Located 230 km from São Paulo is a mineral spa famous for its mineral waters with therapeutic properties. São Lourenço is in the south of our neighboring state of Minas Gerais, and you simply must visit it!
A true sanctuary of well-being, the region is widely known for helping people recover physically, improve digestive and metabolic functions, and reduce stress.
Although the effects have not been scientifically proven, São Lourenço is a highly sought-after destination for relaxation and integrative health. In fact, the city is considered one of the most importantmineral water resorts in the country.
And this success is nothing new! Following the discovery and development of its mineral water springs, the city began attracting visitors as early as the beginning of the 20th century.
After separating from Pouso Alto and becoming a municipality, São Lourenço grew and began to welcome important figures. One example is former President Getúlio Vargas, who was drawn to its beneficial mineral waters.
Parque das Águas
São Lourenço lies at the foot of the Mantiqueira Mountains and is known nationwide as the hub of Parque das Águas, which is home to nine mineral water springs. Each has a chemical composition suited for specific treatments.
The natural carbonated, sulfurous, alkaline, carbonated, ferruginous, and magnesium-rich waters are known to have diuretic, digestive, and detoxifying effects. In addition, the park is managed by Minalba, which bottles and distributes the water.
The city’s main attraction, the park, covers approximately 430,000 square meters of green space. In addition to a spa, it features a lake of about 90,000 square meters with paddleboats.
For those who enjoy exploring nature, the region also offers gardens and hiking trails. But if you just want to relax, the hydrotherapy center features bubble baths or salt baths, massages, and saunas.
If you’d like to explore the city’spostcard-perfect spot, it’s quite simple: just buy a ticket starting at R$ 20 at the ticket office and go! Visitors are free to plan their own water tour and explore the springs, which feature signs explaining their uses and providing additional information.
The Royal Road and the Collectible Historical Itinerary
In addition to its mineral waters, the city also features sections of the so-called “old trail.” This was the first route officially recognized by the Portuguese Crown to connect Vila Rica (Ouro Preto) to other gold-producing regions and the Port of Paraty on the coast of Rio.
The route was part of the Estrada Real, a network of official roads along which gold and diamonds were transported to the ports that shipped these riches to Portugal.
Anyone traveling along the Estrada Real—whether on foot, by 4×4, or by bicycle—receives a stamp in their passport at specific points in the towns. This has even become a collector’s item for the most enthusiastic tourists.
Overall, São Lourenço has three accredited locations for collecting stamps: the Tourist Attractions Center, Parque das Águas, and the Novo Hotel Real.
