Affectionately nicknamed the “Brazilian Orlando, ” Olímpia is home to much more than just Brazil’s largest hot springs complex. The city is considered the national capital of folklore and welcomes around 3 million tourists a year, especially during these winter holidays.
Named in honor of Maria Olímpia, daughter of local politician Antônio Olímpio and goddaughter of Robert John Reid, a Scottish engineer and one of the town’s founders, the city of Olímpia was founded in 1906.
Amid the expansion of the coffee industry in the interior of São Paulo, the municipality—formerly known as Vila Olímpia—grew thanks to its coffee and sugarcane plantations before discovering its main attraction: the hot springs.
It all began in 1950, when Petrobras , while drilling for oil, discovered hot water in what is now known as the Guarani Aquifer—the world’s largest underground freshwater reservoir.
That is why, in 1987, businessman Benito Benatti created Thermas dos Laranjais, taking advantage of the hot springs and establishing the region’s reputation as a national hub for water parks.
Today, the municipality is home to approximately 56,000 residents and is part of the São José do Rio Preto Metropolitan Region.
Olímpia as a Winter Vacation Destination
With a sunny and pleasant climate practically all year round, the city’s average annual temperature is usually around 23.7 °C. During the winter, temperatures rarely drop below 15 °C, which is perfect for pleasant evenings at the thermal baths in Olímpia.
With mostly sunny days, the city has become a great alternative for those looking to escape the cold of São Paulo’s capital. In addition to its thermal water parks, the destination offers other attractions related to cultural events and ecotourism.
From Culture to Nature: Tourism in the Region
In August, the city hosts the Folklore Festival, an event that earned the municipality the title of National Capital of Folklore. Held for over 50 years, the festival features performances, parades, and cultural activities, attracting more than 100,000 visitors.
While waiting for the festival to begin, it’s worth checking out the Maria Olímpia Museum of History and Folklore. With a collection of about 3,000 items, a crafts room, and a library, the museum focuses entirely on regional popular culture.
Far beyond the warm pools, the region offers other attractions that draw nature lovers. Located on the Floresta Farm, the area features a 2-kilometer trail that leads to a cave, a lake, and a waterfall surrounded by forest, various plant species, and even wild animals.
Another interesting attraction is the Aguapey Orchid Garden, created with the goal of preserving orchid cultivation. The visit combines a peaceful stroll through nature with a tour of the greenhouses and an itinerary that emphasizes environmental education.
In addition, there is also Praia do Mirante, an artificial beach featuring a fine sandy shoreline and saltwater.
And if you’d like to go back a few million years in time, you can visit the Valley of the Dinosaurs. In short, the park features more than 30 animatronic dinosaurs that are life-sized and move and make sounds just like the real thing.
