Things to do in Lagoa Santa

Known for its thermal and mineral springs, Lagoa Santa, in the state of Goiás, Brazil, charms visitors with its natural sulfurous springs, perfect for anyone looking to relax and recharge. The town is part of the Goiás Waters Route (Roteiro das Águas), and the list of things to do is short and good: almost everything revolves around the water, the forest and the river.

1. Bathe in the hot-spring lagoon

The number-one activity. The water rises from the bottom at 31 °C, crystal clear and mineral-rich, and the dip is genuinely relaxing. Stone steps and wooden decks give access at several points. Go early, when mist covers the surface on cold days, or in the late afternoon, when the sun disappears behind the forest. Details on prices, hours and precautions in the thermal springs guide.

2. Watch the fish in the clear water

Just stop on the boardwalk and look down: schools of fish pass between the rocks and the aquatic plants, so sharp they seem to be in an aquarium. Bring a dive mask and you will see even more. The fish are part of the attraction, so no feeding or chasing them.

3. Walk the forest trails and boardwalks

The Thermas complex has 370,000 m² of native forest crossed by boardwalks and easy trails. It is your chance to see Cerrado birds such as blue-and-yellow macaws, rufous horneros and thrushes, and to feel the contrast between the warmth of the lagoon and the shade of the forest.

4. Take a boat trip on the Rio Aporé

The river that separates Goiás from Mato Grosso do Sul has a rocky bed, stretches of rapids and calm stretches. A boat trip is the easiest way to get to know it; ask at the riverside guesthouses who runs the trips. More in Rio Aporé.

5. Go fishing

The Aporé and the Clarito Pereira Campos Municipal Lake draw anglers all year round, and the town holds tournaments and the annual Fishing Festival. Find out about the amateur fishing license and the spawning closure (piracema) before you go. Complete guide in fishing in Lagoa Santa.

6. Spend the day at Balneário Kin Gin

A water park with 5 pools, a water slide, barbecue areas, a restaurant and a playground. It is the right choice for families with small children or groups who want a barbecue and a pool. Phone (64) 3640-1171 (from abroad: +55 64 3640-1171).

7. Camp at Camping Rei Inca

A campground in a protected grove, with water and electricity, for those traveling with a tent. Contact (64) 3640-1224.

8. Rural tourism

An option for anyone wanting to escape big-city stress: farms and ranches on the outskirts offer lodging, home cooking, horseback rides and river swimming. Recanto do Paredão, a farm hotel about 5 km away, and Estância Flamarion, 2 km away, are the best-known.

9. Shop for crafts and souvenirs

A stroll through town is enough to find little shops with handmade goods, sweets and regional products. Lagoa Santa has no public transportation, and it does not need any: every route is on foot.

10. Try the cooking of Goiás

Fish baked on a clay tile, rice with pequi, galinhada (chicken and rice), empadão (savory pie) and pamonha (sweet corn pudding). The restaurants are generally in the hotels, the water park and the riverside guesthouses. See where to eat.

Quick tips

• Bring sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle: the sun in southern Goiás is strong even in winter.
• Do not use tanning oil or body oil before getting into the lagoon: the water is clean because everyone helps.
• Cell signal and internet can be patchy. Download maps before you leave.
• Bring cash or have Pix (Brazil's instant payment system) set up; cards are not always accepted.
• More in tips for visiting Lagoa Santa.