LOS POZONES HOT SPRING – CHILE

SouthAmerica August 3, 2017March 3, 2021 Andes, chile, hot springs, Hot Springs in South America, James M. Wise, Liucura, Los Pozones, Pucon, south america, south america to the world, southamericatotheworld, termas los pozones, Yanira K. Wise

AUGUST FEATURED HOT SPRING: LOS POZONES IN CHILE

Los Pozones, in the southern Chile lakes region (-39.22622, -71.65059), literally translates as the Pools. Six elongate pools, generally one-meter deep with crystalline clear water, have been dug out along the south bank of the rushing Río Liucura. These make the best-priced hot spring soak in the Pucón region. The hot springs are 36-km out from the town of Pucón, at an elevation of 548 meters above sea level and approximately 3.5-km east from the Termas de Huife. Near the end of the pavement is a signed entrance with a gate guarded by a kiosk. The entrance fee has an odd structure- during the daytime it is $5,000 Chilean Pesos for adults and $2,000 Chilean Pesos for kids, but with a use limit of three hours. If you get to Los Pozones at night time (after 8 p.m.) the entrance fee is $7,000 Chilean Pesos for adults and kids are the same. The price and the location make of this hot springs a popular place for locals so bear in mind that you will find it crowded at times. A graded dirt road goes down a steep slope and is signed as being for 4×4 vehicles; large flat parking is at the bottom of the grade. Be prepared to hike down the slope because the pools are below the parking area.

The boulder-lined pools are surrounded by thick forest. Most of the pools have sandy bottoms, the water depths are generally only one-meter deep, and come with developed stair-steps with handrails. Several scattered changing rooms are provided. The second highest pool, called Araque, is perhaps the best one with deeper water and variable temperature. The hottest pool is the second from the bottom, and registers at 42 degrees Celsius. The vent area has water emanating at 52°C.

The hot springs facility opens at 11 a.m. and close at 3 a.m. There is no accommodation nearby. The best option will be to find a hotel in the town of Pucón. Also keep in mind that there are no restaurants around Los Pozones.

The spectacular location with the Liucura River and lots of vegetation surrounding the place turns it into a great experience.