Poços de Caldas

Poços de Caldas in Minas Gerais state, set on a circular plateau of volcanic origin in the highlands of southeastern Brazil, is one of the country's most historic and elegantly atmospheric thermal destinations. The bicarbonate alkaline springs here, which emerge at comfortable temperatures from the ancient volcanic rock of the Poços de Caldas alkaline massif, have attracted visitors since the 19th century when the thermal waters gained recognition for digestive, renal and metabolic conditions. The city's grand Thermas Palace hotel, ornate spa pavilions and beautifully landscaped parks preserve the atmosphere of a traditional Brazilian estância hydromineral. The surrounding landscape of this unique circular geological formation, with its forests, waterfalls and the Cristo Redentor statue overlooking the city, creates a distinctive setting for one of Brazil's most characterful spa towns.