Discover Northern Chile's Hot Springs: Among Salt Flats and Volcanoes

Discover the best destinations for relaxation and healing in the world’s driest desert.

Because wellness can also be found in extreme landscapes. From hidden oases to pools surrounded by volcanoes, these springs offer a revitalizing break after exploring the Atacama Desert.

Puritama Hot Springs: Natural Luxury in Atacama

A woman with her back to the camera floats in a crystal-clear pool at Puritama Hot Springs, surrounded by tall shrubs and large red rock formations in a sunny canyon near San Pedro de Atacama. — Photography: Puritama Hot Springs / @schirinfrosch

Located near San Pedro de Atacama, the Puritama Hot Springs are one of the best-known thermal oases in northern Chile. Their warm water pools wind through a gorge surrounded by Andean vegetation and reddish formations.

Their waters, rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium, maintain pleasant temperatures all year round. They offer a revitalizing break after exploring geysers, salt flats, and altiplano lagoons.

Location: 28 kilometers northeast of San Pedro de Atacama.
Reservations and payments are made on the official Puritama website.
Admission: 35,000 Chilean pesos per person (US$37).

Mamiña Hot Springs: Tradition and Health in Tarapacá

Close-up of the stone totem at the entrance to Mamiña, showing a corn cob painted in green and yellow and the word "MAMIÑA". In the background, a traditional three-tiered water fountain and the desert landscape.

Photography: Mamiña Center / @agatharage

Located in the Mamiña Valley, 2,700 meters above sea level, these hot springs are renowned for their mineral and therapeutic properties. The complex features natural pools and thermal springs like Ipla and El Tambo, whose waters can reach 57°C.

In addition to its traditional thermal baths, the destination allows visitors to discover heritage attractions such as the San Marcos de Mamiña Church, built in 1632. The hot springs can be visited all year round.

Location: Mamiña Valley, 125 kilometers from Iquique.
Excursions from Iquique start from 50,000 Chilean pesos (US$53). For a safe experience, prefer registered tourism services with Sernatur.

Northern Chile’s Hot Springs: Wellness at the Foot of Putre

Angled view of the rustic pool at Jurasi Hot Springs, one of Northern Chile's hot springs, with stone steps. In the background, an Andean hillside covered with low vegetation and a cloudy sky.

Photography: Jurasi Hot Springs / @frangodoy

According to Aymara tradition, Jurasi’s volcanic waters hide the secret to eternal youth. Surrounded by wetlands and mountains, these hot springs appear in the foothills of the Arica and Parinacota Region as a refuge amidst the extreme landscape of northern Chile.

They are an ideal stop for those exploring Lauca National Park, located 32 kilometers away. The site combines outdoor pools and medicinal mud areas, all at an altitude of 4,000 meters.

Location: 14 kilometers from Putre and 145 kilometers from Arica.
Tourism services from Arica for 55,000 Chilean pesos (US$58) per person.

Polloquere Hot Springs: The Secret of Salar de Surire

A shot of a woman floating in the dense white mist emanating from the Polloquere Hot Springs, one of Northern Chile's hot springs. Only her silhouette and the shape of her head are visible under a clear blue sky, with dark, blurry mountains in the background.

Photography: Polloquere Hot Springs / @ahubee

Within the Salar de Surire Natural Monument, the Polloquere Hot Springs appear like an altiplano mirage. Their turquoise waters emerge among white salt flats, volcanoes, and wetlands inhabited by flamingos, alpacas, and vicuñas.

Located more than 4,000 meters above sea level, these hyperthermal waters are considered among the hottest in Chile, reaching 60°C.

Location: Southern end of Salar de Surire, about 205 kilometers from Arica.
Admission: Free access.
Recommendation: As these are hyperthermal waters (60°C) located over 4,000 meters high, it is recommended to enter with caution, not to submerge completely abruptly, and to limit bathing to a maximum of 20 minutes.

Enquelga Hot Springs: Ancestral Hot Springs of Northern Chile

Top view of blue water pools at Enquelga Hot Springs. They are situated in a golden high-Andean wetland with traditional stone walls, facing a desert valley and volcanoes on the horizon of these Northern Chile hot springs.

Photography: Enquelga Hot Springs / @quimera_photo

Inside the Volcán Isluga National Park, the Enquelga Hot Springs offer an experience linked to Aymara culture. Managed by the local community, these natural pools allow visitors to enjoy crystal-clear waters at 30°C.

The complex features two natural pools, as well as thermal baths, medicinal mud, and camping areas for those looking to spend the night surrounded by altiplano silence and completely clear skies.

Location: Volcán Isluga National Park, 260 kilometers from Iquique.
Admission: 5,000 Chilean pesos per person (US$5 per person).

More than just hot springs: Discover the altiplano lagoons!

Photography: Salar de Surire / Sernatur

Exploring Northern Chile’s hot springs is also an invitation to discover some of the most impressive altiplano landscapes. Among volcanoes, salt flats, and altiplano lagoons:

Salar de Atacama: Chile’s largest salt deposit and one of the country’s most iconic northern landscapes. Inside it is Laguna Chaxa, one of the best places to observe Andean and Chilean flamingos in their natural habitat.
Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons: More than 4,100 meters above sea level and two hours from San Pedro de Atacama, they stand out for their blue waters surrounded by volcanoes and altiplano landscapes. Located within the Los Flamencos National Reserve.
Salar de Surire: combines white landscapes, wetlands, and altiplano fauna with the warm waters of the Polloquere Hot Springs. This natural monument is notable for the presence of flamingos, vicuñas, and volcanoes.