Puyuhuapi Hot Springs

Puyuhuapi Hot Springs area makes up one of the most important thermal areas in Chile, not to mention it is one of the southernmost hot springs and one of the loveliest by far.

They are located in Dorita Bay of the Glacier Inlet, right in the middle of the Chilean Patagonia, surrounded by a spectacular landscape of native forests and enormous ferns. The name Puyuhuapi means "place of puyes", the puye is a species of fish that is greatly sought after by fishing lovers. The waters of the inlet originate from the underground springs of the Melimeyu Volcano.

The resort is situated 133 miles (213 km) northeast of the city of Coyhaique in the Aysén region. To get there you must travel along a significant stretch of the Austral Road, passing breathtaking landscapes and enchanting places along the way.

The hyperthermic waters reach temperatures of up to 185°F (85°C), even though the temperature of the water used in treatments and therapies is only 117°F. These waters are heavily mineralized, containing chlorides, sulfates, magnesium, chromium, zinc, and selenium among others and they are classified as bicarbonates. Because of its characteristics and 6.3 pH, similar to that of the skin, the waters of Puyuhuapi are recommended for the relief of rheumatism, aching joints, and skin conditions.

Puyuhuapi Hot Springs are open year round and offer a wide range of activities that cater to all guests, from the traditional thermal baths that invite you to enjoy peace and relaxation to excursions throughout the area: visits to Queulat National Park and its spectacular hanging glacier, kayak trips through the channels and nearby islands, fly fishing for salmon, brown and rainbow trout, photography tours and flora and fauna observation.

If you opt for the visit to Queulat National Park which extends from Risopatrón Lake to the coast of the Glacier Inlet, you will have the chance to see large expanses of forests, take walks along the trails, and admire nature from the lookout point over the Glacier River. Other places that you cannot miss include Mt. Queulat, the thick glacial walls, and the Padre Garcia and Condor waterfalls.

In addition to kayaking through the channels, visitors can go rafting in some of the abundant rivers that encircle the area. You can also participate in hiking trips among the nearby hills and board a catamaran that sails through channels or a passage to the San Rafael Lagoon.

Nearby the Hot Springs, just 6 miles (10 km) southeast, is the town of Puyuhuapi, famous for its flourishing handcrafted rug industry, among other things. They are handmade with exclusive designs. Another highlight is the antique German-style wooden houses with gardens. This town with a population of only 500, was founded by German settlers in 1935.

When to go: Year round.

How to get there: from Santiago by plane to Coyhaique and from there to the Hot Springs along the Austral Road, or on land from Puerto Montt, passing Chaiten, traveling 225 miles (361 km). Check out our flights section.

Hotels

Puyuhuapi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa

Dorita Bay, Puyuhuapi

This Hotel and Spa is located in the Patagonian Fjords, surrounded by raw, beautiful nature. From these luxurious facilities you can head out on exciting excursions to San Rafael or go fly fishing.

El Pangue Cabins

Austral Road Km 240, Puyuhuapi

El Pangue is an Ecological Tourist Center featuring a hotel, cabins, a Club House and conditioned pool area, sauna, and Jacuzzi. It is open year round and located along the northern shores of Risopatrón Lake, 11 miles (18 km) north of Puyuhuapi.

Tours

Facilities

These first-class, modern facilities are built out of wood to maintain their harmony with nature. There are sheltered pools and hydromassage baths, and Puyuhuapi Hot Springs also offers guests a wide variety of natural treatments that combine thermal water, sea water, algae, and the natural heat that is emitted from the hot springs. Puyuhuapi offers the exclusive thalassotherapy treatment, which combines sea algae and sea water with exfoliants and relaxants.

Water Type

Hyperthermic waters (185°F/85°C)

Bicarbonated

Heavily mineralized

Traces of Chlorides and Sulfates

Magnesium

Chromium

Zinc

pH de 6.3

Indications

Rheumatism

Arthritis

Aching Joints

Skin conditions

Discrepancies

Serious heart conditions.

Applications

Thermal baths

Hydromassage

Fangotherapy

Thalassotherapy

Photographs

Attractions

San Rafael Lagoon National Park: This is the largest park in Aysén, and includes the entire Northern Ice Field, the birthplace of countless rivers and lagoons. The tallest peak of the Southern Andes, Mt. San Valentín, is found here. The Ice Field extends across this and other mountains, forming 19 glaciers. The park became famous for one of these glaciers and even carries the same name, San Rafael. It is an impressive sight to see massive blocks of ice loosen from the glacier and crash into the water.

Queulat National Park: This park covers 369,823 acres (154,093 hectares) and is very easily accessible. It is also characterized by its large variety of animal and plant species. One of its main attractions is the Hanging Glacier that was discovered in 1875 by Captain Enrique Simpson. Risopatrón Lake, Tempanos Lagoon, Queulat Inlet, and Padre Garcia and Condor waterfalls are some of the loveliest sights within the park. You can visit them by following the trails that are equipped for this kind of hike.

Activities

Baths and other thermal activities, fishing, flora and fauna observation, hiking, sea kayak, boat rides along channels.