I have to admit that the idea for this article came about for personal reasons. I love visiting places with hot springs in São Paulo, even in the summer, and I was looking for some destinations not too far from the capital. So, I thought to myself: “I can’t be the only person who avoids the freezing water of the ocean or waterfalls!”
So, if you also prefer to relax in the warmth, check out some of the cities with hot springs in the interior of São Paulo! With extra options in Minas Gerais, so you can take advantage of your time off to explore the other side of the border.
Just a few hours from the capital, Serra Negra is also part of the São Paulo Hot Springs Circuit. The Serra Negra Spa is the most famous attraction, offering relaxing baths and treatments. Additionally, at Parque das Fontes, visitors can explore the springs in their natural habitat, nestled within the Atlantic Forest.
In addition, the city is known as the “Brazilian Italy,” home to a replica of the Trevi Fountain and wine tours that include tastings of artisanal wines.
Águas de Lindóia is considered the thermal capital of Brazil. That’s exactly why it’s the best known and most visited!
Currently, the Águas de Lindóia Municipal Spa offers not only therapeutic baths for treating ailments but also relaxing and moisturizing baths, massages, lymphatic drainage, Scottish showers, and other services.
When it comes to lodging, there’s no shortage of options for all types of travelers and budgets. In other words, feel free to look around—you’ll have plenty of choices. In any case, Pousada Morro Verde offers the perfect combination of proximity to downtown and contact with nature.
The smallest municipality in São Paulo is one of the eleven municipalities in the state designated as hydromineral resorts.
At the Dr. Octávio Moura Andrade Municipal Spa, you can enjoy the waters and treatments at the Thermal Spa. Here, you’ll find three types of springs: the Fountain of Youth, the Gioconda Spring, and the Almeida Salles Spring. Each one has medicinal and healing properties.
For lodging, our top pick for value is Piccola Pousada, which has ten suites—some of which allow pets. Plus, there’s a pool, an indoor garden, and breakfast included with your stay.
São Pedro
Thermas Water Park, also known as Thermas de São Pedro, is the perfect spot to enjoy hot springs with the kids in São Paulo.
The park is one of the largest on the continent and offers attractions for all ages, from wave pools and extreme water slides to whirlpools and hot tubs. There are over 1 million liters of hot water for you to relax in!
At the Mizael Marques Sobrinho Spa, you can access the city’s medicinal hot springs. According to the Águas de Santa Barbara City Hall, its alkaline-radioactive waters are used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
The municipal spa features facilities that include tubs for individual treatments, a hot tub, a sauna, and indoor and outdoor pools. Admission to the site is free, but treatments are paid.
Among the best lodging options is the Green Village Hotel. The resort is equipped for those who want to enjoy the benefits of hot springs without sacrificing comfort. After all, here, guests have access to swimming pools, a sauna, a waterfall, and a spa.
Piratininga
Piratininga is located in the Bauru region, in the center of the state. In the 1980s, while searching for oil, experts discovered brackish thermal waters beneath the municipality, which transformed it into a tourist resort focused on relaxation and wellness.
The city’s main spa is Novo Thermas de Piratininga. In addition to sulfur-rich waters that spring from the ground at over 40°C, the facility also offers pools with water slides and its own lake for swimming.
Ibirá is located in the northwestern region of the state, between the cities of Catanduva and São José do Rio Preto. Five springs make up the Termas de Ibirá hydro-mineral complex, where you can enjoy vanadic, alkaline, and bicarbonate mineral waters, among others.
Visitors can enjoy the pools, lakes, the small islet, and the mini-peninsula in a setting that allows for a true immersion in nature. In addition, you can pay for services such as massages, soaking baths, and many others.
Lins
In the central-western part of the state, Lins is another key destination for those looking to relax in São Paulo’s hot springs. This quiet town offers visitors a breath of fresh air and tranquility, making it a great option for a family trip.
For accommodations, we recommend the Blue Tree Thermas de Lins resort. The complex offers guests an abundance of comfort and tranquility, with a spa, massages, and a variety of special baths. In other words, it’s a must-visit destination for relaxation!
Olímpia is famous for being home to the Thermas dos Laranjais hot springs park, considered the 5th largest in the world and the most visited in Latin America. In other words, the city is the right choice if you have kids, because the facilities are perfect for fun for all ages!
The Wyndham Olímpia Royal Hotels is considered one of the best hotels in Olímpia. It’s attached to Thermas dos Laranjais and has an exclusive entrance to the park. That’s why it’s an excellent lodging option for enjoying the hot springs in the interior of São Paulo in comfort and tranquility.
Fernandópolis
Located in the northwestern region of the state, Fernandópolis is the ideal getaway for those with plenty of time to spare. The city sits atop the Guarani Aquifer, one of the world’s largest freshwater reservoirs, and has hot springs that gush at nearly 60°C!
There are three springs with therapeutic properties that supply the region’s water parks. The main one is the Água Viva Thermas Resort, featuring a hotel, pools, and a spa open to all ages.
A little bonus from Minas: Poços de Caldas
Although it’s located in Minas Gerais, Poços de Caldas makes the list as a classic getaway for anyone looking for warm waters. The town, situated inside an extinct volcano, is famous for its sulfurous and medicinal hot springs. In addition to relaxing baths with temperatures ranging from 38°C to 45°C, the destination also features scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and a SESC hotel to round out the itinerary.
A little bonus from Minas: Caxambu
To round out the list with another “little gem” from Minas Gerais close to São Paulo, Caxambu, in Minas Gerais, is home to the world’s largest hydromineral complex. There are 12 hot springs with different properties, which gained fame in the 19th century for curing Princess Isabel’s infertility.
The city combines relaxation tourism—with the historic Caxambu Spa—with historical and architectural attractions, such as the Historical Museum and the Church of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. That’s why it’s a great option for enjoying hot springs close to São Paulo.
