Things To Do
in Caldas Novas
Caldas Novas is a Brazilian spa town in the state of Goiás famed for having some of the largest natural thermal water reserves in the world. The city’s economy and leisure infrastructure are built around hot springs, water parks and resorts that attract families and domestic tourists year-round. Beyond the pools, the surrounding Cerrado landscape and nearby state park offer hiking, scenic lookouts and wildlife viewing.
Expect a relaxed, tourism-focused town with lively high-season crowds, good mid-range amenities and easy access to nearby Rio Quente.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs of Caldas Novas, known for their therapeutic properties. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, savoring local fruits and fresh juices. Afterward, take some time to explore the surrounding gardens and soak in the tranquility of the area.
Spend your afternoon at the iconic Water Park, a place filled with thrilling water slides and relaxing pools. Indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the park's eateries, where you can try regional dishes like 'pamonha' and 'curau'. Afterward, unwind in the thermal pools, letting the warm waters rejuvenate you.
As the sun sets, head back to your hotel to freshen up before an evening stroll through the vibrant streets of Caldas Novas. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Brazilian cuisine while listening to live music. Cap off your night with a visit to the local artisan market, where you can find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
Begin your morning by visiting the historic center of Caldas Novas, where charming colonial architecture tells the story of the town's past. Stop by the iconic Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora das Dores, taking in its beautiful façade and intricate interiors. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, relishing the local flavors and chatting with friendly locals.
After exploring the historic center, head to the Museu de Cidades do Brasil to learn about the cultural heritage and history of the region. Spend some time walking through the nearby parks, soaking up the sun and enjoying the lush greenery. For lunch, try out a traditional 'feijoada' dish at a local eatery, giving you a taste of Brazilian comfort food.
In the evening, find a cozy spot at a rooftop bar for a stunning view of the city as the sun sets. Sample refreshing tropical cocktails while enjoying the gentle evening breeze. Afterward, consider attending a local cultural event or performance to immerse yourself in the local arts scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee / Snack at café | $2-4 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride (city) | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
| 🎟️Water park / Hot Park day ticket | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class thermal waters and many hot-spring resorts
- Family-friendly attractions and water parks
- Good mid-range infrastructure with many accommodations and eateries
- Can be crowded and pricier during high season and holidays
- Limited evening cultural offerings compared to big Brazilian cities
- Some attractions require transport; not all sites are within walking distance
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a entrada/banheiro?" - Where is the entrance/restroom?
- "Você aceita cartão?" - Do you accept card?
Places to Visit in Caldas Novas
Visit one of these nice places.
Thermal lagoons and pools at resorts produce steamy, photogenic scenes—sunrise and sunset create warm light and mist effects over the water.
Cerrado landscapes, rock formations and lookout points offer panoramic shots, endemic plants and possible wildlife photos—good for wide-angle nature photography.
Local viewpoints and small hills provide sweeping views of the town, lakes and resort clusters—ideal for golden hour photos.
Busy streets, colorful signage, local markets and churches create candid street-photography opportunities showing daily life and tourism activity.
Waterpark landscapes, crystal-clear thermal channels and pools make striking action and travel-lifestyle images—check photo policies at parks.
Food in Caldas Novas
Caldas Novas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice cooked with pequi, a pungent native fruit of the Cerrado—best tried at local restaurants that highlight Goiás cuisine.
Must-Try!
A savory pie filled with meats, corn and local spices; commonly available in bakeries and regional restaurants.
Brazilian-style barbecue served in many steakhouses (churrascarias) around town—order a rodízio to sample a variety of cuts.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and weekend fairs sell fresh fruit, regional cheese, baked goods and snacks—good places to sample local seasonal produce and homemade treats.
Near parks and central avenues you’ll find sellers offering salgados (savory pastries), tapioca, pastel and fresh coconut water—quick, affordable snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians are warm and often use handshakes for initial meetings and one or two cheek kisses among acquaintances—smiles and a friendly demeanor go a long way.
Swimwear is appropriate at pools and parks but not in restaurants or stores—use a cover-up when away from swimming areas; topless sunbathing is uncommon and not appropriate in public pools.
Politeness, patience and a respectful tone are valued; use formal address (senhor/senhora) if unsure, and tipping and thanking service staff is appreciated.
Brazilians can be more tactile and conversational than some cultures; avoid overly personal or political topics with strangers, and be mindful of local norms.
Safety
Tipping in Caldas Novas
Ensure a smooth experience
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge (serviço) automatically—if service is not included, leaving 10% is customary for good service. Small tips for bellhops, housekeeping (a few BRL) and taxi drivers (round up fare) are appreciated but not obligatory.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops; cash (Brazilian real) is useful for small markets, street food and tips. ATMs and currency services are available in town; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Rainy season: expect hot temperatures with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. High humidity and lush green landscapes make waterfalls fuller but some outdoor excursions may be interrupted by rain—bring a waterproof jacket and flexible plans.
Transition to the drier season with warm days, fewer storms and comfortable evenings—great time for hiking, sightseeing and thermal baths with lower chance of rain.
Dry, sunny days and cooler nights typical of Goiás’ dry season; thermal pools remain pleasant, and lower humidity makes outdoor activities more comfortable—peak travel times can increase prices and crowds.
Warming with increasing rain toward the end of the season; wildflowers in the Cerrado and vibrant landscapes are a highlight, but occasional showers begin to reappear.
Caldas Novas at Night
Hiking in Caldas Novas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails through Cerrado vegetation to viewpoints and rocky outcrops—good for half-day hikes, photography and birdwatching; bring water and sturdy shoes.
Short climbs to local panoramic viewpoints around town and nearby hills—accessible routes that reward hikers with sunset views of the lakes and resort clusters.
Guided hikes and treks on private rural properties that showcase the Cerrado, local flora and fauna; often combined with horseback riding or farm visits.
Airports
How to reach Caldas Novas by plane.
Small regional airport serving charter and limited scheduled flights—convenient for short hops and private flights; ground transport connects to hotels and resorts.
Main nearby commercial airport about 150–180 km away by road (a 2–3 hour drive); offers more domestic connections and car rental/shuttle options to Caldas Novas.
Major international airport roughly 300 km away (3.5–4.5 hours by car); good option if combining with other parts of Brazil or for international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term locals working in tourism, hospitality and service industries—mixture of families and older residents with deep regional ties.
Families and groups from Goiás, São Paulo and other Brazilian states who visit seasonally for thermal resorts and holidays.
Caldas Novas attracts retirees and people owning second homes who seek the thermal benefits and quieter lifestyle outside major cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Brazil’s national sport—pickup games and local amateur leagues are common; many visitors enjoy watching a match or joining casual games.
Given the thermal waters and parks, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and pool-based activities are popular with residents and tourists.
Indoor futsal and beach/grass volleyball are widespread recreational sports in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Caldas Novas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in large Brazilian cities—buffet restaurants often have salads, rice, beans and vegetable stews; ask staff to adapt dishes and look for vegetarian-friendly cafés.
Vegan choices are more constrained; bring staples if you have strict needs, but most hotels and larger restaurants can prepare vegetable-based meals on request.
Gluten-free awareness is increasing but still inconsistent—avoid deep-fried items unless asked about batter and prefer simple grilled meats, rice, beans and salads; communicate needs clearly in Portuguese if possible.