Caxambu is a Brazilian municipality in Minas Gerais. Its population in 2021 was estimated at 21,566. Caxambu is renowned for its spa which has twelve sources of mineral sparkling water flowing 24 hours a day and a cold-water geyser.
While Caxambu’s fame rests on its mineral springs, the town’s layout and daily rhythm echo a deeper water‑centric heritage. In the early 20th century, families built homes with tiled roofs sloping toward the central fountain, a subtle nod to the belief that water should flow through every aspect of life. Strolling through the historic centre, you’ll notice that many cafés source their coffee directly from the cold‑water geyser, offering a crisp, mineral‑tinged brew that locals claim aids digestion after heavy meals. Even the municipal market arranges its stalls to mirror the natural cascade of the springs, creating a visual guide for visitors navigating the stalls as if following a stream.
Caxambu’s altitude of just under 900 metres gives it a milder climate than the surrounding valleys, making spring and early autumn the sweet spot for spa visits. During these months, the daily temperature swing is gentle enough to let the sparkling water retain its cool effervescence without the summer heat evaporating the subtle aromas that develop in the mineral deposits. Travellers who prefer a quieter ambience will find the town’s cultural calendar lighter in September, with fewer regional festivals, allowing more space to linger at the hydro‑therapy centres and explore the surrounding hills on foot.
Most travel guides list Caxambu’s waters but skip the way the mineral profile influences the regional cuisine. The local chefs often finish their traditional pão de queijo with a brief dip in the lightly carbonated water, a technique that subtly lightens the dough’s texture. Similarly, the annual ‘Feijoada das Águas’ features beans simmered with a splash of spring water, believed to enhance the dish’s earthy flavour. For the curious palate, requesting a ‘cálice de água viva’ at any neighbourhood bar—essentially a chilled glass of the sparkling source—offers a refreshingly pure finish to any meal.
Municipality in Minas Gerais, BrazilCaxambuMunicipalityMunicipality of Caxambu FlagCoat of armsNickname: Cidade das ÁguasMotto:  Medicina entre flores  "Medicine among flowers"Location in Minas GeraisCoordinates: 21°58′37″S 44°55′58″W / 21.97694°S 44.93278°W / -21.97694; -44.93278Country BrazilState Minas GeraisRegionSoutheastIntermediate RegionPouso AlegreImmediate RegionCaxambu-BaependiFounded16 September 1901Government • MayorDiogo Curi Hauegen (PSDB)Area • Total100.203 km2 (38.689 sq mi)Elevation895 m (2,936 ft)Population (2021) • Total21,566 • Density215.22/km2 (557.43/sq mi)DemonymcaxambuenseTime zoneUTC−3 (BRT)HDI (2010)0.743 – highWebsitecaxambu.mg.gov.br Caxambu is a Brazilian municipality in Minas Gerais. Its population in 2021 was estimated at 21,566. Caxambu is renowned for its spa which has twelve sources of mineral sparkling water flowing 24 hours a day and a cold-water geyser. Mineral waters
[edit] Climate[edit] Climate data for Caxambu (1981–2010) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 28.7(83.7) 29.5(85.1) 28.6(83.5) 27.5(81.5) 25.4(77.7) 24.1(75.4) 24.9(76.8) 26.4(79.5) 27.2(81.0) 28.1(82.6) 28.5(83.3) 28.3(82.9) 27.3(81.1) Daily mean °C (°F) 22.5(72.5) 22.7(72.9) 22.1(71.8) 20.9(69.6) 18.3(64.9) 16.5(61.7) 17.1(62.8) 18.3(64.9) 20.0(68.0) 21.0(69.8) 21.7(71.1) 21.7(71.1) 20.2(68.4) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 16.6(61.9) 16.3(61.3) 15.7(60.3) 14.0(57.2) 10.9(51.6) 8.2(46.8) 8.7(47.7) 9.9(49.8) 12.5(54.5) 14.1(57.4) 15.2(59.4) 15.8(60.4) 13.2(55.8) Average precipitation mm (inches) 324.3(12.77) 211.4(8.32) 196.4(7.73) 72.3(2.85) 63.4(2.50) 30.0(1.18) 13.3(0.52) 15.7(0.62) 83.5(3.29) 121.3(4.78) 209.3(8.24) 333.4(13.13) 1,674.3(65.92) Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 17 13 13 6 5 2 2 3 7 9 13 17 107 Average relative humidity (%) 75.5 73.9 74.9 72.5 73.0 69.6 67.3 65.1 66.1 68.9 71.1 75.6 71.1 Source: Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia