Cristo Redentor stands on Serra de São Domingos and offers one of the finest views of Poços De Caldas. The monument is 30 meters high. Serra de São Domingos also offers other nature and landscape highlights: Pedra Balão is a natural rock formation, while Recanto Japonês is a replica of a Japanese garden in the Serra’s original forest. This gives you different ways to shape your stay—from the views to striking rock formations and a landscaped garden.

Views and access routes

You can reach Cristo Redentor by cable car, by road, or on a trail starting at Fonte dos Amores. The main trail begins at Fonte dos Amores and leads through Parque da Serra de São Domingos to Cristo Redentor. The cable car connects Parque José Affonso Junqueira with the summit of Parque da Serra de São Domingos; its station is opposite Palace Casino. As operating conditions may change, check the latest information about the cable car and access routes before your visit.

Rock formation and garden

Pedra Balão is located near Cristo Redentor. This natural landmark consists of large rocks stacked on top of one another and is about ten meters high. Compared with the 30-meter-high Cristo Redentor, it offers a natural formation alongside a built monument—two different sights in Serra de São Domingos that also differ in height.

Recanto Japonês combines a replica of a Japanese garden with the original forest of Serra de São Domingos. The grounds include ornamental plants, small waterfalls, and Fonte dos Três Desejos. The focus is therefore on a landscaped garden in a forest setting, setting it apart from the natural rock formation of Pedra Balão. If you are interested in gardens and plants, these details are among the defining features of Recanto Japonês.

Regional products, nature education and culture

In the city center, Mercado Municipal offers regional products to residents and visitors: butter, sweets and cheese, as well as baskets made from straw and wicker. The selection combines food with basketware, giving the market its own character as part of exploring the city. If you plan to visit, check the opening hours in advance, as they may change.

Jardim Botânico de Poços de Caldas offers guided tours, interactive workshops and lectures. Topics range from the native flora of the Campos de Altitude and pollination to medicinal plants and the protection of the Atlantic Forest. The program therefore offers a variety of ways to learn about plants and nature. Educational activities may change over time; if a particular format is important to you, check the current program before your visit.

The listed Palace Casino currently serves as an event center. Festa de São Benedito adds to the city’s cultural life with a traditional celebration: it usually takes place from May 1 to 13 in the courtyard of Capela de São Benedito and its surroundings. The festival is for worshippers and the general public; it includes, among other things, stalls selling typical foods from the communities of Poços De Caldas. The dates may vary from year to year. So if you are planning your visit around the festival, check the dates for that year.

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