Pocos de Caldas Attractions

Cristo Redentor

On the summit of the Morro São Domingos, from which there are fine views of the surrounding area, is a statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). It can be reached either on a road which winds its way up the hill or by cableway (1500m/1640yds).

Antônio Carlos Baths

The Antônio Carlos Baths, on tree-planted Praça Pedro Sanches in the town center, offer medicinal baths with alkaline, sulphurous water (Pedro Botelho, Chiquinha and Mariquinhas springs).

Fonte dos Amores

The Fonte dos Amores ("Spring of Love") is in a wooded area, with caves and waterfalls, on Rua Piauí.

Martinico Prado Spring

Also on Praça Pedro Sanches is the Fonte Martinico Prado, a radioactive spring. A craft market is held here on Sundays.

Municipal Park

The Parque Municipal and the Country Club in Avenida Salgado Filho have expanses of green, a children's play area and various sports facilities. The Country Club also has several swimming pools, a stretch of forest and a lake.

Praça Dom Pedro

In Praça Dom Pedro is the Fonte dos Macacos ("Monkey Spring; hot, alkaline, sulphurous).

Andradas

The little hill town of Andradas (alt. 913m/2996ft; pop. 35,000), 40km/25mi south of Poáos de Caldas has an interesting Festival in the second half of July. Two features of interest in the area are the Horto Florestal (Forest Park), with a small zoo, and the Queixadas Cave (13km/8mi from the town), with a chamber 4m/13ft high and 30m/100ft wide.

Jacutinga

South of Andradas, 100km/60mi from Poáos de Caldas, is the thermal resort of Jacutinga (alt. 840m/2755ft; pop. 15,000). Its radioactive springs (Fonte São Clemente) are used in the treatment of stomach disorders and skin conditions. The town is also noted for its knitwear. Near the town are the Pico da Forquilha (1200m/3940ft), which is popular with climbers, the Morro Alto Alegre (1325m/4345ft), with a lake on the summit, and the Cachoeira da Saudade, 8km/5mi from Jacutinga.

Pocinhos do Rio Verde

The spa of Pocinhos do Rio Verde is 5km/3mi from Caldas and 38km/24mi from Poáos de Caldas. The main attractions here, however, are the mineral springs: the Fonte Amorosa (uncarbonated water), São José (sulphurous), Rio Verde and Samaritana (radioactive, containing sulphur, bicarbonates and sodium).