Pocinhos Do Rio Verde – Thermal Waters and River Nature

Thermal waters, natural river pools and a protected spa complex define Pocinhos Do Rio Verde. The town offers different ways to experience water: at the Balneário, baths and showers take centre stage; at the Rio Soberbo, visitors can swim in a natural pool and look out over the rapids. There is also a local baking tradition and a protected cultural landscape. Which of these aspects interests you most can help shape the focus of your trip.

Thermal waters and protected local heritage

At the Balneário Reynaldo de Oliveira Pimenta, visitors can use hydromassage baths and showers supplied with sulphurous, radioactive and alkaline water. This is a specific point of interest for anyone interested in thermal waters. The traditional knowledge and practices surrounding the therapeutic use of the thermal waters are protected as intangible cultural heritage of Caldas and are documented in the municipality’s inventory. So these treatments are not just part of the experience of the water; knowledge about how to use it is also part of the local culture.

The Parque Balneário surrounds the Balneário building. It contains three sulphurous springs said to have medicinal properties, a green space, a walking path and a children’s playground. The springs are on the banks of the Rio Verde. If you are travelling with children, the playground is one specific consideration when choosing activities; the walking path and green space complement the park’s other areas. The landscape complex of the Balneário Dr. Reynaldo de Oliveira Pimenta is protected as municipal cultural heritage. A visit to the Balneário can therefore also appeal to those interested in local history and the designed landscape.

River pools and nature experiences

The Bacião is a large natural pool in the Rio Soberbo in Pocinhos do Rio Verde. Visitors can swim there and watch the river rapids. This experience differs from the hydromassage baths and showers at the Balneário: here, the natural river pool and the view of the rushing water take centre stage. If you like to choose between thermal waters and a river swim on holiday, this comparison is a helpful starting point for deciding what interests you.

Another option nearby is the Cascata Antônio Monteiro, a formation on the Rio Verde with rapids, a waterfall and a natural pool. It is in the Pedra Branca neighbourhood, 2 km from Pocinhos do Rio Verde. Nearby, there are hiking trails, crossings and a viewpoint, as well as public showers, toilets, kiosks and barbecue areas. These details give you several specific points of reference if you would like to focus an outing on nature and water. The Bacião and Cascata Antônio Monteiro are two distinct places, each with its own described water experiences.

Baking traditions and the Festa do Biscoito

At the Festa do Biscoito, polvilho biscuits, broas and various types of bolachas are baked in wood-fired ovens. The baked goods are sold plain or with different fillings. The Festa do Biscoito was protected as intangible cultural heritage of Caldas in 2013. For visitors who want to discover local food culture as well as water and landscapes, the festival tradition offers a distinct way to experience the town.

One specific edition took place every weekend in July 2024, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, in the courtyard of the Balneário de Pocinhos do Rio Verde. This date refers to the 2024 edition. Together with the protected practices surrounding thermal waters, the Festa do Biscoito shows that cultural interests in Pocinhos Do Rio Verde are connected both to water and to local baking traditions.

When choosing the focus of your holiday, you can consider whether you are most interested in the thermal waters and the Balneário complex, whether you prefer natural river pools, or whether you would also like to discover the local baking tradition. These different interests can help guide your decision about which experiences matter most for your trip to Pocinhos Do Rio Verde.

Discover more places

You can also explore these places: Felicidade, Juiz De Fora, Camanducaia, Bom Sucesso, Goncalves, Lima Duarte, Abadia, Nova Serrana.

For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.