Termas El Amarillo, Chile

SouthAmerica December 4, 2017March 3, 2021 chile, El amarillo hot springs, Hot Springs in South America, Hot Springs of the Andes, James M. Wise, south america to the world, southamericatotheworld, Termas, Termas el amarillo, Yanira K. Wise

DECEMBER FEATURED HOT SPRING – TERMAS EL AMARILLO – CHILE

As promised we have shared one feature hot spring every month throughout the entire year, and this is the last hot spring for 2017.

southamericatotheworld.com — Termas el Amarillo – Chile

Termas El Amarillo in southern Chile lies on the flanks of Volcán Michimahuida, the Termas de Amarillo are 20-km east of Chaitén, and near the entrance to the Parque Pumalin. Access to the springs can be from driving Route 7 southward from Puerto Montt, or taking the ferry service from Puerto Montt to Chaiten (see www.navieraustral.cl for schedule and costs). The Chaiten volcano went through a series of major eruptions in 2008 and 2009, covering the region in ash. The town of Chaiten was evacuated and suffered damage from mud-flows and thick ash. The hot springs ascend through Cretaceous aged granite, and at the spring vent the water emerges with a temperature of 53̊C.

The hot spring facility has a single rectangular 7×13 m cement outdoor pool that has been developed, plus three 1.2×2 m indoor tubs are located in the rustic cabin. The water is clear and odorless, also the pool has a reasonable flow rate and water temperature close to 40°C. A corrugated metal covered long bench provides shelter from the rain. A sign posting use regulations includes the somewhat odd passage of “prohibido hacer escenas amorosas.” The facility is owned and operated by the Chaiten Municipality; a set of cabañas advertise hot spring tubs right next door, these were closed during my visit. The entrance fee to use the springs is $3,700 Chilean pesos.

Camping in the area along the river is available at several sites. Springs are open year round (summer hours 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., winter hours 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.). The cabañas nearby are operated by a private concern.

The mountain scenery around Chaiten is spectacular and the region offers much to explore while the hot spring makes for the perfect relaxation anchor to the journey.

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