Ibirá is one of the most charming hydromineral resorts in the state of São Paulo. Located in the Central-West region of São Paulo, the municipality has established itself as a hub for health tourism and relaxation, especially in the winter, when it attracts visitors seeking tranquility and cozy attractions. So, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital, it’s worth discovering what to do in Ibirá!
With just 11,000 residents, Ibirá retains the welcoming atmosphere of a small town. But the area’s greatest asset is its hydromineral treasure: Ibirá’s waters have a chemical composition that is rare in Brazil, making them a national benchmark for medical treatments.
A century-old tradition and medicinal vanadium-rich waters
The region’s reputation for therapeutic benefits is nothing new. Historical accounts indicate that indigenous peoples were already using Ibirá’s thermal waters to treat illnesses as early as the 18th century. It wasn’t until 1942, however, that doctors and researchers officially recognized the town as a hydromineral resort.
Scientific analyses have explained the success of the springs: the presence of a high pH and high levels of the mineral vanadium. This combination creates vanadium-rich waters, which are extremely rare: aside from Ibirá, there is only one other spa in the world (in Vichy, France) with these properties.
Bathing in these springs helps lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, and relieve digestive problems, in addition to having a rejuvenating effect. Furthermore, the vanadium-rich waters help alleviate joint pain and treat skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis.
What to do in Ibirá: a guide to the city of hot springs
The tour begins at the Ibirá Thermal Spa Park, a complex featuring five natural springs. There, visitors can enjoy the best of the thermal waters, with thermal pools, soaking tubs, and massages.
In addition to the medicinal treatments at the Ibirá hot springs, the park offers paddleboat rides on the lake, barbecue kiosks, a walking trail, and lawns perfect for picnics. Meanwhile, in the town center, visitors will find historic churches, tree-lined squares, and a culinary circuit featuring bars and pastry shops typical of the countryside.
Ibirá is 420 kilometers from São Paulo, about a 5- to 6-hour drive, depending on traffic conditions. That’s why this destination is perfect for extended breaks and long weekends, giving you more time to enjoy the charms of São Paulo’s countryside.
