Poços de Caldas

This region has always attracted tourists to the powers of its waters; the Emperor Dom Pedro II, and Empress Dona Tereza Cristina, were the first honourable visitors. Some big names have passed through the halls of the Palace Cassino and the Palace Hotel, including Silvio Caldas, Carmen Miranda, Orlando Silva, Carlos Galhardo, Rui Barbosa, Santos Dumont, Olavo Bilac, and the president, Juscelino Kubitschek. Even today one of the hotel’s greatest attractions is its thermal pool, built within a sumptuous hall supported by carrara marble pillars. The city also offers many other attractions, including ecological activities, cultural experiences, adventure tourism and extreme sports. One of its natural attractions is the Serra de São Domingos (mountain), measuring 1,686 metres high. As well as contact with nature, Poços de Caldas offers cable car rides, visits to Christ the Redeemer (a statue measuring 16 metres tall) and, for those who love excitement, a hang-gliding runway.

Travel Tips: In Poços de Caldas, start with the charming and nourishing Thermas Antônio Carlos baths. Bathe in the sulphurous waters and take advantage of the relaxing, therapeutic massages on offer. Go for a cart/chariot (animal drawn) tour and visit the city’s main tourist spots, such as the Véu das Noivas Waterfall and the Cristais Artesanais (handmade crystals) Warehouse, where pieces are created in the Italian Murano tradition. Go around the Bortolan Dam on a schooner tour and, finally, view the city from high up on a cable car tour.