"We are reconnecting with nature," says Matías del Sol, who has managed Termas Geométricas for about six years. In southern Chile, hot springs are not just a hot bath: they are a way to explore native forests, waterfalls and volcanoes. "I think foreign travellers are looking for exactly that, outdoor experiences, and Chile is one of the most remote countries, where we still keep that untouched nature."
The forest around the hot springs
Termas Geométricas
Near Coñaripe, in the Panguipulli area, Termas Geométricas is a series of pools linked by red wooden walkways that follow a ravine with waterfalls, in the middle of the forest. It was designed by architect Germán del Sol. "The invitation is to live an experience that connects us with a setting surrounded by Jurassic nalcas, a setting nobody can overlook," says Matías.
Walkways and steam in the forest
Termas de San Luis
In the Pucón area, Termas de San Luis combines outdoor pools with cabins among the trees. According to Matías, they are aimed "at couples and families who want a somewhat more contemplative kind of tourism."
Cabins in the forest at Termas de San Luis
Waterfalls and native forest in southern Chile
Corralco: hot springs in the snow
In the Araucanía Region, Corralco Mountain Resort, at the foot of the Lonquimay volcano and among monkey puzzle trees, adds heated pools with views of the snow. For Manuel, a visitor from Spain, "there are few places in the world with this contrast between the wild and access for the whole family." Gracia, also from Spain, sums it up: "We wanted to come to Chile to discover a new country, one that also offers so many things we don't have in Spain, like a tourism as wild as the one here in the south."
Heated pool with snow views at Corralco
The thermal pool at San Luis, seen from the air
"For me, southern Chile really is a region full of experiences. I feel extremely happy here. I invite you to come and live the experience of the hot springs of southern Chile," says Matías.
The red walkways of Termas Geométricas
More hot springs on Welcome Chile
- Pucón and Villarrica: Huife hot springs, Menetúe hot springs, Coñaripe hot springs and Peumayen hot springs.
- Los Ríos Region: Liquiñe and Coñaripe hot springs, Panguipulli and the Seven Lakes and Llifén and Chihuío hot springs.
- Osorno: Puyehue hot springs and Aguas Calientes hot springs.
- Carretera Austral: El Sauce hot springs, in La Junta and the Puyuhuapi hot springs.
- Central and northern Chile: Chillán hot springs, Cauquenes hot springs and Puritama hot springs, in the Atacama Desert.