Hot Springs in South America

Thermal Springs by South American County

Map of South American Countries with Springs

Guide to South America’s Natural Thermal Springs

South America has a lot of high-end resorts, but some of the top places to relax are the continent’s natural hot springs. Some of these thermal spots have become spas and hideaways where people can get massages, body scrubs, moisturizing treatments, and soak in mineral water or mud baths. Others are merely small streams.

No matter where they are, they make a trip to the continent even more exciting for tourists.

Argentina

Because of its varied topography and temperatures, Argentina is a front-runner destination for spas, hot springs, and wellness travelers in South America. Termas de Rio Hondo is a spa town in the northern province of Santiago del Estero, built on top of fourteen levels of thermal waters that are particularly rich in salts and minerals.

There is a network of thermal spas linking several cities in the province of Entre Rios, which has the country’s highest density of hot springs. Also, because of volcanic activity in the Andes, there are a lot of thermal pools.

Brazil

Famous for its lush rainforests, Brazil is also home to “aguas termais,” which are naturally occurring hot springs. There are a few thermal water locations and soaking areas near the cities of Sao Paolo and Brasilia, ranging from developed pools to natural bodies of water. Some of the pools are built on a swimming pool complex, while others have been turned into a water park.

Chile

Due to the country’s volcanic history, natural thermal baths, spas, and hot springs abound in Chile. All around the nation, and especially in the area around the Andes Mountains, you may find a variety of different types of bathing options, from natural ponds to elaborately designed spas.

Some of the most lavish spas in the country may be found in the country’s beautiful national parks, such as Huerquehue, Villarrica, and Lauca.

Colombia

Because Colombia has so many volcanoes, it has naturally hot therapeutic waters that may contain as many as ten different mineral compounds. Although most tourists come to Colombia to see its stunning beaches, coffee regions, archeological sites, rainforests, major towns, and colonial villages, the country also has a variety of peaceful hot springs. Most of which is near several must-see attractions.

The admission fee to these springs is so low that even those on a restricted budget can afford to go. Santa Rosa de Cabal and San Vicente are two Colombian gems in the middle of the Andes that travelers and expats don’t talk about as much. Both of these towns are home to volcanic hot springs.

Peru

Some of the most amazing hot springs in the country are in some of the most dangerous mountains, from the dry, volcanic high desert to the high Andean valleys. Hot springs in Peru may be found all around the nation, from the often-overlooked northern regions to the southernmost provinces.

More areas where hot water bursts to the surface were made possible by the subduction of the Nazca Plate, which resulted in the beautiful Andes Mountains. There are several thermal springs in Peru, with estimates placing the total at 400.

Uruguay

The Guaran Aquifer is one of the world’s most extensive underground water supplies. It’s buried in northwestern Uruguay, near the Uruguay River in the coastal region.

Because of its reputation as Uruguay’s oldest thermal resort, Arapey is one of the country’s main attractions and brings in a considerable number of tourists every year. The water temperature varies between 39 and 45 degrees, making it ideal for a relaxing swim.

When planning your next vacation to South America, be sure to visit one of the continent’s many fantastic hot springs.

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

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