Wedged between a snow-capped volcano and a beautiful mountain lake, Pucón is a popular vacation spot for Chileans in the summer. The area has an abundance of services for visitors, so it wasn’t difficult to make plans and arrange transportation to the hot springs or the ski resort even during the low season. Due to the volcanic activity in the area, there are several hot springs within an hour drive. Every traveler we encountered who knew about this town suggested the best hot springs to visit was Los Pozones due to its natural setting.
We packed a lunch and found a service in the middle of town that ran shuttle buses to several of the térmas (hot springs) for $1.50 USD round-trip per passenger. The 45-minute trek began smoothly but the bone-rattling ride became more intense the further up the mountain we rode. I’m guessing the original shocks and springs were still installed on this 10-year old van that makes the same journey 4 times per day. It seemed that the driver knew every resident along the route up the mountain—we even met his dad when he stopped to drop off a package from the town center. (On our return journey, we waved hello/good-bye to his mom who was working in the front yard).
The actual hot springs are about one-half-mile from the road, down a steep trail, next to a riverbank with white-water rapids. There were 7 pozones (pools) of different temperatures and depths. The landscape was beautiful and the sound of the rushing river added a layer of sensory overload. Unfortunately, the largest, deepest and most beautiful pool was very inviting from afar but scorching hot within. There was only one Chilean family with their two kids at another pool and no real supervision of the guests, so I found a hose connected to another water source and ran the cold water into the hot pool hoping it would cool things off—then back in an hour to check the temperature. It did make the water slightly cooler, so we spent the second half of the afternoon in-and-out of this pool.
The sound of white-water rapids just a few feet from the pools added the rustic and unspoiled feeling of this valley.
Shadow of a silhouette looking into a natural pool of crystal-clear steaming-hot water.
A terrible haircut in Argentina followed me back to Chile. Look at the waterfall in the foreground instead.
Nope. I don’t think it’s a good idea to take a dip in the frigid cold river after over-heating in one of the hot pools. I’ll watch you do it!
Oro verde (green gold) is the name of this relatively chilly pool—it felt great after being in the scorching-hot one for too long.
Overhead view from the trail back to the main road.
The next time you’re in Pucón and looking to spend the afternoon at the hot springs, I’d recommend taking the cheap bus for a more unique experience. There are a handful of tour companies who offer entrance plus transportation to the térmas, but it’s more expensive. And, if you went with a different ride, you most likely wouldn’t be able to meet the driver’s parents along the way. But, the pools are open 24-hours, so a late-night excursion with a few bottle of beer or wine might be fun as well. Options are good. You can find a more official take on Los Pozones here.
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