Argentina's Natural Hot Springs
Argentina, with its diverse landscape stretching from towering Andes to sun-kissed coasts, harbors a hidden world of warmth within – its natural hot springs. These steaming havens, whispering tales of ancient healing and mineral whispers, beckon weary travelers with the promise of relaxation, rejuvenation, and a dip unlike any other.
Forget Yellowstone's fiery geysers or Iceland's dramatic landscapes; Argentina's thermal waters offer a unique blend of history, pampering, and raw beauty, inviting you to reconnect with the land and experience the invigorating touch of mineral-rich waters.
The story of Argentina's springs stretches back centuries, with indigenous communities like the Incas and Diaguitas utilizing their therapeutic properties. Early Spanish settlers and colonial towns soon followed, establishing bathhouses and resorts that drew visitors from across the region.
Today, remnants of this rich history remain in landmarks like Termas de Colón, where the original bathhouse still stands as a testament to the enduring allure of these natural wonders.
Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay. As always I suggest getting travel insurance in case nature rears her head and cancels your travel.
The Best Time for a Springtime Getaway
Spring and fall: Enjoy mild temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds. Perfect for a refreshing dip and exploring the surrounding nature.
Summer: Escape the heat with a cool soak, especially near waterfalls. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Winter: Experience the magic of frozen landscapes and snow-covered springs. Some springs, like Benja Thermal Baths, remain accessible year-round for the adventurous.
Health Benefits
Argentina's natural hot springs boast diverse mineral content, each contributing to their unique properties and potential benefits. Here's a glimpse into the magic of their waters:
Sulfur: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, sulfur-rich springs like Termas de Rio Hondo can be beneficial for joint pain and skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" found in springs like Baños Grandes can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Laguna Verde comes from silica, beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Iron: Trace amounts of iron in springs like Termas de Fiambalá can be beneficial for anemia and fatigue.
1. Termas de Río Hondo
Termas de Río Hondo, an icon of Santiago del Estero, is the city with the largest number of thermal wells in Argentina and Latin America. The city of Río Hondo is located on a large mineralized thermal spring, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 85 degrees Celsius, which covers 12 square kilometers.
Hondo River Termas is not a thermal center: it is an entire thermal city settled in fourteen napas from where healing waters permanently emerge. Two public pools, La Olla and the Pileta Municipal, are near the town centre, along with many well-regarded hotels and restaurants.
Nearly every hotel in this town has the name therma in it, meaning thermal spring or spa. Hotel Termal Emperatriz Termas de Río Hondo has an outdoor swimming pool, hot-stone spa treatments and massages, offers thermal water bathtubs in every room, and is just 1640 feet from Rio Hondo’s Golf Club. Hotel Termal Los Cardones & Spa features an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor pool with a hydromassage tub, fitness center and a garden.
The thermal baths can be enjoyed in the different centers located in the city, in hotels and even in complexes that also offer muds, massages and beauty treatments. Many establishments have pools, outdoor spa and recreational activities for all ages.
The hot springs of Rio Hondo relieve and restore health thanks to its energy properties, being rich in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and trace elements.
Among the most popular attractions are the Automobile Museum, the Tara Inti Nature Reserve and the Rio Hondo River Termas Dique and Reservoir.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean and clear, though with a slight sulfur smell.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Easily accessible by paved road, ample parking, good signage.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars - Large pools with some secluded areas, can get crowded during peak season.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, varies slightly between pools.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in sulfur and magnesium, beneficial for joints, muscles, and stress.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Spa services, restaurants, hotels, shopping, and other activities within walking distance.
2. Termas de Reyes
The Hotel Spa Termas de Reyes, is nestled in a privileged place of Reyes gorge, 30 km from the city of San Salvador de Jujuy, with its own thermal spring and all the amenities of a four star style.
The best time to visit is during September, October and November. In summer it is rainy, in winter usually snow, during June or July.
In addition to relaxing baths you can hike, high mountain hike, bird watching and mountain bike. Freedom at its maximum expression and a fresh aroma are perceived on high. Circuit Lagunas de Yala and Cascada de la Horqueta.
Water Quality: 5 stars - Crystal-clear, naturally filtered, no unpleasant odors.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Requires a moderate hike through the Andes Mountains, good physical fitness needed.
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded pools with stunning mountain views, minimal crowds.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Varies depending on season and location, generally refreshing and comfortable.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Remote location, camping available but limited other options.
3. Baños Grandes Hot Springs
Baños Grandes Hot Springs - "Baños Grandes" translates to "Big Baths" and signifies a collection of large natural hot spring pools. Located in an alpine valley in Argentina, the hot springs are at 2,078 meters elevation near the eastern base of Cerro Campanario.
To get there take a 17.1-mile out-and-back trail near Belén, Catamarca (Province). Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 17 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
The route leads to one of the hot springs in the area, located on the Rio de las Zanjas trail, starting from La Quebrada and following the road north.
If driving, a high clearance vehicle is recommended. The location is accessible mainly during the summer time. The area is good for primitive or car camping. Pack for cold temperatures. Because of the proximity to the international border you should carry your passport and a print out of the reciprocity fee.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean and clear, with a noticeable mineral scent.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Moderate hike through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, scenic but challenging.
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars - Large pools with designated quiet zones and some secluded areas.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, slight variation depending on location.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in iron and sulfur, beneficial for anemia, fatigue, and joint pain.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Limited options, some restaurants and shops in nearby Humahuaca.
4. Termas de Fiambala
From a fantastic ravine at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range, just 17 km from the city of Fiambalá emerge the incredible Termas of Fiambalá. It is recommended to visit the Baths during spring and autumn, when temperatures are more pleasant and you can fully enjoy the beauty of the region without the overwhelming heat of summer.
The thermal baths are located southwest of the province of Catamarca, 12 km from the city of Fiambalá, 63 km. of Tinogasta, and 342 Kms. of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca. They are reached through National Route No. 60.
The thermal complex has five tables and wooden benches and accommodation, gastronomy, first aid, toilets, changers, showers, bathing room and parking.
At the entrance, about 800 meters from the thermal baths, there is a mini hostel with four rooms with private bathroom.
If you prefer to stay in Fiambala, there are a few places, like Intiquilla Hostel, with basic space, including a fireplace. If you go an hour you will have more options in Tinogasta.
You can tour the Adobe Route, visit the Church of San Pedro, explore the Fiambalá National Park or make excursions to the fields of tulips in the flowering season. You can also taste the exquisite local cuisine and try the famous Fiambalense cheese.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean and clear, with a faint sulfur smell at times.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Paved road access with some rough sections, limited parking.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, especially on weekends, but some secluded areas available.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, with hotter and cooler options in different pools.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - High magnesium content, excellent for muscle relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Limited options, basic restaurants and shops nearby.
5. Termas de Cacheuta
This developed thermal water park, Termes de Cacheuta is 39km from the City of Mendoza. It includes more than 10 swimming pools, thermal bubbles, and a short slide.
You can also enjoy an onsite hotel, Fango Therapy, Showers Corner, Thermal Grotto, Sauna Seco, Pediluvio, Cacheutina and a thermal swimming pool. There’s also a lazy river and wave pool.
When you first walk into the covered thermal bath area from the entrance, you’ll see the locker room entrances for men and women to your right. There are bathrooms, changing rooms, mirrors, and three showers (with hot water). There are no lockers to rent, however. So make sure you bring a small bag that you can easily carry around with you.
The thermal water park (Termas Cacheuta Mendoza) is open to the general public. Spaces are limited (2300 people in summer/1000 in winter) so you should also try to purchase tickets in advance if you’re going in high season or on a weekend, though the water park is definitely not as limited as the Hotel/Spa experiences are.
There’s a shuttle between Plaza Independencia and the front door to the thermal baths. You can also catch the bus - Terminal De Ómnibus de Mendoza, a public bus directly to the Cacheuta Thermal Baths.
There are plenty of places to stay in Mendoza if you choose not to stay at the springs. Agua del Corral Hotel & Spa which includes a variety of spa treatments and massages, enjoy a moment of rest in the showers, relax in the dry sauna, in the wet sauna and in the shower boxes, relax in the relaxation area and renew in the whirlpools. Huentala Hotel guests can unwind on the lounge chairs by the pool, or in the lounge which features an art gallery, a sauna and fitness facilities are also available.
While in Mendoza, enjoy horseback riding, a wine tour, ot tour Aconcagua Park.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean and clear, with a distinct sulfur smell due to volcanic origin.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Easily accessible by paved road, located near Mendoza city.
Ability to be Alone: 2 stars - Large communal pool with limited privacy, can get crowded on weekends.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, with cooler and hotter sections available.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in sulfur and other minerals, beneficial for skin conditions and joint pain.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants, shops, and other attractions in Mendoza are a short drive away.
6. Termas de El Cóndor
The Termas in Colon are an excellent way to spend an afternoon while in North-Eastern Argentina near Colon.
There are pools with different temps and in the beginning of the park there are big water slides . You can sit on benches and there are trees for shade.
The Colón Hot Springs Resort has ten pools with waters reaching 36 degrees centigrade. Four of these pools are undercover, which enables visitors to enjoy them at any time of the day and the year.
Pools with pressurized water spurts and showers are part of this resort, which also includes shallow pools for children controlled by dozens of lifeguards.
In nearby Colon, enjoy the cute Cabañas La Morada with each cabin including a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a bidet and a shower. For more luxury space, try Villa Artalaz with a balcony, a seating area, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and a private bathroom with bidet and free toiletries.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Noticeable sediment and earthy odor due to natural state.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Easy access by paved road, located near Neuquén city.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, some secluded areas available around smaller pools.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, with slight variation depending on location.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants, shops, and other attractions in Neuquén are a short drive away.
Are you traveling in other parts of South America? Take a look at more hot springs in Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
