Caldas Novas, in Goiás, may seem like a distant destination for those caught up in the hustle and bustle of São Paulo. However, the city is just a 1.5-hour flight from São Paulo, making it a great option for vacation getaways or long weekends.
At the request of our readers, we at São Paulo Secreto always share tips on cities with hot springs to enjoy during the winter. If you love exploring new cultures, why not embark on an adventure in this Goiás paradise? After all, in addition to the short flight, Caldas Novas is also the world’s largest hot springs resort. There’s no better place to relax!
We’ll start by letting you know that Gol, Azul, and Latam offer direct flights between São Paulo and Caldas Novas starting at R$ 283 (one-way, price as of July 29, 2026). Cheaper than paying for tolls and gas, huh?
The world’s largest hydrothermal resort is a 1.5-hour flight from São Paulo
Located in the interior of Goiás, 170 kilometers from Goiânia, Caldas Novas combines a water park, wellness tourism, and country life. The region’s indigenous peoples were the first to discover and make use of the hot springs that flowed from the Serra de Caldas, long before colonization.
The first official historical record, however, dates back to 1722 during the expedition of the bandeirante Bartolomeu Bueno da Silva Filho, known as Anhanguera, who was searching for gold in the region. Over the decades, families began to settle around the springs, which were noted for alleviating skin ailments and diseases such as rheumatism.
Today, the village has reinvented itself as a paradise of resorts, spas, and water attractions that draw tourists from all over Brazil. Plus, the town is ideal for sampling Goiás cuisine and exploring trails in the heart of the preserved Cerrado.
Why visit Caldas Novas (GO)?
The title of “largest on the planet” is due to Caldas Novas’ more than 80 hot springs , which gush from the ground at temperatures ranging from 30°C to 58°C. The springs supply hotels, parks, and the famous Balneário Municipal, which has been offering naturally heated pools and immersion baths for over 80 years.
For those who live in São Paulo, this destination invites you to experience a countryside different from what we’re used to: without the charming wineries and Italian traditions, but with the unique flavor and accent of Goiás. And although the physical distance is great, it becomes almost imperceptible for those who have the opportunity to fly there. It’s faster than driving to Águas de Lindoia!
