Hot Park, Caldas Novas: Brazil's Thermal Water Park

Hot Park sits about 27 km (17 miles) from central Caldas Novas in the neighboring town of Rio Quente, and it's the world's largest naturally heated water park, spread over 55,000 square meters. Unlike typical water parks that burn energy to warm their pools, every slide, wave pool, and lazy river here runs on mineral-rich water that bubbles up from the ground at 37–57°C (99–135°F). Day tickets start around R$209 (about US$40) for adults, and the park operates daily during high season, typically from 10:00 to 17:00, with a weekly closure on Thursdays in low season.

Getting There: From Goiânia, Brasília, or the Airport

The drive from Goiânia takes roughly 2.5 hours (180 km) via the BR-352 and BR-490 highways, while Brasília is about 300–310 km away (3.5 to 4 hours). If you're flying, the closest airport is Caldas Novas (CLV), just 27 km from the park, though it has limited commercial service; Goiânia (GYN) is the most reliable option with frequent flights from major Brazilian cities. From either airport, private transfers are the most practical choice for families—door-to-door service to your hotel or the park gate, with drivers tracking your flight. Buses from Goiânia and Brasília run to Caldas Novas, but you'll still need a taxi or rideshare for the final 30–40 minutes to Rio Quente. I'd skip the public bus option unless you're traveling solo and on a tight budget; the connection times can eat half a day.

By Car

The highways are well-paved and signed, but watch for heavy truck traffic on the BR-352 during harvest season (June–August). Parking at the park costs R$60 per car in an open lot—no shade, so bring a sunshade if you're visiting in the dry months.

By Bus or Shuttle

Long-distance buses from Goiânia (about 2.5 hours) and Brasília (4 hours) arrive at Caldas Novas bus station. From there, local buses 256 and 535 pass near the park, but schedules are unreliable on weekends. A pre-booked shuttle from your Caldas Novas hotel is a better bet—many resorts offer round-trip transfers for guests.

Tickets, Hours, and Practical Planning

Prices fluctuate by date and demand. As of 2026, adult tickets are from R$209, children 5–17 pay R$188, seniors 60+ pay R$146, and kids under 4 enter free. Buying online in advance usually saves 10–20% compared to the gate. Note that park fees are subject to change—check the official Rio Quente Resorts site for current rates.

Opening Hours

Low season (February–June, August–November): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00–17:00, closed Thursdays. High season (December–January, July): open daily, often 10:00–17:00 or later. Arrive at opening—the first two hours have the shortest lines at the major slides.

Height and Weight Restrictions

Most high-thrill slides require a minimum height of 1.30 m (4'3") and a maximum weight of 120 kg (265 lbs). A few attractions, like the Xpirado slide, require 1.40 m. Children under 1.20 m are limited to the kids' areas (Splash Kids, Hotibum) and the shallow wave pool. Staff measure height and weight at each ride entrance—no exceptions.

What to Do: Slides, Thermal Pools, and the Artificial Beach

The park is built directly over the Rio Quente river, and its water flows continuously—no chemical heating. The standout is Praia do Cerrado, a massive artificial beach with real sand and heated surf waves generated every few minutes. The wave pool is the centerpiece for families; the water stays at a comfortable 30–33°C even in July, when air temperatures can drop to 15°C at night.

Thrill Slides

Xpirado is the steepest slide—a near-vertical drop that sends you into a swirling bowl. Esperando o Sol and Rio Quente are long, twisting tube slides that run through the forest. Lines build after 11:00, so hit these first. The Girolesa zipline (77 m, average speed 5 km/h) offers a gentler adrenaline fix and a bird's-eye view of the park.

Family and Kids' Areas

Hotibum is a multi-level water playground for kids over 5, with small slides, obstacles, and a giant tipping bucket. Splash Kids is a shallow pool with mini-slides for toddlers. The Acquabike lets you pedal on the river's surface—20-minute rides, solo or tandem, with a child seat available.

Thermal Pools and Relaxation

Scattered around the park are several thermal pools (some with swim-up bars) where the water temperature hovers around 37°C. The hottest pool, near the entrance, is a favorite with older visitors. I found the pool by the bar area the most social, but the quieter pool behind the wave pool is better for actual relaxation—most guides don't mention it.

Visitor Rules and Money-Saving Tips

You'll get a wristband at the gate; all purchases inside are charged to it—cash, credit cards, and PIX are not accepted inside the park. Lockers cost R$40, and they're worth it if you're carrying phones or valuables. Outside food is prohibited, but you can bring one bottle of water per person. Food prices inside are steep: a pastel costs R$19, a beer R$24, and a buffet lunch runs about R$140 per kg. A 12.5% service fee is added to your bill unless you explicitly opt out at checkout—this catches many visitors off guard. Bring flip-flops (the ground gets scorching by noon) and reef-safe sunscreen. The park sells swimwear, but at inflated prices (R$598 for a women's swimsuit), so pack your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to visit Hot Park?

Plan a full day—7 to 8 hours. The park is large, lines for the main slides can reach 30–40 minutes by midday, and the thermal pools are worth at least an hour of unhurried soaking. Arriving at 10:00 gives you a solid two hours before crowds build.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Outside food is not allowed; you can bring one sealed water bottle per person. The park has drinking fountains, but they're limited—I only spotted one near the restrooms by the wave pool. Budget R$50–80 per person for lunch if you eat inside.

Is Hot Park suitable for young children?

Yes, for kids over 5. Hotibum and Splash Kids are designed for them, and the wave pool has a shallow end. However, children under 1.20 m can't ride the big slides, so manage expectations. Strollers are allowed but cumbersome on the sandy areas.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, flip-flops, a towel, high-SPF sunscreen, and a waterproof phone pouch. Rentals for tubes cost extra (R$20 for a single, R$40 for a double, 3-hour limit). Lockers are R$40—bring a small padlock if you have one, though the rental includes a key.

Are there any discounts for families or groups?

Online advance purchase is the best bet—family packages (2 adults + 2 children) sometimes save 15%. Children under 4 are free. Keep an eye on the official site for promotions during low season (May–September), when tickets can drop to R$170.