Information
Landmark: Termas de PuritamaCity: Arica
Country: Chile
Continent: South America
Termas de Puritama, Arica, Chile, South America
Overview
About 30 kilometers north of San Pedro de Atacama, the Termas de Puritama shimmer in the desert heat-a breathtaking cluster of natural hot springs tucked deep in Chile’s Atacama Desert, what’s more warm mineral-rich water fills these thermal pools, tucked into a canyon where red rock rises against the sky, creating a rare mix of deep relaxation and wild beauty in one of the driest corners of the planet.The Puritama Hot Springs draw their warmth from geothermal water, heated deep underground by volcanic forces that leave the air faintly smelling of minerals, what’s more the water stays between 28°C and 33°C (82°F to 91°F), warm enough that slipping in feels like sinking into a sunlit pool.Tucked into a rocky canyon, the pools sit among thick stands of green totoras and sparse desert shrubs, forming a quiet oasis in Chile’s dry Atacama, along with the water’s minerals-magnesium, sodium, and a trace of lithium-are thought to soothe tired muscles and leave skin feeling smooth.As it turns out, Eight natural pools link together through trickling waterfalls, with wooden walkways winding between them, also changing rooms and quiet rest areas stocked with the basics-a bench, fresh towels, and a cool drink.Between swims, you can stretch out on a bench or sink into the cool shade and rest, subsequently we keep visitor numbers low, so you can wander in quiet paths and never feel crowded.Frankly, Morning’s the best time to go-cool desert air, quiet paths, and the hot water feels even better against the chill, along with by afternoon, the air warms, a welcome change for anyone who enjoys gentler shifts-like stepping from a shaded porch into soft sunshine, slightly often As far as I can tell, The springs stay warm enough for a dip even in winter, making them a location you can enjoy any time of year, along with you can unwind in the warm thermal pools, letting the mineral-rich water ease your muscles as steam curls into the air, somewhat A photograph captures the sharp contrast between the lush green canyon and the dry, rust-colored sands of the Atacama Desert, simultaneously hike the nearby trails and you might spot a spiny cactus blooming or catch a glimpse of a jackrabbit darting through the brush, maybe You can picnic in the designated spots, but be sure to bring your own snacks and a bottle of water, subsequently you can reach it by car in about 45 minutes, driving from San Pedro de Atacama along Route B-245, where the road cuts through rust-red desert hills.By tour, you can book with a local operator who’ll handle the ride and get you through the gate, likewise by bike, adventurous visitors sometimes pedal their way up, but the climb’s steep enough to make your legs burn, under certain circumstances Entry fees change with the season and the day-weekdays cost a bit less, while weekends run higher, furthermore it’s best to book ahead-especially in high season, when tables fill fast.Please don’t use soap or shampoo in the pools-keep the water clear and the air free of that harsh, chemical smell, also stick to the marked paths so the fragile ecosystem stays intact-crushed wildflowers don’t recover overnight, relatively Keep visitor numbers low so the trails stay quiet and the scent of pine hangs in the air, and in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the Termas de Puritama offers a rare retreat where steaming mineral pools meet sweeping golden sands, blending natural beauty with pure relaxation and wellness.Stay for a few hours or linger all day, letting the warm mineral waters soak into your skin, and you’ll find this hidden oasis perfect for travelers who crave both excitement and calm.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-07
