The thermal springs were discovered in the 18th century,
but, like several hydro-mineral resorts, Poços de Caldas, in Minas Gerais, experienced its first and consistent tourist growth during the first half of the 20th century with the combination of thermal springs and a casino.
Built with columns and more columns in the Roman style, along with striking stained glass, the Thermas Antônio Carlos and the Palace Hotel welcomed the high society of the time, including President Getúlio Vargas, who had a suite in the hotel.
People were willing to travel 480 km from the then federal capital, Rio de Janeiro, to the destination in southwest Minas. However, most came from São Paulo and Campinas.
With the prohibition of gambling in 1946, Poços had to reinvent itself. The aristocrats left the scene, and in came the lovebirds.
The setting was perfect for a romantic getaway: the mild climate of the city, with tree-lined squares, gardens, sulfurous water fountains that are still works of art today, and the Véu de Noiva Waterfall. Of course, it wasn’t all roses; the spa went into decline, recovering its form much later.
Today, the visitors are quite eclectic, and couples share space with seniors (many of whom spent their honeymoon in the city), families with children, and, since it became a university hub, many young people.
Discover the main attractions of Poços de Caldas:
• Crystals, Climb to Serra, and Thermas Antônio Carlos: To get into the vibe of the city, how about a walk through another trademark of Poços, the crystal shops/factories?
São Marcos and Cá d’Oro have stores in the downtown area and on Avenida João Pinheiro, the one at the entrance of the city for those coming from São Paulo. Using techniques from the Italian city of Murano, you can find everything from inexpensive pieces to decorate your home to more luxurious items.
If you prefer, you can swap the walk for a carriage ride.
Another option is to climb Serra de São Domingos and enjoy the view from its 1,663 meters of altitude, with the best panoramic view of Poços de Caldas.
Guess what’s up there? If your answer was Christ the Redeemer, you got it right! You can get there by car, but the most fun way is to take the cable car with a closed cabin for four people.
Thermas Antônio Carlos, the main attraction of the city, next to Praça José Affonso Junqueira, is sought after for its sulfurous thermal baths at 37º C, which are done in bathtubs, hot tubs, or thermal pools.
Those who wish can also undergo facial aesthetic treatments or visit a mechanotherapy room with German equipment from 1929, used in physiotherapy treatments.
The Fonte dos Amores is a work of art and also a sulfurous water fountain, featuring a marble statue of a couple embracing.
• Carousel and Ferris Wheel, Sanctuary, Japanese Garden, Cultural Center, and Café: The main hotel chain in Poços is also the owner of Walter World, an old-fashioned amusement park.
A completely opposite program is the Mãe Rainha Sanctuary, also known as Fonte de Vida Nova, in a secluded area with plenty of greenery.
Peace and tranquility are what the Japanese Retreat offers, with its gardens, lake, fountains, and the possibility of seeing monkeys among the trees.
The Cultural Center/Instituto Moreira Salles hosts temporary exhibitions in a beautiful modernist building.
Source: viagemeturismo.abril.com.br, by Fernando Leite