Termas Papallacta, Ecuador
The Termas Papallacta hot springs a located around forty miles east of Quito. Squeezed in an Andean valley between Antisana and Cayamba Volcano at over 3,000 metres above sea level, these thermal springs have been certified to have medicinal properties. It can either be visited on a day trip from Quito, or conveniently a hotel has been built around the hot springs to allow an overnight stay. It’s best visited in the colder months between June and August.
Laguna Verde, Bolivia
In southern Bolivia near the border with Argentina is the spectacular Laguna Verde, a seriously high altitude lake at the foot of Ojos del Salado Volcano. The temperature at 4,500 metres above sea level often gets below freezing so there is no better place to soak than these hot springs on the western side of the lake. Extra points for having one of the best views.
Baños Hot Springs, Ecuador
These communal hot spring baths in the Andean town Baños are not the prettiest and quickly fill up, but after a day of hiking or mountain biking in the surrounding hills you’ll be pleased to have them. There are a range of baths in differing temperatures. The cliff behind the hot springs has a series of cascading waterfalls which make for a scenic backdrop.
Tabacon Hot Springs, Arenal, Costa Rica
Whilst Arenal has plenty of hot springs, Tabacon is the original and still one of the best. Although it’s very popular, its split up into different bathing areas, so it’s possible to find a little privacy if you wish. The two rivers that feed the bathing areas, one of which is hot, is divided to produce pools of differing temperature. There are plenty of extra spa treatments on offer from mud wraps to massages.
Banos Morales Hot Springs, Chile
Located near San Jose de Maipo near Santiago in Chile, the Banos Morales have two hot springs feed by the Morales River and heated by the nearby volcano. Rich in sodium and iodine, they are reportedly excellent for healing ailments and skin conditions.
Puritama Hot Springs, Atacama, Chile
About twenty miles from San Pedro de Atacama, located in the middle of the high altiplano desert are the scenic Puritama Hot Springs. These medicinal waters that range from 25ºC to 30ºC in eight different pools connected by wooden walkways are excellent for soothing soaks after a day of activities and offer excellent views of the surrounding desert.
Termas de Cacheuta, Mendoza, Argentina
Overlooking the Mendoza River, just outside the city is the Termas de Cacheuta hot springs. The spa provides a circuit of pools ranging in temperatures winding through indoors and outdoors, as well as other treats like a water volcano and bubble baths to enjoy along the way. There is also natural steam room and other spa treatments included.
Deception Island, Antarctic
Ok, it’s not Latin America, but its only reachable from a cruise departing from Latin America. Deception Island, part of the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula. The large flooded caldera has created a natural harbor and the geothermal activity from the active volcano provides steaming hot water best enjoyed after taking the famously cold polar plunge.
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