Weekend in Caldas Novas

The main square in the city centre, with a large paved area, fountains, benches, and shade trees. Locals gather here in the evenings for conversation and street food.

Tip: Come around 6pm when the food stalls open. Try the pastel com caldo de cana – fried pastry with sugarcane juice. It costs about 5 BRL.

The city's main Catholic church, built in the 1970s in a modernist style with a striking triangular bell tower. Inside there are stained-glass panels depicting local saints.

Tip: Mass is at 7pm on Sundays, and the singing is quite good. Otherwise, the church is usually quiet and you can sit in the cool interior for a few minutes.

A small municipal museum housed in an old train station. Exhibits cover the history of hot springs tourism and local culture, including photographs, tools and vintage bathing gear.

Tip: It's small – you can see everything in 30 minutes. The guide sometimes gives a free talk about the city's founding in Portuguese. Worth popping in if you're nearby.

A large artificial lake created by the Corumbá hydroelectric dam. You can swim at public beaches, walk along the shore, or just sit and watch the water birds.

Tip: Head to the Praia do Lago area for the cleanest public access. Afternoons get windy, so morning visits are calmer for swimming.

A large nature reserve with hiking trails, waterfalls and viewpoints over the Cerrado landscape. The main trail is about 3 km round trip, leading to a lookout with views of the city and lake.

Tip: Go early in the morning, before 8am, to spot armadillos and macaws. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. The trail is mostly unshaded.