Circuito Termal - Spa/Hot Springs Pucón - Chile

After a long day of skiing of climbing Volcán Villarrica a good way to relax strained muscles is to immerse yourself in one of the eight major hot springs near Pucón. Most are open 9 a.m.-9 p.m., a few until 10 p.m.; Los Pozones is open all night. On the Camino Internacional to Curarrehue are three termales:

• Menetúe, with three covered and three open air pools filled with 28-40°C (82-104°F) water, a spa, cabañas and horseback riding (Km 30, Tel.: 44-1877, URL: www.menetue.com. Entry: $15)

• Trancura, with six pools at 33-40°C (91-104°F), canopy, tours and cabañas (Km 32, Tel.: 44-1189, URL: www.trancura.com. Entry: $10)

• San Luis, with one covered and several open air pools at 36-39°C (97-102°F), sauna, spa, cabañas and restaurant (Km 32, Tel.: 41-2880, URL: www.termasdesanluis.cl. Entry $14)

On the unpaved road to Huife, northeast of Pucón, is another trio of springs:

• Quimey-Co offers Jacuzzi, sauna and massage along with six pool of 38-46°C (100-114°F) pools (Km 30, Tel.: 44-4091, URL: www.termasquimeyco.com. Entry $10)

• Huife is a full-service spa with hotel, massage, restaurant and swimming-pool-style hot springs (28-39°C / 84-102°F) (Km 33, Tel.: 44-1222, URL: www.termashuife.cl. Entry: $16)

• Los Pozones is a favorite for its natural pools (20-45°C / 68-113°F) surrounded by forests. It is open all night (Km 36, Tel.: 197-2350, URL: www.pozoneshuifealto.cl. Entry $8-10)

The other two termas are more difficult to reach. Liucura, two kilometers off the road to Caburgua, has two open-air and one roofed pools, as well as three tubs (25-28°C / 77-82°F). Río Blanco is on the far side of Parque Huerquehue. Its three natural pools (35-40°C / 95-104°F) pools are embraced by emerald forests; lodging in family homes and camping are available (URL: www.miropucon.cl. Entry: $8).

Location:
Pucón, Chile

Spa/Hot Springs Types:
Hot springs

Getting There
All can be reached on tour or private transportation. Tour agencies in town each specialize in one terma. Several go to Los Pozones.

To Menetu

Travel Tips: It is not wise to drink alcohol and enter the hot water of these pools. Do not take bottles near the springs, as broken glass can cause injuries. Stay hydrated.

Price Description: Adults $8-16; some hot springs give a discount for children.

Relative price: Mid-Range

Open Hours from:Daily 9 a.m.

Open Hours to:Daily 9 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Bathing gear, towel, water.

Hiking and trekking in Villarrica and Huequerhue National Parks, scaling Volcán Villarrica, rafting, kayaking, birdwatching, fly fishing, visiting the Museo Mapuche and Mapuche communities. In winter, there are skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

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By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 26 Jan 2009