Águas de São Pedro

Although small, the little municipality of Águas de São Pedro in São Paulo state, Brazil, deserves appreciation. Just 3.61 square kilometers, it is the second-smallest municipality in Brazil by area. The urban enclave claimed 3,521 residents as of 2020. Notwithstanding its small population, Águas de São Pedro has developed a reputation for great quality of living, a rich historical history, and a booming tourism industry based on its famous thermal springs.

Translating “Águas de São Pedro,” or “Waters of Saint Peter,” the municipality’s naming honors its distinguishing natural feature and recognizes its historical link to the neighboring municipality of São Pedro. Originally thought of as a planned city in the 1940s, Águas de São Pedro was once intended as a tourist attraction.

Geographically, the municipality sits in the Itaqueri Ridge area 184 kilometers northwest of the state capital of São Paulo. Derived from Tupí-Guaraní, the toponym “Itaqueri,” meaning “lying stone,” fairly captures the unique geological features of the region. One of Brazil’s four municipal enclaves, Águas de São Pedro’s geographical peculiarity is enhanced by its totally restricted nature by the municipality of São Pedro.

Four separate neighborhoods make up Águas de São Pedro’s urban design: Jardim Jerubiaçaba in the northeast, Jardim Iporanga in the east, Centro (the city center), and Jardim Porangaba in the south. Rooted in Tupí-Guaraní languages, these designations capture the core of the site by evoking ideas of loyalty, lovely rivers, and breathtaking views.

With an average yearly temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius (72.3 degrees Fahrenheit), Climatologically Águas de São Pedro finds suitable circumstances. The municipality shows a great dedication to environmental preservation by means of large reforested sections that account for most of its flora. Two large parks and a municipal mini-garden—which act as the city’s lush lungs and leisure areas—showcase this commitment to preserving green areas.

Comprising more than a million square meters, the Dr. Octavio Moura Andrade Park features sixteen hiking paths covering 6,500 meters in length About 250 bird species and a strong population of roughly 40 coatis call this natural refuge home among other varied flora and animals. Complementing this, the Parque das Águas “José Benedito Zani” features jogging paths, an outdoor gymnasium, a skate ramp, and a bikeway, thereby adding another 6,400 square meters devoted to active lifestyles.

Economically, Águas de São Pedro mostly depends on its service industry; tourism is therefore quite important. With a per capita GDP of R$41, 378.02, the municipality’s GDP in 2016 came out to R$132,616,500. With an eye on commercial and tourism-related businesses, the lack of a rural sector focuses economic activity in metropolitan areas.

The main industry of Águas de São Pedro is tourism; the main attraction of the municipality is its thermal springs. While lengthy holidays can see numbers rise to 30,000 – almost decupling the local population, weekend visitors can quadruple the local population. With events like Carnival adding millions of reais into local coffers, this tourist explosion greatly boosts the local economy.

The municipality’s classification as a hydromineral spa—approved by São Paulo’s state government—adds even more attractiveness and guarantees more money for the growth of tourism. One of eleven such localities in the state, this categorization recognizes the extraordinary quality and medical qualities of Águas de São Pedro’s mineral waters.

The three well-known mineral springs of Águas de São Pedro—Fonte Juventude, Fonte Gioconda, and Fonte Almeida Salles—are what attract most people. Every spring offers water with distinctive mineral compositions and supposed medicinal qualities.

Rising at a depth of 348.59 meters, Fonte Juventude is the second most sulfurous water source worldwide and the most sulfurous water available in the Americas. Particularly appreciated for dermatological treatments and immersion baths is its great sulfur concentration. Riches in sodium sulfate, fonte Gioconda is advised for stomach problems. Prescribed for both stomach and hepatic disorders, Fonte Almeida Salles, eponymously named after the doctor who first noted its therapeutic properties, includes sodium bicarbonate.

Águas de São Pedro stands out for not just its natural treasures but also for its very high standard of living. With a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.854, the municipality ranks second in the state of São Paulo as well as in Brazil generally. Reflecting the municipality’s dedication to the welfare of its citizens, this outstanding figure emphasizes its healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and general urban design.