Termas de Puritama: Hot Springs in the Atacama Desert

Termas de Puritama is a series of eight geothermal pools at 3,500 meters above sea level, about 30 kilometers northeast of San Pedro de Atacama. The water flows at a constant 33.5°C (92°F), and entry costs CLP 35,000–38,000 per adult, bookable online only. The springs sit at the bottom of a narrow canyon where reeds and native grasses grow against volcanic rock — a green ribbon in the driest desert on earth.

What Makes Puritama Different

A Geothermal Oasis in a Hyper-Arid Canyon

The Puritama River emerges from deep underground and runs warm through a canyon whose walls shift from ochre to reddish-brown. Eight pools have been built along its course with minimal intervention — low stone walls contain the water at each level, creating a cascade of tanks that step down the ravine. The temperature varies slightly from pool to pool, generally between 25°C and 33°C, with the warmest water near the top. Some pools are shallow and sunlit; others sit in the shade of the canyon walls and feel more enclosed. Small fish are visible in a few of the clearer pools.

The vegetation is the detail most visitors do not expect. Tamarugo, algarrobo, llareta, and clumps of bunch grass survive here only because the springs create a humid microclimate. Step a few meters outside the canyon and the aridity is absolute. That contrast — green against bare rock — is what makes the place feel improbable.

Architecture That Steps Back

The current infrastructure was designed by Chilean architect Germán del Sol, whose intervention is deliberately restrained. Wooden walkways connect the pools without dominating them, and the stone retaining walls read as an extension of the canyon rather than an addition to it. The approach has been praised in architectural circles precisely because it treats the site as a place for rest and play, not as a resource to be exploited. For a traveler, this translates into a visit that feels informal and unhurried — no grand entrance, no visitor-center theatrics, just a path down to the water.

Planning Your Visit

Getting There from San Pedro de Atacama

There is no public transport to the springs. The drive takes about 45 minutes on Route B-245, the same road that leads toward the El Tatio geysers. Most visitors arrive by organized tour or private transfer; rental cars are an option but the road is unpaved in sections and altitude can affect drivers. Tours typically include hotel pickup in San Pedro, admission, and round-trip transport, with morning departures around 08:00–08:40 and afternoon departures around 13:00–13:40. If you book a transfer only, you still need to buy your own entrance ticket in advance — operators will not let you board without one.

A hiking option also exists: a 4-kilometer trail from the Guatin area follows the Puritama River down to the springs, starting at roughly 3,300 meters. It adds a few hours and requires reasonable fitness at altitude, but it turns a soak into a half-day outing.

Tickets, Hours, and Session Times

Admission is sold online through the official site, termasdepuritama.cl, and advance booking is mandatory. In 2026, adult tickets cost between CLP 35,000 and CLP 38,000 depending on the sales channel. The visit is organized into two sessions: a morning slot (entry from about 09:30, exit by 13:30) and an afternoon slot (entry from about 13:00, exit by 18:00). Each session gives you roughly three to four hours on site, which is enough time to move between pools, walk the canyon, and dry off. The morning session draws more tour groups; the afternoon is often quieter, though the wind picks up.

Fees and schedules are subject to change — check the official site for current rates and availability before you travel.

What to Bring and What to Expect

The altitude is the factor most people underestimate. At 3,500 meters, you may feel short of breath on the stairs between pools, and the sun is fierce even when the air is cool. Bring a swimsuit, towel, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and water. Toilet and changing facilities exist on site, and there are basic showers. Do not expect a spa resort — the appeal here is the setting, not services. The water is warm rather than hot, so if you are looking for a scalding soak, adjust expectations. Come for the canyon, the greenery, and the quiet.

Weather can close the springs. During the altiplano winter (roughly January–February), sudden rain can raise water levels and force closures for safety. If the site closes due to weather, you can request a ticket for another day or a refund — but only if you have not already entered. Check the forecast and the official site before setting out.

Best Time of Year and Time of Day

Puritama is open year-round. The dry season (April–October) offers clearer skies and more stable conditions, though nights and mornings are cold at this altitude. The altiplano winter brings afternoon storms and the risk of closures. Time of day matters more than season: morning sessions are calmer and cooler, afternoon sessions are warmer but windier. If you want the pools to yourself, aim for the first hour of either session before tour groups arrive.

Combining Puritama with Other Atacama Sights

Puritama works well as a half-day add-on rather than a standalone destination. Because it sits on the road to El Tatio, some tours combine the two — geysers at dawn, springs on the way back — but that makes for a long, cold morning. A more relaxed pairing is a morning at Puritama followed by an afternoon in the Valle de la Luna or the salt flats. The springs are also a sensible rest day in the middle of a multi-day Atacama itinerary, especially after high-altitude lagunas or long hikes. If you are based in San Pedro, the round trip fits comfortably into four to five hours including transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book Termas de Puritama in advance?

Yes. Tickets are sold online only, and entry without a prior reservation is not allowed. Book through termasdepuritama.cl; the 2026 adult rate is CLP 35,000–38,000 depending on the channel. Sessions are morning and afternoon, and each has a fixed exit time.

Can I get to Puritama without a tour?

You can drive yourself on Route B-245, about 30 kilometers from San Pedro, but there is no public transport. If you take a transfer-only service, you still must buy your own entrance ticket online before boarding. Tours bundle transport and admission, which is simpler for most visitors.

Is the water hot enough for a proper soak?

It is warm, not scalding. The pools range from about 25°C to 33°C (77–91°F), with the warmest water near the top of the canyon. Visitors expecting Japanese or Icelandic hot-spring temperatures may be underwhelmed; those expecting a geothermal oasis at altitude will find it satisfying.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and water are essential. The altitude (3,500 meters) makes the sun intense even on cool days. Lockers and changing rooms are available, but do not count on renting towels on site — bring your own.

Can Puritama close unexpectedly?

Yes, weather can force closures, particularly during the altiplano winter (January–February) when rain raises water levels. If the site closes before you enter, you can request a refund or a ticket for another day. Check the official site and forecast before traveling.