1915, when the administrative district of Bonito was created. The city gained the status of an independent municipality significantly later — in 1948.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the city was determined by a unique combination of natural and social conditions:

• Geography: Its location on the Serra da Bodoquena plateau, with its karst landscapes and crystal-clear rivers, created a specific environment that first attracted farmers and later became the foundation of world-class eco-tourism.
• Migration: Settlers from southern Brazil and neighbouring states actively arrived in the region, seeking free lands for development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before becoming a tourism mecca, Bonito developed as a typical agrarian centre of the Brazilian interior. The economy of the first decades was based on two main directions:

• Livestock Farming: Cattle breeding was the main occupation of the first settlers and the basis of local trade.
• Agriculture: Fertile soils allowed for the cultivation of crops necessary to meet the needs of the growing population.

The cultural way of life in early Bonito was formed in isolation from large coastal cities, preserving the traditions of rural life and a close connection with the surrounding nature.

Key Dates in the History of Bonito

• 1869 — Captain Luiz da Costa Leite Falcão purchases the lands of the Rincão Bonito fazenda, which is considered the beginning of the colonisation of this territory.
• 1915 — The administrative district of Bonito is formed, which at that time was subordinate to the municipality of Miranda.
• 1948 — Bonito officially receives the status of an independent municipality and the right to elect its own mayor.
• 1977 — As a result of the division of the state of Mato Grosso, the city becomes part of the new state of Mato Grosso do Sul.
• 1978 — The famous Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave) is listed as a national historical heritage site, marking the first step towards tourism development.
• 1995 — The unique "Single Voucher" system is implemented to control the tourist flow and preserve the fragile ecosystem of the region.
• 2005 — Opening of the Bonito regional airport for regular commercial flights, which significantly simplified logistics for travellers.
• 2013 — The city receives the prestigious World Responsible Tourism Awards in London as the best responsible tourism destination in the world.
• 2022 — Bonito is officially recognised as the world's first carbon-neutral eco-tourism destination.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Bonito is an example of how a remote agrarian region was able to transform into a global benchmark for sustainable tourism. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city.

• Consolidation of the Agrarian Economy (Early 20th Century)

  For a long time, the basis of the settlement's life remained livestock and agriculture. This formed the primary infrastructure of the region and the cultural code of the local residents ("sertanejo"), which persists to this day, harmoniously coexisting with the tourism industry.

• Gaining Administrative Independence (1948)

  Separation from the municipality of Miranda gave Bonito the opportunity to manage its budget independently. This became an important urban planning stage: the formation of its own government institutions, street planning, and city services oriented towards the needs of the local population began.

• Recognition of Natural Value (1970s – 1980s)

  The listing of the Gruta do Lago Azul cave as a national heritage site was a turning point. This event shifted the focus from using land for agriculture to preserving natural riches, initiating the first scientific expeditions and spontaneous tourism.

• Organisational Revolution: Voucher System (1995)

  The implementation of a unique visitor control system (Voucher Único) was a major economic and environmental breakthrough. This solution allowed the city to:

  • Eliminate illegal tourism and price dumping.
  • Guarantee tax revenue for the city budget.
  • Strictly control the anthropogenic load on nature, preserving the transparency of the rivers.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough (2005)

  The opening of the regional airport and improvement of the road network connected the isolated city with major Brazilian centres. This led to a change in the tourist profile: "wild" travellers were replaced by guests with higher demands for comfort, which stimulated the construction of high-level hotels and the development of gastronomy.

• Global Recognition and Sustainable Development (2010s – Present)

  Receiving international awards and the status of the world's first carbon-neutral eco-tourism destination definitively secured the Bonito brand. Today, the urban economy is diversified, and environmental consciousness has become part of the city's culture and educational programmes for the population.

Urban Development and Architectural Code

Bonito is a comparatively young city, so you will not find medieval Gothic or lavish colonial Baroque here. Its architectural identity began to form only in the 20th century and developed from purely utilitarian structures to modern eco-design. The look of the city is dictated by the hot climate and its status as the capital of Brazilian eco-tourism.

Main Architectural Stages

The development of Bonito clearly reflects the transformation of the region's economy from agriculture to the service sector:

• Rural Functionalism (Mid-20th Century): During the city's formative period, a simple style characteristic of the Brazilian interior prevailed. Buildings were constructed as single-storey structures with gable tiled roofs and wide eaves protecting the walls from tropical rains and the sun. Decor was practically absent, giving way to practicality.
• Modern Eco-Rustic (Since the 1990s): The tourism boom brought a new style to the city. Hotels (pousadas), restaurants, and shops began to be built with an emphasis on harmony with nature. This direction is characterised by the use of untreated wood, stone, bamboo, and straw combined with panoramic glazing. The goal of such architecture is to erase the boundary between the interior and the jungle.

Layout and Landmarks

The city has a regular layout classic for the region, which makes navigation very simple. Urban development is concentrated around the main axis running through the centre.

• Pilad Rebuá Street (Rua Pilad Rebuá): The city's main artery ("Coronel" Pilad Rebuá). This is the showcase of Bonito, where historical single-storey facades sit alongside modern travel agencies. In the evening, the street turns into a lively promenade with bright illumination.
• Liberty Square (Praça da Liberdade): The central public space that shaped the modern look of the centre. The square is known for its landscape design and the famous Piraputanga Monument (Monumento das Piraputangas) — a sculptural composition featuring giant fish, which is the most recognisable man-made symbol of the city.

Historical Figures and Cultural Personalities of Bonito

The history of Bonito is a chronicle of brave pioneers, visionary politicians, and talented creators who turned a remote fazenda into the world capital of eco-tourism.

• Luiz da Costa Leite Falcão
  Pioneer and Founder
  Captain Falcão is considered a key figure in the history of the region's settlement. In 1869, he purchased the Rincão Bonito fazenda, the lands of which became the core of the future city. He also served as the first local notary and justice of the peace, laying the foundations for the administrative management of the settlement.
• Pilad Rebuá
  Colonel, Surveyor, and Politician
  An engineer and public figure who played a decisive role in the urbanisation of Bonito. It was he who designed the city development plan and demarcated the streets. His contribution is immortalised in the name of the city's main street — Colonel Pilad Rebuá Street, which is the centre of tourist life today.
• Manuel Inácio de Faria
  Captain and Co-founder
  A prominent political figure of the early 20th century. In cooperation with Pilad Rebuá, he facilitated the official founding of the city in 1927, working to ensure the settlement received official administrative status and infrastructure.
• Theodorico de Góes Falcão, known as "Bijú"
  Poet, Historian, and Writer
  The son of the city's founder, Luiz da Costa Leite Falcão. He became the main guardian of the region's memory, writing the book "Histórias de Bonito" ("Stories of Bonito"). Thanks to his works, many facts about the early stages of colonisation and the daily life of the first settlers have been preserved.
• Celair Ramos Peralta, known as "Buga"
  Artist and Artisan
  An outstanding representative of local culture, born in the Serra da Bodoquena region. She became famous for her work with ceramics and textiles, which reflect the natural beauty and traditions of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. She is a regular participant in the Bonito Winter Festival.
• Elinor Nolasco Falcão, known as "Noé"
  Keeper of Oral History
  Grandson of Captain Falcão, who dedicated his life to preserving the historical heritage of his family and the city. He was known as the chief storyteller of Bonito, passing on knowledge of the past to new generations and researchers.
• Dorival, known as "Conde"
  Documentary Photographer
  A legendary local photographer who documented the development of the city and its natural beauties for over 40 years. His archive is an invaluable chronicle of Bonito's transformation from an agrarian village into a world-class tourist centre.