Termas Geométricas: Chile's Red Boardwalk Hot Springs

Termas Geométricas is a hot spring complex in Villarrica National Park, near Coñaripe, Chile, where 17 stone pools are linked by roughly 450 to 500 meters of red wooden boardwalks. The springs sit in a narrow forest ravine about 16 kilometers from Coñaripe and 75 to 80 kilometers from Pucón, with water temperatures ranging from 35°C to 46°C and a cold waterfall at the far end. Since October 1, 2026, the site has operated under the name Termas Martini, run by the landowning family after a management change; the layout, pools, and red walkways remain the same. Check current rates and hours with the official operator before you go, because fees are subject to change.

The place was designed by Chilean architect Germán del Sol and built between 2002 and 2003, with the pools covering about 830 square meters and the walkways about 382 square meters. More than 60 thermal springs rise in the ravine, feeding water that reaches 80°C at the source before it is cooled through a system of gates and channels — no electrical heating or chemical treatment is used. That geological detail matters: the water you sit in is the same water that comes out of the rock, just managed with gravity and geometry.

What to See and Do at the Hot Springs

The core experience is simple and slightly odd in the best way. You walk a continuous, step-free red ramp that winds through dark green canyon walls, and the pools appear one by one, each with a different temperature. The upper pools are the hottest, reaching about 46°C; as you move down the ravine, the water cools, and at the bottom there is a waterfall around 6°C. Moving between the two extremes is the whole point — the shock of cold water after a long soak is what most visitors remember.

The walkway is designed for bare feet and wet swimsuits, and the geometry of the red structure keeps you oriented without signs. Ferns, fuchsias, and hummingbirds fill the gaps between pools. I found the light best in the late afternoon, when steam rises against the dark rock and the red wood looks almost painted.

The Pool Circuit

The circuit runs along the Aihué stream, an tributary of the El Venado river. You do not need to hike; the boardwalk handles the elevation. Most people spend 3 to 4 hours here, although day passes let you stay longer if you want to alternate soaking and resting on the fire-warmed terraces. There are changing rooms, lockers, and a small cafeteria on site.

Numbers vary slightly by source: some operators list 20 pools, others 17 or 18. The official count at the time of writing is 17 thermal pools plus cold plunge areas. What matters for planning is that you will have plenty of temperature choices.

Architecture and Setting

Del Sol's design separates the built geometry from the natural ravine without hiding either one. The red boardwalk is the most photographed element in southern Chile's hot spring scene, and it is genuinely striking in person — not just an Instagram backdrop. The concrete pools are embedded in the rock, so the architecture reads as a frame rather than a building.

Planning Your Visit: Location, Access, and Costs

The springs are at Camino Coñaripe Km 16, inside Villarrica National Park, in the Los Ríos Region. The nearest town is Coñaripe, about 16 kilometers away; Pucón is roughly 75 to 80 kilometers, and Villarrica is a similar distance. The final stretch is a gravel road, and high clearance helps, especially after rain. Most travelers arrive by tour or private transfer rather than public bus.

Opening hours are typically 10:00 to 19:00 in regular season, but hours shift by season and the site closes some days for maintenance. Entry prices have changed with the new management: recent reports list adult tickets around 50,000 Chilean pesos and children around 40,000 pesos, while earlier rates were lower. Fees are subject to change — check the official site for current rates. Foreign credit cards sometimes fail on the online ticketing system, so have a backup payment plan or book through a tour operator.

Getting There from Pucón or Coñaripe

From Pucón, tours usually take 1.5 to 2 hours each way, with about 3 hours at the springs. From Coñaripe, the drive is shorter, around 30 to 40 minutes on gravel. If you drive yourself, fill up in Coñaripe — there are no fuel stations near the entrance.

Tickets and Booking

Reservations are advised and often required in high season (January and February). Tours from Pucón typically include transport, entry, and locker use, with prices starting around 75,000 Chilean pesos. Independent travelers can pay at the gate, but arriving before 11:00 gives you lower entry prices at some operators and far fewer people. Midday tour groups change the mood entirely.

Best Time to Go and What to Bring

Cold, gray days produce the best version of this place: steam rises off the water, the forest holds the chill, and the contrast between hot and cold hits harder than in summer sun. The site is open year-round. Rain is common — this is temperate rainforest — so bring a waterproof layer for the walkways and a dry bag for your phone.

You need a swimsuit; towels are not always included in entry. Water shoes help on the wet wood. The boardwalk has no steps, which makes it accessible for many visitors, but the surfaces can be slippery. Leave jewelry in your locker — the minerals in the water can tarnish silver.

Seasonal Crowds

January and February bring the heaviest crowds, especially between 11:00 and 15:00. Weekdays in March and November are quieter. If you want photographs of the empty red walkway, go first thing in the morning or after 16:00.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Termas Geométricas still open under that name?

Yes, the site is open, but since October 1, 2026 it operates as Termas Martini. The pools and red walkways are unchanged; only the management and name changed. Look for Termas Martini when booking.

How much does entry cost?

Recent rates are around 50,000 Chilean pesos for adults and 40,000 for children, though prices have risen with the management change. Fees are subject to change — check the official site for current rates before you travel.

How long should I stay?

Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours, which is enough to cycle through the hot pools and the cold waterfall. Day passes allow longer stays, and the on-site cafeteria makes it easy to stretch your visit to half a day.

Can I get there without a car?

Public transport is limited. Most visitors join a tour from Pucón or Coñaripe, or arrange a private transfer. The final road is gravel and not well served by regular buses.

What should I bring?

A swimsuit, towel, waterproof layer, and water shoes are the essentials. Lockers are available for valuables. Foreign credit cards may not work online, so carry cash or book through an operator.