Have you ever heard of Caxambu? This charming town in Minas Gerais is about 310 kilometers from São Paulo and is the ideal destination to relax during the winter. After all, there you’ll find the largest hydromineral complex on the planet, with more than 10 hot springs! So if you’re in need of a rejuvenating getaway, check out what to do in Caxambu now.
With just 21,000 residents, the city offers the best of relaxation, history, and architecture. It’s the perfect getaway for travelers from São Paulo who want to slow down and, on top of that, sample the delicious cuisine of Minas Gerais!
“Miraculous” hot springs cured the princess
Before the arrival of Europeans, the Caxambu region was inhabited by the Cataguase and Puri indigenous peoples. It is estimated that the city’s current name comes from the ancient Tupi word “ catã-mbu, ” which means “bubbling water” or “boiling bubbles.”
Until the early 19th century, the region consisted of only a few rural estates. Its development began in 1814, when residents discovered the hot springs and the town began to welcome visitors from all over the colony—including members of the Brazilian imperial family.
In 1868, Princess Isabel visited the hydromineral complex with her husband, the Count d’Eu, as she was suffering from severe anemia and was unable to conceive. Since some of the waters are rich in iron, her stay led to a cure for the princess’s infertility —an event that brought even greater fame to the waters of Caxambu.
With 12 mineral springs from different sources, the Parque das Águas de Caxambu is currently considered the largest of its kind in the world. It is home to the Balneário de Caxambu, built in 1912, which offers therapeutic baths, thermal pools, massages, and saunas.
What else is there to do in Caxambu?
You’ve probably already figured out that the medicinal waters are Caxambu’s main attraction. But there’s so much more to explore there! For those looking to go up high, it’s worth taking the cable car up to Morro de Caxambu, whose observation deck offers a panoramic view of the town.
The Caxambu Historical Museum chronicles the city’s history, including details of the imperial family’s visit. Finally, the Church of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1897) was built at the initiative of Princess Isabel in gratitude for her cure from infertility. Now a city landmark, it features impressive Neo-Gothic architecture.
