Weekend in Pocos de Caldas

Central park with a small lake, walking paths, and a gazebo that often hosts free live music on weekends. The park is clean, busy with locals, and a good place for a quiet sit-down

Tip: Go late afternoon for the cooler air and the chance to see capybaras grazing near the water's edge.

Large, modern concrete basilica with a 100-metre bell tower. The interior is stark but the architecture is striking. Climb the spiral staircase to a 360-degree view of the city for

Tip: Check the bell-ringing schedule — if you're there at noon on Sunday, you'll hear all 12 bells play a short tune that reverberates across town.

Housed in a 1930s mansion, this museum displays local artefacts including old tram parts, fossils, and photographs of the city's thermal bath heyday. Small but well-curated rooms.

Tip: The museum is free but donations welcome — bring a couple of reais to drop in the box near the entrance; the staff are volunteers and appreciate it.

Historic public fountain built in 1913, with red volcanic stone arches and several taps that flow with naturally carbonated water (gasosa da fonte). Locals fill their bottles here daily for the taste

Tip: You need a cup or bottle to drink — there's a small shop nearby that sells plastic cups for 50 centavos if you forget. The water is very fizzy, so pour slowly.

A small Japanese-style garden at the edge of town, with a koi pond, miniature bridges, and very few tourists. It's more tranquil than the main park, though the landscaping is simpler.

Tip: Bring a small bag of rice or breadcrumbs from a local bakery to feed the fish — it's not forbidden and makes the visit more interactive.