Hot Springs in Chile

List of Thermal Springs in CHL

Guide to Chile Natural Thermal Springs

There are several hot springs in the South American nation of Chile. Unlike Roman-style or Turkish baths, these hot springs are less likely to be in a spa environment and more likely to be rustically positioned outdoors.

They also are not called hot springs or thermal baths in Chile. There, using the name ‘termas’ is much more common. Here are some of Chile’s must-see termas.

Termas in the North

Termas de Polloquere is located in Putre, Chile, north of Colchane. It can be hard to get to, but the work is worth it in the end. Steam rises from the glassy, turquoise water. Most of the year you can see the snowcapped mountains on the horizon. The terms is in the middle of nowhere, so bring a tent if you’d like to stay nearby.

The eight pools of Termas de Puritama are one of the more well-known hot springs in Chile. There’s a reason; the high-elevation thermal baths are stunning.

The eight pools all operate at different temperatures, so visitors can either find the one that’s the most comfortable for them or soak in the hot mineral water then cool off in one of the less heated pools. The landscape around the terms is dotted with both gargantuan and smaller sized boulders that provide a great backdrop for photos.

Additional Northern Termas:

• Piscina Termal del Tatio
• Termas de Polques
• Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
• Termas de Laguna Verde

Termas in the South

Termas Geometricas is located in Villarrica Sur National Park, a remote and lush forest. The termas within the national park spread all throughout the land, and the pools vary in size and temperature. Painted red wooden walkways traverse the area, allowing visitors to go from bathing hole to bathing hole. There are no accommodations on-site, but the national park recommends using nearby Cabañas Los Picaflores.

In Los Lagos, Chile you’ll find Termas del Sol. Los Lagos is unique, made up of fjords and wooden cathedrals, and the termas located within are no different. Its uniqueness is found in its several angular bathing pools and its indoor cafe which features a cozy fireplace. Former guests recommend getting to the termas early since the place tends to fill up with bathers around midday.

Additional Southern Termas:

• Hotel Termas Puyehue Wellness & Spa Resort
• Termas Quimey-Co
• Banos de Colina
• Termas Del Plomo

Visit Chile

The country of Chile and its hot springs have so much to offer. There’s fantastic food (try the Pastel de Choclo, a corn casserole that nearly every family has a variation of), amazing architecture, and lively culture that is known for the high quality of its wine and beers.

There is a bit of a dearth of hot springs in the central part of the long, thin country, but head either north or south and there are plenty of mineral bathing options to be found.

Learn more about visiting Chile on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.