Hot springs in Chile: a guide to thermal waters from north to south

Chile sits along the Andes and has one of the most active volcanic chains in the world. That is why, from north to south, there are hot springs of every kind: pools in desert ravines, historic spa hotels in central Chile and baths in the rainforest of the south. This guide brings together the best known, with their location and distance to the nearest city, according to Wikipedia.

In the Atacama Desert, the Puritama hot springs are a series of warm pools in a green ravine near San Pedro de Atacama, at high altitude. They are a common stop on the way back from the El Tatio geysers, and it's best to book entry in high season. Because of the altitude, the sun is intense and nights are very cold.

Near Santiago there are three options for a short break. Termas de Jahuel, in the Valparaíso region, are 14 kilometers from San Felipe and 98 kilometers from Santiago. Baños Morales, in Cajón del Maipo, are the closest to the capital and the simplest. And Termas de Cauquenes, on the Cachapoal River in the municipality of Machalí, are 31 kilometers from Rancagua at 760 meters, near Río de Los Cipreses National Reserve.

Termas de Chillán is in the municipality of Pinto, 82 kilometers from the city of Chillán, on the slopes of the Nevados de Chillán volcanic complex, in the Valle Hermoso area. Besides the hot springs you can go birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding and cycling, and in winter, skiing, as we explain in our guide to Nevados de Chillán.

Termas Geométricas are the most photographed in the country. They are in the Los Ríos region, on the Cajón Negro estate near Coñaripe, by the Aihué stream. The pools are linked by a red wooden walkway that follows the ravine through native forest. Although they are in Los Ríos, many travelers visit them from Pucón.

Termas de Puyehue, in the Los Lagos region, are 76 kilometers east of Osorno on route CH-215, the same road that leads to the Cardenal Samoré border crossing. It is one of the most traditional spa hotels in the south, with indoor and outdoor pools, and is close to Puyehue National Park.

• If you have one day from Santiago: Baños Morales, Jahuel or Cauquenes.
• If you're traveling to Atacama: Puritama, combined with El Tatio.
• If you're traveling south in winter: Termas de Chillán or Puyehue, which combine hot springs with snow.
• If you want nature: Geométricas, in a forested ravine.
• If you're traveling with children: complexes with pools, such as Puyehue or Termas de Chillán, are more comfortable than natural pools.

• Book ahead: the best known limit the number of daily visitors, especially on weekends and during holidays.
• Stay hydrated: hot water and altitude dehydrate you; bring water and avoid alcohol.
• Limit your time in the water: in very hot pools, get out every 15 or 20 minutes.
• Bring sandals and a towel: natural pools don't always rent them.
• Check the road in winter: several mountain hot springs require chains when it snows.

Chilean hot springs form when rain and meltwater seep into the ground, are heated by rocks near magma chambers and return to the surface loaded with minerals. That is why the best known are near volcanoes: Termas de Chillán at Nevados de Chillán, Puyehue near the volcanic complex of the same name, and those of Araucanía and Los Ríos around Villarrica and other volcanoes in the area.

Water temperature and composition vary a lot from place to place. Some have sulfurous water, with its characteristic smell, and others are almost clear. Complexes usually post the temperature of each pool, which is worth checking if you travel with children or older people. Hot springs are a good complement to almost any route through Chile; our guide to when to visit Chile explains which region suits each time of year.

Which hot springs are closest to Santiago?

Baños Morales, in Cajón del Maipo, about 87 kilometers away. Jahuel is 98 kilometers away and Cauquenes 31 kilometers from Rancagua.

Where are Termas Geométricas?

In the Los Ríos region, near Coñaripe, on the Cajón Negro estate.

How far from Osorno are the Puyehue hot springs?

76 kilometers east, on route CH-215.