Caxambu – Mineral Springs, Views and Culture

Caxambu brings together mineral water, viewpoints, and a remarkable architectural and cultural history. Parque das Águas de Caxambu is an urban tourist attraction and natural heritage site with twelve healing mineral water springs. From Morro Caxambu, you can enjoy a different view of the town: the 1,090-metre-high hill offers panoramic views of the city. You can plan your trip around your particular interests in the springs, views, architecture, or local products.

Springs and Views

Parque das Águas also has a distinctive mineral water history. The park’s mineral water collection was registered as intangible cultural heritage and recognized as cultural and intangible heritage under a decree signed on February 23, 2021. The park is therefore not only a natural heritage site, but also a place where the importance of mineral water to Caxambu is evident.

To take in the view over the park, the Teleférico runs from near Parque das Águas to the summit of Morro Caxambu. From there, the cable car offers panoramic views of the park. The hill itself offers views of the city, and its summit is also home to the 15-metre-high Cristo-Redentor monument. The views and the monument provide a reason to visit in their own right, alongside the springs.

If you prefer to explore on foot, you can include the Caminho das Águas in your itinerary. The route starts on Rua Monsenhor João de Deus and follows the Morro trail to a viewpoint. It is designed as an ecological walk. The cable car and walking trail offer different ways to enjoy Caxambu’s views: one with panoramic views of the park, the other along a route designed as an ecological walk.

Architecture and Cultural History

The buildings also tell the story of different eras. The neo-Gothic Igreja Santa Isabel da Hungria was inaugurated in 1897 and listed by IEPHA in 1978. The listing was based on Decree No. 19,513 of October 26, 1978. Praça 16 de Setembro was listed by IEPHA on March 1, 1999; later, Caxambu’s municipal heritage council also protected it.

Balneário Hidroterápico is a neoclassical building constructed in the early 20th century. Its lavish features include French stained-glass windows. The former railway station offers another part of the town’s history: it was restored in 2019 and converted into Centro Cultural Estação Ferroviária. Those interested in Caxambu’s history can also visit Museu Histórico e Genealógico de Caxambu, which organizes travelling exhibitions in collaboration with other museums.

The museum’s historic building was constructed in 1896 to house water tanks. These tanks supplied the town for decades. The building’s former purpose connects local history with the importance of water supply, while the travelling exhibitions offer insight into a changing range of cultural topics.

Saturday Market and Choosing Your Trip

For a taste of local produce and handmade goods, visit Feira Sabor e Arte. It takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Praça 16 de Setembro. Products include jellies, bread, herbs, craft beer, and handmade snacks. The market adds a culinary touch to visits to the park, viewpoints, and cultural sites.

More Destinations

If you’d like to discover more places, you can also explore Ituiutaba, Betim, São João Batista Do Glória, Sapucaí-Mirim, Pará De Minas, Rio Pomba, Conceição Do Mato Dentro, and Abre Campo.

For the broader travel overview, see: Minas Gerais.