Brazil's Natural Hot Springs
Brazil, a land of vibrant carnivals, lush rain forests, and captivating coastlines, also holds a hidden secret: a network of steaming natural hot springs, beckoning you to immerse yourself in their therapeutic warmth and explore the country's rich geothermic tapestry.
From the Amazonian depths to the sun-kissed shores, these havens offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and historical intrigue, leaving you rejuvenated and captivated by the raw beauty of Brazil.
Brazil's hot spring tradition stretches back centuries, interwoven with indigenous cultures and colonial advancements. Indigenous communities like the Guarani and Karajá utilized the springs' healing properties for generations, revering them as sacred spaces.
Early European settlers, drawn by the therapeutic benefits and recreational potential, established bathhouses and spas, some of which still stand today as testaments to the enduring allure of these natural wonders.
From the historic Caldas da Imperatriz, once frequented by Brazilian royalty, to the modern balneotherapy centers found across the country, hot springs continue to captivate visitors with their historical charm and therapeutic allure.
Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay. As always I suggest getting travel insurance in case nature rears her head and cancels your travel.
The Best Time for a Thermal Getaway
Each season offers its own unique charm at Brazil's natural hot springs:
Spring (September-November): Enjoy mild temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds. Perfect for a relaxing soak and exploring the surrounding nature.
Summer (December-February): Escape the heat with a cool dip, especially near waterfalls. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Autumn (March-May): Experience the vibrant colors of fall foliage in some regions and comfortable soaking temperatures. Enjoy local festivities and cultural events.
Winter (June-August): While most regions don't require escaping the summer heat, some springs offer a warm refuge from the cooler temperatures, especially in the south. Check accessibility before heading out.
Health Benefits
Brazil's natural hot springs boast a diverse range of mineral compositions, each contributing to their unique properties and potential benefits:
Sulfur: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, sulfur-rich springs like Fervedouros do Jalapão can be beneficial for joint pain and skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" found in springs like Termas de Itaparica can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Bica da Caixa d'Aço comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Iron: Trace amounts of iron in springs like Caldas Novas can be beneficial for anemia and fatigue.
Radioactive elements: Some springs, like those in Serra Negra, contain trace amounts.
1. Termas de Rio Quente
Rio Quente Resorts, in addition to having Hot Park, one of the largest water park in Brazil and Cerrado Beach (Wave Pool), the largest artificial beach in natural warm waters in the world, has one of the most central locations in the country.
Stay onsite at the Rio Quente Resort - Hotel Pousada for free 24 hour access to the Hot Park, the largest wave pool in the world and saunas, perfect for moments of pure rest.
If you want to get away from people, enjoy a hike at Caldas Novas Mountain State Park - a preserve that protects the groundwater feeding into the nearby hot springs. The Serra de Caldas is one of the most important sources of recharge of the hydrothermal aquifers that are the main tourist attractions of the Caldas Novas and Rio Quente region. The Cascatinha waterfall trail is less than 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) and leads to a waterfall where visitors may swim or jump from the top of the falls.
The municipalities of Caldas Novas and Rio Quente form the largest thermal waters tourist complex in the world
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean with some minor sediment, slight sulfur smell in some areas.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Easily accessible by paved road, ample parking, well-developed facilities.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars - Large pools with designated quiet zones, but can get crowded, especially during peak season.
Water Temperature: 5 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, including warm, hot, and even cold options.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in minerals like sulfur and magnesium, beneficial for relaxation, muscle tension, and skin conditions.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Spa services, restaurants, cafes, shops, and lodging options within walking distance.
2. Fervedouros do Jalapão
In Jalapão, there are springs of various sizes, shapes, water colors and fluctuation intensity. It is estimated that there are more than twenty in the entire region, but currently only eight are open for visitation. There are a number of homestays in Jalapao so you can find time for the springs below.
A fervedouro looks like a small well, formed by crystal-clear waters springing from the earth and surrounded by rich vegetation. But that’s not all! In a fervedouro, you don’t sink. That’s right, the underground pressure is so strong that it prevents anyone from sinking. These are not springs, but are so beautiful we had to include. These are very sensitive places so make sure to leave no trace.
All of them are located in private areas along the TO-110, road that connects Mateiros to São Félix.
The most famous boil, and the first to be discovered, is the Fervedouro do Ceiça, with a transparent water well amid banana trees, the scenery makes this one of the most spectacular places in Jalapão. One of the most visited it is a great place for diving and underwater photography.
Fervedouro Bela Vista is considered by many the most beautiful in the region. The large round well, with 15 meters in diameter and extremely blue water, leaves no doubt of the reason for the title.
Very similar to Bela Vista, but with water in shades of green, the Fervedouro do Alecrim also offers a delicious well for floating.
The Fervedouro of the Meeting of the Waters stands out for the enormous potency of the nascent, which makes it the strongest of Jalapão.
Fervedouro Buriti is one of the most well-known fervedouros in Jalapão. Its heart shape amidst buriti and banana trees has been photographed by thousands of people.
At Fervedouro Encontro das Águas sinking is practically an impossible mission! This is because the fervedouro has one of the strongest water pressures in the region. It is the ideal place to intensely feel the famous buoyancy in this rare natural phenomenon. And take the opportunity to observe the “dance” of the sand in the water.
Fervedouro das Macaúbas is a fervedouro still little explored in the region. The water color is green, but in a different shade from the others, and the buoyancy is great. It has good dimensions and a capacity for 10 people, but if there is no one around, you are allowed to stay longer.
The Fervedouro da Korubo is the only one that does not allow visitors to visit. The space is open only to those who are camping with the Korubo Agency. The place is ideal for enjoying with children, as where there is no buoyancy, it is usually shallow.
Water Quality: 5 stars - Crystal clear, naturally filtered, no unpleasant odors.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Requires moderate hike through desert landscape, good physical fitness needed.
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded pools with breathtaking scenery, minimal crowds except during peak season.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, slightly cool in some pools.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 1 star - Remote location, camping required with limited supplies available.
3. Poço Azul
Hidden in a cave in Chapada Diamantina National Park, you may think you are in the ocean in Carribean. Stay nearby at the Refúgio na Serra Boutique Hotel that features free bikes, fitness center, a garden and restaurant.
Poço Azul (Blue Well) is a cave in the park. The cave entrance is filled with water and the sunlight which shines through the cave portal illuminates the water in an eerie blue glow, hence the name. As a result the spring is best visited when the sun shines on the water. It’s not a hot spring, but it’s too pretty to miss!
The Poço Azul is located at the Restaurante Dona Alice in the Nova Redenção flatlands east of the Serra do Espinhaço. Check in at the restaurant where you pay the fee and get life jacket, mask, and snorkel. It is allowed to swim in this cave as the water is actually an underground river which flows, so dirt is slowly transported away.
The cave contains fossils, which were discovered 15 m below the surface of the spring. The bones were from different animals, including a ground sloth (Eremotherium laurillardi) which was 6 m long, a giant herbivorous mammal which is extinct since 11,000 years.
Water Quality: 5 stars - Crystal clear, turquoise water, naturally filtered through the rocks.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Moderate hike through the park, suitable for most fitness levels but can be slippery.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars - Popular natural attraction, can get crowded during peak season and weekends.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Refreshing cool temperature, perfect for escaping hot weather.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Limited to basic visitor center and bathroom facilities within the park.
4. Lagoa Quente de Pirapitinga
The Pirapititinga Lagoon is a tourist spot located within the complex Lagoa Quente, Caldas Novas. It is known for its crystal clear waters and its hot water sources, which attract tourists from various parts of the country.
Stay nearby at the Apartamento Le Jardin with an onsite water park, restaurant and a games room. If you have kids, stay at the Ecologic Ville Resort with a a kids' club, outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a garden. Don’t miss out the dinosaurs, trails, and piano.
The lagoon is surrounded by a preserved green area, which makes it a pleasant place to relax and enjoy nature. Among the most common activities in the Pirapititya lagoon are the pedals, kayaking and stand-up paddle tennis.
In addition to the park, full of natural fountains, the space has infrastructure to camp with bathrooms, restaurants, sauna and courts. During the walks around the lagoon, visitors can have contact with the history of the discovery of thermal waters, through the monument to the bandeirantes, Bartolomeu Bueno, son of the famous Anhanguera, positioned in the same place since 1722.
You can also enjoy some of the arts culture and regional by visiting the spa Bartolomeu which has a colonial style. Caldas Novas is known for its hot water fountains and the Pirapititinga lagoon is another natural attraction of the city.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Noticeable sediment and algae growth, some concern about hygiene standards.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Easy access by paved road, located near beaches and resort town.
Ability to be Alone: 2 stars - Popular public pool with limited privacy, can get very crowded on weekends.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, slightly warm.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and leisure.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance, beach activities available.
