Termas El Amarillo, Chile

December 4, 2017 SouthAmerica

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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