The City of Hot Waters and the World's Largest Hydrothermal Resort

Caldas Novas: The City of Hot Waters and the World's Largest Hydrothermal Resort

In the heart of Brazil, in the south of the state of Goiás, lies a tourist destination that stands out globally for its uniqueness: Caldas Novas. Known as the "City of Waters," it holds the title of the world's largest hydrothermal resort, offering an unparalleled leisure complex, supplied by waters that naturally spring from the ground at temperatures reaching up to 50°C (122°F). More than just a tourist spot, Caldas Novas represents a rare geological phenomenon, a perfect blend of nature, wellness, and colossal entertainment.

The Unique Geological Phenomenon: The Origin of Thermal Waters

Caldas Novas' fame comes from a fascinating natural process that takes thousands of years to materialize. The hot waters result from the infiltration of rainwater into the Serra de Caldas (Caldas Mountain Range). As the water descends to the deeper layers of the soil, it is heated by the Earth's natural geothermal warmth. It then returns to the surface through geological faults, already heated and enriched with minerals, forming the natural and artificial pools that have become the city's trademark.

This natural and continuous supply allows Caldas Novas to maintain dozens of water parks, hotels, and resorts with thermal pools operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—a feat that places it above many other thermal destinations worldwide.

A Leisure Paradise: Attractions and Aquatic Complexes

Caldas Novas and its neighbor, Rio Quente, together form one of the largest and most structured leisure complexes in Latin America. The attractions are designed to cater to all audiences, from families with children to couples seeking tranquility.

Top Water Parks and Resorts

• Hot Park: Although technically located in Rio Quente (30 minutes from Caldas Novas), it is considered part of the regional complex. It is the only water park in the world with naturally warm water in all its attractions, including its famous artificial beach with warm waves and high-adrenaline slides.

• Urban Water Parks: The city features large complexes within its urban perimeter, such as diRoma Acqua Park, Lagoa Termas Park, and Náutico Praia Clube, which offer slides, wave pools, children's areas, and relaxation spaces.

• Hotel Network: Intense verticalization is the architectural signature here, concentrated in 10- to 20-story buildings housing high-standard resorts and flats. Many of these properties feature their own internal aquatic complexes with thermal pools, saunas, and spas, guaranteeing leisure without the need to leave the accommodation.

Nature and Ecotourism

Beyond the pools, the destination offers real contact with the typical Cerrado biome nature:

• Serra de Caldas Novas State Park: A conservation refuge with trails, viewpoints (mirantes), and waterfalls, ideal for ecotourism and panoramic views.

• Corumbá Lake: Offers boat tours and nautical activities, complementing the city's aquatic experience.

Infrastructure and Accessibility for the Global Traveler

Caldas Novas receives millions of visitors annually, and its structure is designed to ensure comfort and security, especially for international tourists.

Access and Mobility

• Arrival: The city has the Caldas Novas Municipal Airport (CLV), which operates regional and charter flights. However, the most common international entry point is via Brasília (BSB) or Goiânia (GYN), followed by a land transfer on well-maintained highways (about 310 km from Brasília and 170 km from Goiânia).

• Local Mobility: Caldas Novas is relatively compact, flat, and has mostly paved streets (asphalt), ensuring excellent circulation in the center, hotel sector, and access to the parks. There is a good supply of taxis, ride-share apps, and hotel transfers.

Accommodation, Gastronomy, and Services

The city has one of the largest hotel networks in Brazil outside the state capitals. Many resorts offer partial bilingual service (English/Spanish), accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), and provide fast, free Wi-Fi.

The cuisine blends the best of Goianian gastronomy—with authentic dishes like galinhada (chicken rice), empadão goiano (Goianian pot pie), pequi, and the famous pamonha (sweet corn paste)—with international restaurants, fast-food chains, and vegetarian/vegan options. The dining experience is considered safe, varied, and affordable.

Safety and Nightlife

The perception of safety in Caldas Novas is high in the tourist areas, which are well-lit, flat, and bustling with families and couples. The pleasant nighttime temperature encourages evening strolls through the center, local markets (feiras), and restaurants. The city features Tourist Police and private security services in the large resorts.

Health and Travel Insurance: Essential Planning for Foreign Tourists

The city's health infrastructure is considered reasonable for a tourist city, featuring:

• 24-Hour Emergency Care Unit (UPA 24h): Provides intermediate-complexity urgent and emergency care, including basic exams and observation beds.

• Nossa Senhora Aparecida Hospital and Maternity: A private unit with regulation protocols for emergency admissions, including a Level II ICU.

• Pharmacies: Easily found throughout the city, some operating 24 hours.

For international tourists, having solid medical travel insurance coverage is highly recommended. Although Brazil may not legally mandate it for all nationalities, the insurance is crucial for covering medical expenses, hospital stays, medical transfers, and repatriation in case of emergencies, ensuring you don't solely rely on the local public system or incur unexpected high costs.

The Engineering of Tourism: Predominant Construction and Development

The civil engineering and construction in Caldas Novas are a direct reflection of its tourism vocation:

• Verticalization: The large volume of resorts, hotels, and flats translates into many multi-story buildings, predominantly using reinforced concrete.

• Specialized Engineering: The projects are complex, requiring specialized hydraulic and thermal engineering to handle the large volume and high temperature of the thermal waters, which supply extensive pools and water slides.

• Leisure Complexes: Metal and mixed structures are used for water slides and large leisure areas, always focusing on durability and safety for high visitor traffic.

Cost-Benefit and Trip Duration

Caldas Novas is an excellent value-for-money destination for the international tourist, offering standards of accommodation and leisure comparable to global destinations at significantly more affordable prices than resorts in the US or Europe.

Estimated Daily Expenses (Excluding Flights)

Traveler ProfileEstimated Daily Cost (Approx.)Budget TravelerUS$ 110–140 / ~R$ 550–700Mid-Range / ComfortUS$ 160–220 / ~R$ 800–1.100Higher End / Resort & ParksUS$ 250–300+ / ~R$ 1.250–1.500+

Note: The city is set to implement an Environmental Preservation Fee (TPA) for vehicles upon entry starting in 2025, an additional cost to factor into your budget.

How Many Days Are Needed?

To fully enjoy Caldas Novas comfortably and comprehensively, the ideal trip length is between 4 and 5 days.

• 3 Days: Perfect for the essentials (main water parks and hotel pools).

• 4 Days: Allows for a complete experience, alternating large parks, city tours, Corumbá Lake, and the State Park.

• 5+ Days: Ideal for total relaxation, allowing for a quiet visit to Rio Quente and a complete immersion in the leisure structure.

The Global Appeal: Why International Tourists Should Visit

Caldas Novas is a Brazilian gem that deserves the attention of international tourism for reasons that make it truly unique in the world:

1. The Planet's Largest Hydrothermal Resort: A rare geological attraction, providing an unparalleled experience of natural hot waters on a massive scale.

2. World-Class Leisure: Its giant water parks rival the best globally, offering the unique combination of high-thrill slides and pools with naturally warm water.

3. Perfect Climate Year-Round: While other destinations face harsh winters, Caldas Novas guarantees usable pools every day, with no "climatic low season."

4. Exceptional Value for Money: International tourists can access high-standard accommodation, authentic food, and attractions at much more affordable prices.

5. Safety and Hospitality: It is one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Brazil, ideal for families and couples.

Caldas Novas is not just a city; it is an invitation to experience the warmth of nature and Brazilian leisure in a single, grand, and memorable destination.

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