Skip to main content

Atacama hot springs

This is possibly the most incredible oasis in the Atacama Desert. Between rock formations and a canyon that defies the limits of nature, the Termas de Puritama are an irresistible invitation for travelers to relax and recharge their batteries.

When talking about the most arid destination on our planet, it’s hard to imagine a place like the Puritama Hot Springs. While the dry desert landscape envelops us on the one hand, the thermal waters that spring up in this region form a perfect paradise on the other, revealing a gift for any traveler.

Also visit the Lagunas Escondidas

How to visit the Puritama Hot Springs

Connected by wooden walkways, which make the traveler’s experience even more comfortable and safe, the eight natural pools accessible in this oasis offer different scenarios, experiences and, of course, temperatures.

The higher the pool, the warmer the water. But don’t think that this makes the more distant pools any less privileged. A good tip, in fact, is to arrive at the site and go straight to the furthest pools, where you’ll have the opportunity, depending on the time you get there, to find them completely deserted.

Even in winter, such as July and August, and even though the extreme cold can be frightening, you can still go without fear, because the water is hot in the hot springs and the experience is invigorating.

Our suggestion is, if possible, to put the Termas de Puritama on the last days of your itinerary, so that you can recover the energy you spent on the first days of your trip.

Already booked your hotel? Make it in advance here!

Each agency offers this tour at a different time, offering unique experiences. We visited the Termas de Puritama with the FlaviaBia Expediciones agency which, as well as always taking care to offer the best experience to the traveler, surprises with the details of each tour.

Of all the tours available in Atacama, the Puritama Hot Springs is one that we would most recommend doing with Flavia’s agency. First of all, because of the time of the tour: she always takes care to take you there at the most relaxed time, even if that means you have to get out of bed very early.

Another point is the gastronomic experience, where you can try delicious food carefully prepared by the agency’s staff. Finally, and most especially, the opportunity to have a relaxing massage in the hot springs. It was the only one I found with all these features and, believe me, it’s worth every second of your trip.

Information about Termas de Puritama

The Puritama Hot Springs are located on a private estate and, in addition to the price of the tour, there is an entrance fee. As with the National Reserves and other places in the Atacama, these entrance fees are not normally included in the prices charged by the agencies.

To avoid unforeseen circumstances, always check with your agency about entry fees and payment methods, as they are usually only paid in local currency.

Tips for enjoying a trip to Termas de Puritama

Although the structure of Termas de Puritama is very good, with walkways connecting the natural pools, we always recommend wearing flip-flops – especially around midday, when the walkways get very hot.

If you book the tour with FlaviaBia, which is our recommendation, you don’t have to worry about food or towels, as the agency takes care of all these details for you.

Sunglasses and a hat are good options for enjoying your day with protection. As for sunscreen, we suggest that you apply it in your hotel and avoid using it before you get into the water. Also avoid oily options, as we are talking about a place of delicate nature.

Photos of Atacama's Puritama Hot Springs

Which agency to hire in Atacama

We always recommend that you book your tours with registered and well-rated agencies. Our suggestion for your trip is FlaviaBia Expediciones, an agency we’ve known since it began operations and which has an excellent track record in terms of traveler satisfaction.

If you value a good experience and are looking for tours without a large number of people, with comfortable and safe cars and, of course, professional guides, this is one of the best alternatives for your trip.

We recommend FlaviaBia's work transparently. We know the work closely and have already done all the activities offered, testing and guaranteeing the quality of the service.

You can contact the agency directly using the form and receive all the information you need for your trip.

The FlaviaBia Expediciones agency was created by Brazilian Flavia, who raised her family in the desert and today is a benchmark for quality service in San Pedro de Atacama.

Travelers who have already visited Termas de Puritama

Robson Franzoiauthor of the blog Um Viajante

The Puritama Hot Springs are a true oasis in the Atacama Desert. For me, it's the tour that most connects us with nature in this destination and renews our energy. It's perfect for rounding off the trip in the best possible way.

Diogo FernandesPassionate about coffee and travel

A paradise in the Atacama Desert. It's worth including Termas de Puritama in your itinerary and getting to know this paradise. Super relaxing and with a setting that's hard to believe you're in the middle of the desert.

Jana AguiarMembers

A true paradise in the Atacama. I fell in love with Termas de Puritama and the experience I had there. The hot springs made me relax on a very cold day in the desert. I'd go back a thousand times.

Larissa CostaMembers

I'm completely in love with this place. I never imagined there would be something like this in a desert and when I arrived at the Puritama Hot Springs I was speechless. Each pool is unique and the water is crystal clear... it's beautiful! It's worth it!

Viviane OliveiraCollaborators

Termas de Puritama is one of the places I most enjoyed visiting in the Atacama. The beauty of this place is incomparable and the experience of soaking in hot springs in the desert is magnificent. I highly recommend it.

Gabriel AmorimCollaborators

A simply unique place in the Atacama. I thought that entering Laguna Cejar would be the highlight of the trip, but when I arrived at Termas de Puritama I was disbelieved. A true paradise well worth visiting.

Salar de Tara

Astronomy Tour

Do you have any questions about Termas de Puritama? Leave them in the comments!

5/5 - (40 votes)

To rate you need to sign up or log in.

Leave a Reply

plugins premium WordPress