Poços de Caldas

Poços de Caldas is a Brazilian municipality in Minas Gerais situated at an elevation of 1273 meters (4177 feet), characterized by multiple hot springs and mountain ranges encircling the town center. The thermal sources feed several public and private bathing facilities, while the surrounding peaks form a natural frame for the urban development.

The territory was originally inhabited by the Cataguases people before becoming an official municipality in 1872. The discovery and use of the mineral waters transformed the settlement into a major health center during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Local residents gather around the thermal springs, which have served as meeting places for generations and shaped daily routines in the community. The city's name refers to the hot springs and the Portuguese word for caldrons, reflecting the geological features that define the area.

The municipality is accessible through Walther Moreira Salles Airport and a well-developed road network connecting it to other parts of Minas Gerais and neighboring states. Visitors will find numerous hotels and lodging options in the center, catering to spa guests across different budget ranges.

The ground beneath the town contains natural deposits of thorium and zirconium, ranking among the most important in Brazil. These minerals have been extracted since the 20th century and contributed to the economic development of the region.

Location: Minas Gerais

Inception: November 6, 1872

Elevation above the sea: 1,273 m

Shares border with: Águas da Prata, Bandeira do Sul, Andradas, Botelhos, Campestre, Caldas, Caconde, Divinolândia, São Sebastião da Grama

Website: http://pocosdecaldas.mg.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -21.79003,-46.56479

Latest update: December 14, 2025 22:54