GO · Brazil
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
The largest hydrothermal resort area in the world turns water that springs hot from the ground into pools, rivers and water parks open all year round. It is the ultimate family destination: water slides in the morning, a thermal soak at night, no matter the weather. And the surrounding hills also hold cerrado (Brazilian savanna) trails and waterfalls to balance out your trip.
This destination brings together 2 cities: Caldas Novas, Rio Quente.
A look at the place
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Caldas Novas brings together thermal waters, cerrado (Brazilian savanna) landscapes and heritage in the town center. The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora das Dores (church) is part of the town's history and of daily life on Praça Mestre Orlando.
Rio Quente's history is tied to the thermal waters and landscapes of southern Goiás. In the town center, squares and the Paróquia São Sebastião (parish church) are community gathering places and landmarks.
The local experience
A thermal-water water park with an artificial white-sand beach, water slides and a wave pool. All the water is naturally warm, with no artificial heating.
An area of the Rio Quente Resorts complex where 18 natural springs feed eight hot-water pools, with the water renewed every 20 minutes. The pools are on different levels, forming small cascades.
A protected area over the aquifer that feeds the region's thermal waters, with guided trails to waterfalls and viewpoints. It is the natural counterpoint to the water parks.
Discover Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas
A complex of thermal pools in the middle of the forest, with artificial waterfalls and a calmer atmosphere than the big parks. Good if you want to relax without the crowds.
Discover Lagoa Quente de Pirapitinga
A park with a lazy river, water slides of various levels and a stage for shows, with thermal water.
A complex on the shore of Lago de Corumbá that combines a wave pool, a cascade and sand courts. It works well as a full-day outing.
A traditional park in town, also called Lagoa Quente, with pools at different temperatures and leisure facilities.
A space with ponds, red bridges, sculptures and an old house in the middle of the Goiás landscape. A short, photogenic outing for the late afternoon.
A hot-water theme park with pirate ship and volcano sets, designed for children.
Your base to explore
Where you stay is part of the trip. Choose the area that best fits your itinerary.
A thermal hotel on Rua do Balneário, in Bairro do Turista I, open since 1979, with hot-water pools and access to the Clube Privé water park. It is geared toward families.
A hotel in the Rio Quente Resorts complex, the former Hotel Turismo, near the Parque das Fontes, renovated in 2026. Guests have access to Hot Park and the naturally hot pools, and the hotel is geared toward families.
A hotel in the Rio Quente Resorts complex surrounded by native forest, with thermal pools exclusive to guests and an internal shuttle to Hot Park. It caters to couples and small families who want a quieter corner of the complex.
Apartment-style flats on Avenida Caminho do Lago, in the Lago Corumbá area of Caldas Novas, with kitchen-equipped units. It is an option for families who want to stay near the lake with more independence.
A family-oriented hotel on Avenida Elias Bufaiçal, in Jardim Belvedere, with heated pools, a gym and breakfast. It caters to families looking for a quieter stay in Caldas Novas.
An apartment hotel on Rua Rio Grande do Norte, in the Esplanada do Rio Quente, with kitchen-equipped units, a pool, gym and breakfast. It caters to families who want to stay near Hot Park and prepare some of their own meals.
Flavors of the destination
A spot specializing in empadão goiano (a deep-dish savory pie), with fillings such as chicken, sausage, guariroba (bitter palm heart) and palm heart, on Rua Antônio Coelho de Godoy, in downtown Caldas Novas. It also serves panelinhas goianas (regional clay-pot dishes) and is a good choice for trying typical Goiás food.
A skewer barbecue restaurant on Rua Mato Grosso, in Rio Quente, with picanha (top sirloin cap), feijão tropeiro (beans with cassava flour and bacon), cassava and pirarucu fillet. It opens in the evening and is an option if you are staying outside the resort complex.
A thin-crust pizzeria on Avenida Goiás, in the Esplanada do Rio Quente, with savory and sweet flavors. The atmosphere is family-friendly and convenient for dinner after a day at the hot-water parks.
A simple restaurant serving home-style Goiás food on Avenida Orozimbo Correia Neto, in downtown Caldas Novas, open for lunch only. It is known for its feijão tropeiro and chicken in sauce.
A family-run Lebanese and Syrian restaurant on Avenida Orcalino Santos, in downtown Caldas Novas. It is known for its shawarma, has vegetarian options and is an alternative to the pizzerias and buffets that dominate the town.
A restaurant, pizzeria and snack-and-platter spot on Rua Maranhão, in Rio Quente, with dishes such as filet mignon and pizzas. The atmosphere is family-friendly, serving lunch and dinner to visitors in town for the hot waters.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
Goiânia Airport is about 170 km away; by car, access is via the BR-153 and GO-139, and Brasília is about 300 km away.
From May to August, when the cool cerrado air makes the hot water even more enjoyable; in July and January expect a crowded high season.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
