The Best Hot Springs in Southern Chile & Patagonia: A Campervan Road Trip Guide
Hidden pools in the rainforest, steaming water beside Patagonian fjords and beautiful thermal baths beneath volcanoes. Here are our favorite places to stop, relax and enjoy the slower side of Chile.
There's something magical about hot springs in southern Chile.
Imagine spending the morning hiking through a national park, driving along a beautiful gravel road, and ending the day soaking in naturally heated water while rain falls on the forest around you.
Pretty good way to finish the day, right?
Chile has hundreds of geothermal springs, thanks to its volcanic landscapes. And some of the most beautiful are found between the Araucanía Lake District and the Carretera Austral.
At Vanlife Chile, we love road trips that combine hiking, volcanoes, waterfalls, lakes and a good hot bath afterward.
So here is our selection of the best hot springs to include in your next campervan adventure.
We've included entrance prices, access information and a few recommendations to help you decide which ones are worth visiting.
Prices checked in November 2026. All prices are in Chilean pesos (CLP); seasonal and 2027 prices may change.
Quick Guide: Which Hot Springs Should You Visit?
Hot springs | Area | Adult entry | Best for |
Termas Martini (formerly Geométricas) | Coñaripe | $50,000–55,000 | Iconic forest experience |
Termas El Rincón | Coñaripe | $25,000 | Nature and waterfalls |
Termas Vergara | Coñaripe | $30,000 | Families |
Termas Huife | Pucón | $40,000 | Comfort and easy access |
Termas del Sol | Río Puelo | $40,000* | Design and mountain scenery |
Termas de Pichicolo | Hornopirén | $29,000–32,000* | Carretera Austral |
Termas El Amarillo | Chaitén | $12,000 | Budget travelers |
Termas Ventisquero | Puyuhuapi | $38,000 | Fjord views |
Published low-season or weekday starting prices. Check summer rates before booking.
1. Termas Martini (Formerly Termas Geométricas)
Location: Coñaripe, Los Ríos RegionAdult entry: CLP 50,000–55,000Our pick: Most iconic experience
If you've ever seen photos of red wooden walkways crossing a steaming forest canyon, you've probably seen this place.
The famous Termas Geométricas are one of Chile's most spectacular thermal experiences.
Important update: Since October 2026, this original thermal complex has been operating under the name Termas Martini.
There are 18 outdoor pools connected by those unforgettable red walkways, surrounded by waterfalls and native rainforest.
It's especially beautiful on a rainy or cold day.
Campervan tips: The springs are approximately 16 km from Coñaripe. The last 9 km are gravel, usually suitable for conventional vehicles in good conditions. There's visitor parking, but no overnight accommodation inside the complex.
Bring a towel and something warm for afterward. The restaurant is temporarily closed during the initial reopening phase, and picnics are not permitted.
Worth it? Yes, particularly if you're looking for a unique experience. It's expensive, but the setting is incredible.
2. Termas El Rincón — The Beautiful Alternative
Location: Coñaripe, Los Ríos RegionAdult entry: CLP 25,000Our pick: Beautiful nature for less money
Not far from Termas Martini, El Rincón is another wonderful place to experience the volcanic waters of southern Chile.
Think natural-looking stone pools, native forest and a beautiful waterfall.
The setting feels a little more intimate than the larger thermal complexes.
It's a great option if you want to spend a few hours relaxing without paying the premium price of the most famous hot springs.
Campervan tips: Located at kilometre 19 of Camino Los Cajones. Check road conditions, opening dates and reservations before driving up into the mountains.
Worth it? A good balance between beautiful scenery and a more accessible price.
3. Termas Vergara — Our Family-Friendly Choice
Location: Coñaripe, Los Ríos RegionAdult entry: CLP 30,000Children aged 2–12: CLP 20,000Our pick: Families with children
Traveling through Chile with children? This is a good place to stop.
Termas Vergara has six thermal pools, including two covered pools for rainy days and an outdoor pool with a waterslide.
There's also a restaurant and cabins.
Compared with smaller natural springs, Vergara offers more facilities and space for families to enjoy the day.
It's a useful stop when exploring the lakes, forests and volcanoes around Coñaripe.
Campervan tip: Combine your visit with a day exploring the Seven Lakes area. Check parking conditions and do not assume overnight campervan stays are included with admission.
Worth it? Particularly good if you're traveling with children and want somewhere comfortable.
4. Termas Huife — Relaxation Near Pucón
Location: 33 km from Pucón, Araucanía RegionAdult entry: CLP 40,000Children aged 5–10: CLP 25,000Our pick: Comfort and easy access
Pucón is one of the adventure capitals of southern Chile.
You can hike volcanoes, explore waterfalls, visit national parks, kayak and discover beautiful lakes.
And after all that activity, a hot bath sounds pretty good.
Termas Huife has four thermal pools, including three outdoor pools and a semi-covered hydrotherapy pool, surrounded by native forest beside the Liucura River.
There's also a hotel, restaurant and spa.
Campervan tips: The road from Pucón is paved and well signposted, making Huife one of the easier thermal centers to reach with a regular 2WD campervan.
Worth it? Yes, especially if you want reliable facilities, easy access and a relaxing full day.
5. Termas del Sol — One of Patagonia's Most Beautiful Thermal Parks
Location: Río Puelo, Los Lagos RegionAdult entry: CLP 40,000 during the published 2026 low seasonOur pick: Beautiful design and mountain scenery
This place is pretty special.
Located near Río Puelo, surrounded by green mountains, Termas del Sol has ten thermal pools connected by beautiful walkways.
The pools are built into the landscape, with water temperatures ranging from approximately 36°C to 45°C.
There's also a café and additional wellness facilities.
The experience is more polished than a rustic hot spring, but the natural surroundings are incredible.
Campervan tips: The springs are reached via Route V-69, near the Reloncaví Estuary. It's a wonderful detour before continuing south toward Hornopirén and the Carretera Austral.
Worth it? A great choice for couples, photography lovers and anyone looking for a relaxing day surrounded by beautiful scenery.
6. Termas de Pichicolo — The Perfect Carretera Austral Stop
Location: Hualaihué, 9 km before HornopirénAdult entry: CLP 29,000 weekdays / CLP 32,000 weekends and holidaysOur pick: Best stop on the northern Carretera Austral
If you're heading south along Chile's famous Route 7, save a little time for this one.
Pichicolo is hidden in the forest, with five natural thermal pools surrounded by ferns and native vegetation.
It feels like a proper Patagonian experience.
The complex offers changing rooms, showers, lockers and a café.
And the location couldn't be better for a campervan road trip.
Campervan tips: Visit before reaching Hornopirén, where many travelers prepare for the ferry connection toward Caleta Gonzalo.
Pichicolo is generally closed on Mondays, and summer may have different opening blocks and rates.
Worth it? Absolutely worth considering if it's already along your route.
7. Termas El Amarillo — Best for Budget Travelers
Location: 30 km south of ChaiténAdult entry: CLP 12,000 for non-residentsChildren aged 2–12: CLP 7,000Our pick: Best budget-friendly stop
Not every good thermal experience needs to cost CLP 40,000 or more.
Termas El Amarillo is a municipal thermal complex surrounded by the beautiful mountain landscapes of northern Patagonia.
It's simple, peaceful and considerably cheaper than many private thermal centers.
A lovely stop if you're exploring Pumalín National Park or continuing south toward Lago Yelcho.
Campervan tips: Open Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday reserved for maintenance under the published timetable. No reservations are taken, and the municipality currently lists card-only payment.
Worth it? Excellent value for travelers who prefer spending their budget on a longer road trip.
8. Termas Ventisquero — Hot Springs With a Fjord View
Location: Near Puyuhuapi, Aysén RegionAdult entry: CLP 38,000 for a three-hour sessionOur pick: Best fjord scenery
Imagine soaking in a warm outdoor pool while looking across a beautiful Patagonian fjord.
That's the magic of Termas Ventisquero.
Located approximately 6 km from Puyuhuapi, this thermal center has four outdoor pools with temperatures reaching around 40°C.
There's also a café, and the surrounding scenery is fantastic.
It makes an excellent stop after visiting Queulat National Park and its famous hanging glacier.
Campervan tips: Visits are organized into time slots, usually morning or afternoon. In January and February an additional evening session may be offered.
Book ahead, especially if you're traveling during the summer.
Worth it? The views are the highlight. It's a short thermal experience rather than a full-day visit, so plan accordingly.
Two More Experiences for Adventurous Travelers
Termas de Sotomó — Hot Springs Beside the Sea
Near the Reloncaví Estuary, these natural geothermal pools sit in the intertidal zone.
That means the experience is influenced by the tides, and getting there is part of the adventure.
Access normally involves a small boat from the Yates area rather than driving directly to the pools.
It's a very different experience from a traditional thermal spa.
Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa — A Special Patagonian Escape
If you're looking for a memorable treat during a longer road trip, consider Puyuhuapi Lodge.
This remote lodge combines thermal pools, forest, fjord views and accommodation. Access involves a boat transfer.
It's a completely different budget from the regular roadside hot springs, but could be a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion.
Check available packages directly before including it in your itinerary.
Our Favorite Hot Springs Road Trip
If you're traveling south from central Chile, here's a fantastic way to combine volcanoes, lakes, forests and thermal waters.
Days 1–2: Araucanía and the Pucón area
Explore Conguillío National Park, Villarrica, Pucón and the surrounding mountains. Relax at Huife or continue toward Coñaripe.
Days 3–4: Coñaripe and the Seven Lakes
Visit Termas Martini, El Rincón or Vergara, depending on your budget and travel style. Explore the forests, lakes and scenic mountain roads.
Days 5–6: Puerto Varas, Cochamó and Río Puelo
Discover the Osorno Volcano, Petrohué waterfalls and Reloncaví Estuary. Enjoy Termas del Sol before continuing south.
Day 7: Hornopirén
Relax at Pichicolo and prepare for the ferry connection along the Carretera Austral.
Days 8–9: Pumalín and Chaitén
Explore ancient forests, waterfalls and beautiful hiking trails. Visit the budget-friendly Termas El Amarillo.
Days 10–12: Puyuhuapi and Queulat
Discover the hanging glacier, explore the fjord and finish your thermal adventure at Termas Ventisquero.
If you have more time, keep driving toward Coyhaique, Cerro Castillo, Lago General Carrera and southern Patagonia.
This isn't a race. Take your time!
Practical Tips for Hot Springs With a Campervan
Do you need a 4x4?
Usually not for the main paved roads and commonly traveled approaches in good conditions. However, several thermal centers have gravel access roads, which can become more difficult in winter or after heavy rainfall.
Check road conditions before driving.
Can you sleep in the parking lots?
Don't assume so.
Many thermal centers have visitor parking, but that doesn't mean overnight camping is permitted. Ask the operator and use authorized campgrounds nearby.
Should you reserve?
Definitely for popular places such as Martini, Termas del Sol and Ventisquero, particularly during weekends and the summer holidays.
What should you bring?
Swimsuit, towel, sandals, drinking water, a warm jacket and a waterproof bag for your wet clothes.
When is the best time to visit?
A rainy day can be absolutely wonderful. Sitting in a steaming pool while the forest gets soaked is one of the best experiences in southern Chile.
Just avoid traveling on mountain roads during hazardous weather.
A little safety advice: Stay hydrated, take breaks from very hot pools, and follow the operator's guidance on temperatures and time limits, especially when traveling with children.
Why We Love Hot Springs Road Trips
At Vanlife Chile, we think a great road trip isn't just about famous destinations.
It's about those unexpected moments in between.
A quiet lake.
A little village bakery.
A waterfall hidden in the forest.
Or spending an afternoon in a thermal pool while the rain falls around you.
That's why we love helping travelers plan flexible itineraries, with enough time to stop and enjoy the journey.
We're a small, family-run campervan company based in San Fabián de Alico, southern Chile.
Since 2016, we've been sharing our love for Chile and Patagonia with travelers from around the world.
If you're planning a road trip through the Araucanía, Lakes District or Carretera Austral, we'd love to help you choose the route that works best for you.
You can also combine this thermal adventure with volcano hikes, national parks, incredible lakes and even a trip into Argentina.
Not sure how many days you need, where to start or which hot springs are worth the detour?
Send us a message and tell us about your travel plans.
We'll be happy to share ideas, review the map with you and help you discover the beautiful places along the way.
See you on the road!
Susana & PedroVanlife Chile 🚐
Updated November 2026. Entrance prices, seasonal hours, access conditions and reservations may change. Always check each operator's current information before visiting.
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