Frequently asked questions about Lagoa Santa

On average 31 °C all year round, ranging between 29 and 31 °C in the most cited measurements (City Hall reports up to 33 °C near the springs). The water comes from the Guarani Aquifer and rises already warm, with no artificial heating, at a flow of about 3.6 million liters per hour.

Yes. Because the lagoon receives fresh water continuously and the overflow drains into the Rio Aporé, the water is clear, with visibility of several meters. Schools of fish come up to bathers, and a simple dive mask turns a dip into an aquarium tour. See the underwater photos.

The lagoon is inside the Thermas Lagoa Santa complex, which sells a day-use ticket with a reference price of around R$ 40 per person, Brazilian reais (approx. USD 7), according to a 2023 report. Hotel guests get in at no charge. Confirm by phone at (64) 3640-1122 (from abroad: +55 64 3640-1122) or WhatsApp (64) 99963-7039.

Yes, the water is warm and there are shallow edges, but there are deep stretches and the bottom is rocky. Use arm floats on small children, keep them within arm's reach and limit bathing time, with breaks to drink water.

The water is thermal, mineral, sulfurous and rich in calcium, magnesium and sodium bicarbonates. The warm dip relaxes the muscles, improves sleep and brings a sense of well-being. Local tradition has spoken of "medicinal waters" since the 19th century, but there is no promise of a cure; pregnant women and people with high blood pressure or heart conditions should consult a doctor first.

Lagoa Santa is in the far south of Goiás, on the left bank of the Rio Aporé, which divides Goiás from Mato Grosso do Sul. From Goiânia it is roughly 430 km by car, passing through Rio Verde (GO-174) and continuing on GO-206 and GO-302 via Itajá. Brasília is about 640 km away, Campo Grande 470 km and São Paulo 690 km. Detailed routes in How to get there.

There is no direct line. Buses to Itajá leave the Goiânia bus terminal in the late afternoon, and from Itajá, 20 km away, you continue by local transportation or taxi to Lagoa Santa. Arrange the final leg with your guesthouse.

The nearest airports are Goiânia (about 430 km), Campo Grande (about 470 km) and Brasília (about 640 km). In every case you need to rent a car or continue by bus to Itajá.

The dry season, May to September, especially June, July and August: sunny days, cold early mornings that produce the mist over the lagoon, and a low, clear river. July is high season, with more businesses open and more people. From October to March it is rainy and hot. Details in When to visit.

No. Lagoa Santa has no public transportation, but the town is small and everything is done on foot. The car is for getting there, for reaching Thermas on GO-302 and for visiting rural properties on the outskirts.

The town has hotels and guesthouses (pousadas) downtown, lodgings on the bank of the Rio Aporé, the hotel of the Thermas Lagoa Santa complex (with the lagoon included in the rate) and Camping Rei Inca, in a protected grove with water and electricity. The list with addresses and phone numbers is in Where to stay.

In July, during Carnalagoa (February), the Fishing Festival and long weekends, yes: the town fills up. In low season there is usually availability, but calling ahead avoids surprises, because some guesthouses open only with a reservation.

Most restaurants are inside the hotels, guesthouses and water parks, such as Thermas and Kin Gin. Pousada Sakura has a restaurant with a veranda over the river. The cooking is that of Goiás: fish baked on a clay tile, rice with pequi, galinhada (chicken and rice), empadão (savory pie) and pamonha (sweet corn pudding). Serving hours are short, and Sunday night is the hardest time. See Where to eat.

The ATM is limited and cell signal is patchy, which affects card machines and Pix (Brazil's instant payment system). Withdraw cash in Itajá or Rio Verde before arriving and keep Pix set up as a backup.

1,390 residents according to the 2022 IBGE Census, which makes it one of the smallest municipalities in Goiás. The area is roughly 463 km² and the town center sits at about 380 m above sea level. Someone born there is a lagosentense, or lagoense, as City Hall prefers.

The settlement emerged between 1880 and 1890, with the arrival of backcountry pioneers and the discovery of the warm lagoon. It was a district of Itajá under the name Termas de Itajá from 1988, became the independent municipality of Lagoa Santa on July 21, 1997 (State Law 13,134) and was formally installed as a municipality on January 1, 2001. The anniversary is celebrated on July 21. Read the full history.

Feast of the Three Kings in January, Carnalagoa in February, Fest-Vôlei and a car-audio contest in April, Festa Junina in June, the city anniversary on July 21, the Seniors' Festival in September, the Feast of the Patron Saint Our Lady of Aparecida on October 12, New Year's Eve in December and the Fishing Festival, with its annual date set by City Hall. Calendar in Town festivals.

Boat trips and fishing on the Rio Aporé, Balneário Kin Gin with 5 pools and a water slide, trails in the Thermas forest, birdwatching, Camping Rei Inca, rural tourism at properties such as Recanto do Paredão and a stroll through the craft shops. See Things to do and the 2-day itinerary.

City Hall (64) 3640-1303 and (64) 99612-9341, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; CIAT, Integrated Tourist Support Center, (64) 3640-1224; Emergency Hospital (64) 3640-1267; Police (64) 3640-1147. Complete list in Useful phone numbers.

No. Lagoa Santa Goiás is an independent portal, created in 2009 by a private individual, with no ties to the Municipal Government or to Thermas Lagoa Santa. Official information should be confirmed with City Hall. Learn more in About us.