Local myth says a young Inca princess stayed eternally young, thanks to the special waters of Termas de Jurasi. Years later, she fell in love and married. Her husband noticed how she stayed youthful while neighbors faded with age. One day he stealthily followed her to the warm pools and discovered her secret. He, too, began to immerse himself on the sly. One day the princess caught him at the hot springs and yelled, “Jurasi, jurasi, jurasi!” (which in Aymara means, boil, boil, boil). The waters bubbled up and her husband suffered a horrible death. You don't have to worry about any such curse these days. Termas de Jurasi is for the common folk, as well. What better way to relax after a day of hiking in Parque Nacional than to soak in its pools with 50-53ºC (122-127ºF) mineral waters? One is open-air and the other in a cabaña. There are also mud baths.

Location:
10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Putre
Putre, Chile

Spa/Hot Springs

Getting There
Termas de Jurasi is located just off Ruta CH-11 (the Arica-La Paz highway), between Putre and Parque Nacional Lauca. Many day tours into Parque Nacional Lauca end the expedition with a soak in the hot springs.

Price Description: $2

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:9 a.m.

Open Hours to:5 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Take along water and a snack. Don't forget your towel and swimsuit. Also bring warm clothes to dress in after bathing, so you don't get chilled.

Check out the Pictografías de Vilacaurani rock paintings and the views from the mirador. Adventure into Parque Nacional Lauca, Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas and Monumento Natural Salar de Surire for stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and archaeological ruins.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

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

Created: 20 Jun 2009

Updated: 24 Jun 2009

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