Guide to Brazil’s Natural Thermal Springs
People have been thermal bathing in Brazil since at least the early 1700s, with specific towns having economies based almost solely on hot springs tourism. The country is home to the majority of the Amazon rainforest, which also boasts its own hot springs.
However, in Brazil the heated basins aren’t called ‘hot springs.’ Instead, the therapeutic and naturally occurring springs are known as ‘agua termais.’
Keep reading to find out which hot springs you must see while visiting this vast, tropical country.
Central Hot Springs
Brazil is the largest country in South America, but most of the northern portion of it is taken up by the thick canopy of the Amazon rainforest which still hasn’t been totally explored nor mapped. Therefore, we’ll start our dive into Brazilian hot springs in the central part of the country which houses the country’s capital of Brasília.
There you can find Mato Grosso Águas Quentes, a hotel that offers hot spring bathing near the Martinha Waterfall. At Mato Grosso Águas Quentes you can slip down the waterslides and soak in rock-lined pools. One customer of the hotel warns that eating outdoors around the hot springs can be dangerous, as local primates may come to take your breakfast away.
Another nearby hot spring is Pousada Santa Thermas Water, a spa and hotel that calls its mineral bath ‘the well.’ You can stay in one of the many suites overnight or pay a daily rate to use the therapeutic waters. The campus also has a beach that leads to the Araguaia River.
Other local hot springs:
- Águas Termais Poxoréu
- Parque das Fontes
- HotSprings B3 Hotels
- Hot Beach Resort by Hot Beach Parque & Resorts
- Fervedouro e Pousada Bela Vista
- Parque Estadual do Jalapão
- Fervedouro do Ceiça
Southern Hot Springs
In the state of Santa Catarina you’ll find Termas Piratuba, a waterpark with both indoor and outdoor pools that contain natural mineral-rich water from hot springs. The site offers both RV and tent camping for those wanting to enjoy the heated pools for longer than a single day. There’s something there for any hot springs aficionado since there are several basins with different depths and various temperatures.
If you move a few miles south you’ll come across Hot Springs Cascade Nazzari, a tiered waterfall fed by a hot spring. There are trails and stretches for hiking nearby. However, visitors have warned that the land has been closed to visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other local hot springs:
- Hotel Termas do Gravatal
- Bica Natural do Caixa D’aço
- Tauá Grande Hotel e Termas de Araxá
Visit Brazil
This country is a place where water is king. Beaches run the coastal perimeter. Waterparks seem to always be within reach. And, yes, there are lovely and lush hot springs where tourists and locals alike can soak in healing water. Brazil is a tantalizing mix of celebration and relaxation, all of which sound like a wonderful holiday to take.
Learn more about visiting Brazil on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.