Discover Pocinhos Do Rio Verde: Thermal Waters and Festa do Biscoito

Thermal waters, river landscapes and a distinctive baking tradition take center stage in Pocinhos do Rio Verde. These topics offer different starting points for planning your trip: you can explore the baths and the traditional use of the thermal waters, take in natural pools and rapids, or focus on the Festa do Biscoito. This lets you choose places and events to suit your interests without suggesting that they offer the same kind of outing.

Thermal waters and traditional use

At Balneário Reynaldo de Oliveira Pimenta, visitors can use hydromassage baths and showers supplied with sulfurous, radioactive and alkaline water. The Parque Balneário surrounding the building includes three sulfurous springs with medicinal properties, a green space, a walking path and a children’s playground. The three springs are on the banks of the Rio Verde. The thermal-water experience therefore includes both the bathing facilities mentioned here and park and river features.

Cultural heritage is also part of this theme. The landscape ensemble of Balneário Dr. Reynaldo de Oliveira Pimenta is protected as municipal cultural heritage. Traditional knowledge and practices concerning the therapeutic use of Pocinhos do Rio Verde’s thermal waters are protected as intangible cultural heritage of Caldas and are being inventoried by the municipality. Thus, specific springs and bathing facilities sit alongside a tradition of use passed down over time. If you would like to explore natural and cultural themes together on your trip, thermal water provides a common thread.

Pools, rapids and a waterfall

Bacião is a large natural pool on the Rio Soberbo in Pocinhos do Rio Verde. Visitors can swim there and watch the river’s rapids. Because of the risks, a local guide is recommended for the visit. The combination of a pool and rapids makes Bacião a different kind of natural attraction from the thermal springs on the Rio Verde.

Cascata Antônio Monteiro is a formation on the Rio Verde in the vicinity of Pocinhos do Rio Verde. It is in the Pedra Branca neighborhood, two kilometers from the town. Its natural features include rapids, a waterfall and a natural pool. Nearby, you will find hiking trails, crossings and a viewpoint, as well as publicly accessible showers, toilets, kiosks and barbecue areas.

The two water destinations appeal to different interests: at Bacião, swimming and views of the rapids are the main draw; around the Cascata, there are also trails, crossings and a viewpoint. Check the conditions of the facilities at the Cascata before your trip. Some facilities in Parque Balneário may also change.

Festa do Biscoito and local baked goods

At the Festa do Biscoito, polvilho cookies, broas and various types of bolachas are baked in wood-fired ovens. The baked goods are sold plain or with different fillings. The culinary tradition is reflected not only in the products, but also in their preparation in a wood-fired oven. In 2013, the Festa do Biscoito was protected as intangible cultural heritage of Caldas.

For 2024, the Festa do Biscoito was scheduled for every weekend in July: it was held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the courtyard of Balneário de Pocinhos do Rio Verde. This weekend schedule applies to 2024 and does not automatically apply to later years. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for your travel year.

Discover more destinations: Rio Pomba, Carmo do Cajuru, Nova Ponte, Lavras, Marliéria, Pitangui, Caparaó, Jacutinga

For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.