Poços de Caldas tourism rises as volcanic caldera draws visitors

Poços de Caldas, a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil, is confirmed to sit inside an extinct volcanic caldera formed about 80 million years ago, the only such site in the country.

The geologic feature fuels hot springs averaging 38‑42 °C and striking landscapes, prompting a surge in nature‑ and wellness‑focused tourism. Hotel director Ricardo Aly says visitors are attracted by the “instinctive curiosity” of a city within a volcano, and hotel occupancy is becoming more evenly distributed throughout the year, reducing seasonal peaks.

Local hotels are enhancing relaxation spaces to meet demand. A 2025 Booking.com survey placed Poços de Caldas third among Minas Gerais destinations, and a Firjan study highlighted it as the state’s most developed city, underscoring its growing national tourism profile.

Authorities and private operators stress the need to protect the unique environment while expanding tourism.