There is a kind of rest that only the interior of Minas Gerais can offer. As the coach approaches Araxá and the green of Parque do Barreiro begins to open up before your eyes, the rhythm of the clock changes at once. With its historic hydrothermal springs, imposing 1940s architecture and the legendary footsteps of Dona Beja, Araxá is one of those destinations that combine deep wellbeing, Minas hospitality and a great deal of memory.

On Mundo a Passeio caravans departing from Porto Alegre, Araxá is always one of the most celebrated moments. After days of excursions and cultural visits around the Triângulo Mineiro, the city appears as the perfect refuge to relax the body, enjoy a hot coffee without hurry and chat with your friends from the road.

The Barreiro complex and the power of slowing down

The heart of rest in Araxá is in Parque do Barreiro. There, sulphurous and radioactive springs have been rising from the ground for centuries, attracting travellers in search of renewal. The hydrothermal complex was built in the first half of the 1940s and listed as historic and artistic heritage of the state of Minas Gerais.

Walking through the gardens designed by Roberto Burle Marx, admiring the Fonte Andrade Júnior with its serene atmosphere and breathing the pure mountain air leaves any accumulated tension behind. For those who want an extra moment of self-care, the thermal baths and the traditional treatments with Araxá's famous sulphurous black mud offer gentle relief for the joints and muscles.

The grandeur of the Grande Hotel

It is impossible to talk about Araxá without being enchanted by the Grande Hotel. Built in the golden age of Brazilian spa resorts and opened in the mid-1940s, the building impresses with its stained-glass windows, classical columns, ornate floors and spacious halls that recall an era of memorable gatherings.

The complex occupies a green area of 450,000 square metres, ideal for strolling at leisure, taking photographs and contemplating nature. Even for those who have travelled the world, entering the building and watching the soft light cross the galleries is a striking sensation. It is a noble piece of Brazilian history, preserved and fully in operation.

The fascinating story of Dona Beja

Besides the thermal waters, Araxá keeps in the city centre the memory of Ana Jacinta de São José, immortalised as Dona Beja. A remarkable figure of the 19th century, Beja defied the customs of her time with intelligence, personality and political and social leadership.

The large house where she lived is home to the Museu Histórico Dona Beja, a precious cultural space with period pieces, furniture and records of the formation of Minas Gerais. The visit complements the itinerary perfectly, allowing you to understand the welcoming yet strong spirit of the people of Minas.

Casa do Caminho and the tradition of solidarity

Araxá also welcomes the hearts of those seeking spiritual peace. Casa do Caminho, founded in the city in the early 1980s and grounded in Christian charity, is a place of prayer and welcome that is part of the strong fraternal identity of the Triângulo Mineiro.

Travel to Araxá with the warmth of Mundo a Passeio

Organising a long trip on your own can be tiring: researching routes, driving hundreds of kilometres, choosing a hotel and finding parking take time and energy. At Mundo a Passeio, we take care of every detail with the care of people who have years on the road.

Our overland itineraries leave from Porto Alegre in comfortable leito (sleeper) coaches, with an accredited guide accompanying the group from boarding to return, selected hotels and a programme paced for those who value tranquillity, especially older travellers. You only need to sit back, relax and make new friends.

Want to get to know Araxá and the Triângulo Mineiro in the best company? Discover our itineraries and upcoming departures or message our team on WhatsApp to find out dates and receive the full programme.

Sources and references