Poços de Caldas, in Minas Gerais, is a city that enchants with its natural and cultural beauty. Located 259 km from São Paulo, around 3 to 4 hours away, Poços (as the locals like to call it) is famous for its hot springs and stands out as the ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful and cozy trip.
From the aforementioned hot springs to its beautiful parks and viewpoints, the city is very popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway. romantic getaway. But it also offers incredible attractions for groups of friends and families! In this way, we can say that this refuge in Minas Gerais is a great option for anyone looking for a getaway from the capital of São Paulo. Shall we get to know it?
What to do in Poços de Caldas?
Take a relaxing dip in the thermal waters!
Poços’ most famous attractions are, of course, its hot springs. The local waters are rich in sulphur, giving them calming and medicinal effects. As a result, most tourists come to the city to experience the thermal baths and take advantage of the spa services.
The most famous place in the city is the Thermas Antônio Carlos, housed in a beautiful neoclassical building. There, tourists can enjoy more than 30 services including thermal baths, saunas, facials, holistic therapies, hydromassage, etc. The place is open to visitors and also has a delicious café and a shop selling products from Minas Gerais, such as cachaça and guava.
Another option is the Dr. Mário Mourão Spa, just 500 meters from the first. Founded in 1896, it is one of the oldest spas in the country and offers various types of baths and massages. The range of services is smaller than at Thermas, but the prices are more affordable. In other words, it’s the best option for those looking to save money.
Waterfalls, trails and gastronomic tours
Another unmissable tourist attraction in Poços de Caldas is Christ the Redeemer. Located in Parque do Cristo, it offers an incredible view of the city and the surrounding nature. You can even see cities in the state of São Paulo from up there!
You can reach Christ by cable car, by car (there is a paid parking lot up there) or on foot via the Christ Trail, which passes through a stretch of Atlantic Forest. At 1.15 kilometers long, it is a little steep and has moderate difficulty.
The José Affonso Junqueira Park, next to the Antônio Carlos Thermal Baths, has beautiful vegetation and is an indispensable stop for a romantic walk for two. But there is also a playground so it’s a fun attraction for children and families.
Poços de Caldas Municipal Market is the perfect place to stock up on Minas Gerais cheeses, cachaças, milk sweets and other typical products from our neighbors. Around the city you’ll also find several waterfalls, such as the Véu das Noivas waterfall and the Cascata das Antas . In other words, there’s something for everyone!
Practical travel tips
As Poços de Caldas is about 4 hours from São Paulo, we recommend that you have at least two days to make the trip. The main routes there are the Fernão Dias Highway (BR-381) or the Bandeirantes Highway (SP-348), which guarantee a quick and comfortable trip.
If you want to get away from cars for a while, our tip is to stay in the center, close to the José Afonso Junqueira Park. After all, the location will allow you to reach most of the attractions on foot, from the thermal baths to the cable car to Cristo.
Finally, the best time to visit Poços de Caldas depends on your preferences. Winter is ideal for those who want to relax in the thermal waters, while summer is perfect for outdoor activities such as parks and waterfalls. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, have mild temperatures, making them pleasant for both of the programs described. So, whatever the season, Poços de Caldas will always have something special to offer!
