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Historic City of Goiás Enters Global Hospitality Ranking and Reinforces Tourism Potential with Preserved Nature, Recognized Cultural Heritage, and Century-Old Traditions that Attract Visitors Throughout the Year.
Pirenópolis, in Goiás, made it to the list of the 10 most welcoming cities in the world in 2026 in the Traveller Review Awards, an award from Booking.com based on verified guest reviews and the proportion of award-winning accommodations in each destination.
The selection places the Goiás municipality alongside places like Montepulciano, Italy, and Takayama, Japan, as well as cities on other continents, in a global effort that seeks to measure, above all, the consistency of the hospitality offered.
Booking.com Ranking Highlights Hospitality as a Differential
The Traveller Review Awards considers millions of verified reviews on the platform and correlates the performance of accommodation partners at each location, which helps explain why the focus is placed on both service and travel experience.
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In practice, recognition signals a destination where visitors often find a walkable routine, small-town atmosphere, and services prepared to provide a warm welcome, without relying solely on specific attractions or peak seasons.
Even operating year-round, Pirenópolis changes its pace according to the calendar, as holidays and traditional events increase demand, while ordinary days tend to offer more tranquil outings, with shorter lines and more space to see details.
Historic Center Listed by Iphan Preserves Colonial Identity
Among stone streets, colonial facades, and churches that dominate the landscape, the historic center concentrates the city’s most recognized scenery and often performs better in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature drops.
Listed by Iphan, the urban ensemble preserves an important part of the local identity, and in an institutional text on the subject, the superintendent of the agency in Goiás, Allyson Cabral, summarized the value of the collection by stating, “The city brings together one of the richest heritage collections in the Midwest and keeps its traditions alive.”
Without the need for a fixed itinerary, many people start at the main square and follow through side streets, alternating the walk with stops at cafes, small shops, and studios, which tends to enhance the visitor’s perception of the city.
As the stones can become slippery when it rains, the outing tends to work better with slower steps and shorter breaks, as this reduces trips, improves enjoyment, and helps observe architectural details that pass quickly.
Waterfalls and Trails in the Cerrado Boost Nature Tourism
Outside the center, the surrounding areas are often the reason for many visitors’ return, as Pirenópolis is surrounded by Cerrado areas with trails, viewpoints, and waterfalls, ranging from quick swims to full days in the forest.
The Pirenus State Park is home to one of the main nature highlights of the region and, according to official information from the Goiás government, contains the second highest point in the state, at 1,385 meters altitude, along with a 360-degree panoramic view.
In warmer months, the search for pools and cold water grows, placing waterfalls like Abade, Santa Maria, and Bonsucesso among the most mentioned in tourists’ itineraries, with variations in trail, structure, and distance that influence the choice.
Still, the actual travel time between attractions can take longer than it appears on the map, as some accesses involve dirt roads, which usually require attention to the time taken to avoid returning in the dark.
Regional Gastronomy and Crafts Strengthen Local Economy
After the waterfalls, the city usually changes the subject and takes visitors to the table, with restaurants that blend home-cooked meals, rural recipes, and contemporary options, often relying on Cerrado ingredients.
In the center, commerce helps fill the gaps in the day, and crafts appear in ceramics, fabrics, and decorative pieces, with studios that attract those who prefer to buy directly from producers and understand the technique.
At night, Pirenópolis generally operates without major events, as a leisurely dinner, a short walk through the center, and returning to accommodations already meet the profile of those looking for rest and a slower pace.
Festa do Divino and Cavalhadas Maintain Century-Old Tradition
In addition to nature tourism, religious and cultural traditions remain a local hallmark, with highlights on the Festa do Divino and the Cavalhadas, which energize the city and directly influence the occupancy of inns and restaurants.
In a report from the Ministry of Tourism about the celebration, retired lawyer Luiz Carlos Cardoso, identified as the emperor of the festival, summarized the personal significance of the title by saying, “It is an honor to have the Divine in my house, a privilege that few Pirenopolis residents have had in almost two centuries.”
As the calendar varies from year to year, those planning to travel during festival periods often need to plan ahead, as the flow of visitors alters traffic in the center, changes timing dynamics, and shortens accommodation availability.
How to Organize the Trip Between Goiânia and Brasília
Being situated between Goiânia and Brasília, Pirenópolis frequently appears as an option for day trips; however, staying at least one night tends to make it easier to combine the historic center, waterfalls, and a leisurely meal without haste.
When choosing the time, the travel purpose usually weighs more than the agenda, as those seeking a swim prioritize warmth and water, while those who prefer trails and walks usually benefit from drier months.
With the international award broadening the destination’s showcase, the city also begins to receive more curious visitors in search of a place where service, heritage, and nature can fit into the same weekend, but what most surprises first-time arrivals?
Cidade linda e com muitas opções,mas prepare o bolso, uma hospedagem de fim de semana é mais caro que ir a praia. Eu moro em Brasília e já fui muito em Pirenopolis, os preços praticados não condizem com a estrutura da cidade, que é bem fraca por sinal.
Excelente cidade para quem goata de sossego, boa comida, pequenas compras e ainda, ar puro. Muito bom. Sempre quando posso vou lá.
Como definir a cidade mais acolhedora de um país com 5570 municípios.? Não estou discordando de Pirenópolis, já estive lá mais de uma vez e gosto muito da cidade.
A metodologia está explicada no texto:
“O Traveller Review Awards considera milhões de avaliações verificadas na plataforma e cruza o desempenho de parceiros de hospedagem em cada local, o que ajuda a explicar por que o destaque recai tanto sobre o atendimento quanto sobre a experiência de viagem.”