Mamiña Hot Springs

According to archeological studies, the Mamiña Hot Springs are located in what is believed to be an ancient pre Inca settlement in the north of Chile. This thermal attraction is an excellent choice for those who get excited just being around nature and adventure, under the sun and immersed in desert-like landscapes.

From the little town of Mamiña, thanks to its location high above a valley, visitors can admire the panorama of the hills that provide the lovely backdrop for the ravine below. This desert-like landscape is truly one-of-a-kind.

There is a legend that tells of the only daughter of an Inca chief whose vision was restored upon bathing in the waters from the therapeutic springs. To honor this miracle, the father demanded that the valley be called "Niña de mis ojos" (Girl in my Eyes), or "Mamiña". This region has been occupied by settlers since before the Inca domination, and to this day, constructions that date back to the Colonial Spanish era are still standing.

Mamiña Hot Springs is located 78 miles (125 kms) east of Iquique and 46 miles (73 km) east of the town of Pozo al Monte, 8,856 ft (2,700 m) above sea level. To get there you must follow a road that is paved for a few miles and the rest is gravel, nevertheless in good condition.

Farming in this region is still done in the traditional Andean style, with staircase terraces, where mostly vegetables, alfalfa and fruit are grown. The region's inhabitants are descendants of the Aymarás and Quechua people of long ago, extremely steadfast to their ancestral customs and traditions.

The Mamiña waters are classified as hypertonic, with oligominerals, sulfates, sodium, chloride, silica and also considered radioactive. With temperatures fluctuating between 134°F and 113°F (57°C and 45°C), they are considered hyperthermic

The hot springs are recommended for the temporary relief of respiratory, nervous, and skin conditions, rheumatism, fatigue, stress, sciatica, illnesses of the joints and neurological system. For best results you can take a bath, a mud bath, or even drink a therapeutic tonic water!

If you have your own vehicle you can go on excursions around the Mamiña Hot Springs, visit the old saltpeter refinery of Santa Laura, the town of Pozo al Monte, or the Dupliza Gorge Geoglyphs. There are also guided tours that leave directly from Iquique.

Other activities include observing the desert landscape, taking photos, and hiking.

When to go

Year round.

How to get there

From Iquique, 78 miles (125 kms.) east until Pozo al Norte, from Pozo al Monte, 46 miles (73 km) to the Hot Springs along a partly paved partly gravel road, in good condition.

Location

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Hotels

Gavina Hotel

Avda. Balmaceda 1497 Iquique. Iquique

Situated on the historical Baquedano Ave. It is the city's first 5-star hotel. It features all the services and necessities to satisfy even the most demanding client.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel-Iquique

Avda. 11 de Septiembre 1690 Iquique. Iquique

Located along the lively coastal route of Brava Beach, where the sea, restaurants, and casino of Iquique, are the main attractions that revolve around the hotel.

Facilities

The Mamiña Hot Springs correspond to a group of several thermal water fountains, some that are conditioned for public use and others that are untouched, flowing just as nature intended. The most important fountains of thermal water are the Ipla and Tambo. The Baths of Ipla, the most well-known of the two, feature bathing facilities and individual pools of natural thermal water. Temperatures average around 113°F (45°C).

El Tambo Baths, near Ipla, boast the area's hottest waters at 134°F (57°C). La Magnesia Spring provides water suitable for drinking and Radium Spring, the one that serves as the origin for the legend of the Inca Chief's daughter, is recommended for ocular illnesses. If you want to delight in a mud bath, the Chinese Baths are ideal and have a good reputation among those who have been there. This radioactive mud spring is recommended for skin conditions.

Water Type

Hyperthermic (134°F and 113°F/57ºC and 45ºC.)

Oligominerals.

Hypertonic.

Sulfated.

Chlorides.

Sodium.

Silica.

Radioactive.

Indications

Respiratory illnesses.

Illnesses of the Nervous System.

Skin conditions.

Rheumatism.

Fatigue.

Sciatica.

Illnesses of the joints.

Neurological illnesses.

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Discrepancies

Serious heart conditions.

Applications

Outdoor thermal baths

Individual thermal baths

Mud baths

Attractions

Saltpeter Refinery Offices of Santa Laura, Dupliza Gorge Geoglyphs, farming terraces, town of Pozo al Monte.

Activities

Baths and other thermal activities, photography, hikes and walks, cultural and archeological excursions. Activities Index