All Hot Springs

Hot Springs: Carretera Austral

Chile's legendary Carretera Austral stretches 1,240 km through some of the most pristine wilderness on Earth, and along its route you will find an extraordinary collection of hot springs. From rustic roadside pools to luxury fjord-side resorts, thermal bathing is an essential part of the Carretera Austral experience.

5 hot springsBest Season to Visit: The best season for combining a Carretera Austral ...

Introduction

The Carretera Austral, Chile's iconic highway running from Chaitén to Villa O'Higgins, passes through one of the most volcanically active and geologically dynamic regions in the world. This tectonic energy manifests as dozens of hot springs scattered along the route, making thermal bathing a highlight of any road trip. The springs range from completely wild pools hidden in temperate rainforest to sophisticated resort complexes overlooking fjords. For road-trippers driving the Carretera Austral, these hot springs provide the perfect way to unwind after long days of driving on gravel roads, offering warmth and relaxation in some of the most spectacular natural settings imaginable.

Hot Springs

Termas El Amarillo

Developed

One of the first hot springs you encounter heading south on the Carretera Austral, Termas El Amarillo offers simple but pleasant pools in a forested setting. The springs are named for the yellowish mineral deposits left by the sulfur-rich water. A great first stop for Carretera Austral travelers.

Temperature: 36-42°C
Entry Fee: $7,000 CLP per adult
How to Get There: Located at km 25 of the Carretera Austral south of Chaitén, near the village of El Amarillo. Directly accessible from the highway.
Best time: November to March
changing roomsparkingbasic camping

Termas de Puyuhuapi

Resort

The crown jewel of Carretera Austral hot springs. This luxury lodge and spa sits on the edge of the Puyuhuapi Fjord, surrounded by temperate rainforest. Outdoor pools overlook the fjord while a full spa offers professional treatments. The boat-only access adds to the sense of exclusivity.

Temperature: 37-42°C
Entry Fee: Day pass from $45,000 CLP
How to Get There: At km 198, accessible only by boat from the village of Puyuhuapi. The lodge provides scheduled boat transfers.
Best time: Year-round
thermal poolssparestauranthotelboat transferhiking trails

Termas de Raúl Marín Balmaceda

Natural

Remote natural hot springs near this tiny coastal village where the river meets the sea. The pools are completely wild, set among rocks and native forest. Getting here requires dedication, but the isolation and beauty reward the effort.

Temperature: 32-38°C
Entry Fee: Free
How to Get There: Near the coastal village of Raúl Marín Balmaceda, accessed via a 72 km gravel detour from the Carretera Austral at La Junta. Ferry crossing required.
Best time: December to February
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Termas del Río Exploradores

Wild

Wild hot springs discovered along the Exploradores River valley, en route to the San Rafael Glacier. Natural pools emerge from the riverbank in a dramatic glacial valley setting. A true hidden gem for adventurous travelers with their own vehicle.

Temperature: 35-40°C
Entry Fee: Free
How to Get There: Along the road to Laguna San Rafael from Puerto Río Tranquilo, about 50 km west of the Carretera Austral. Rough gravel road.
Best time: December to March
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Termas de Quitralco

Developed

Located deep within Quitralco Fjord, these thermal springs are accessible only by sea. The journey through the fjord system is spectacular, passing glaciers and waterfalls. The hot springs themselves emerge directly on the fjord shore, allowing bathers to soak in warm water while watching dolphins and seabirds.

Temperature: 36-41°C
Entry Fee: Varies by tour operator, typically $80,000-120,000 CLP including boat
How to Get There: Accessible by boat from Puerto Chacabuco or Puerto Aysén. Located in a remote fjord. Tour operators offer day trips or multi-day excursions.
Best time: November to March
basic poolschanging areasboat dock

Safety Tips

Plan fuel stops carefully — gas stations are sparse on the Carretera Austral

Check road conditions before traveling, as sections can close after heavy rain or landslides

Wild hot springs have no facilities — always tell someone where you are going

Carry a first aid kit and emergency supplies in your vehicle

Test water temperature carefully at wild springs before entering

Weather can change rapidly — bring rain gear even on sunny days

Some springs require river crossings; check water levels before attempting

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Water shoes
  • Rain jacket and warm layers
  • Drinking water and snacks
  • Cash in Chilean pesos (ATMs are rare)
  • Full tank of fuel
  • Physical road map (cell service is unreliable)
  • Camping gear if planning overnight at wild springs
  • Insect repellent

Best Season to Visit

The best season for combining a Carretera Austral road trip with hot springs visits is December to March, when roads are in the best condition, all facilities are open, and daylight hours are longest. November and April are shoulder months with fewer travelers. Winter access to many springs is impossible due to road closures and snow.

Getting There

The Carretera Austral begins in Chaitén (accessible by ferry from Puerto Montt or Chiloé) and ends at Villa O'Higgins. The main access points with airports are Balmaceda (BBA) near Coyhaique at the midpoint, and Puerto Montt (PMC) at the northern end. Most travelers drive the route in a rental car or campervan over 7-14 days. The highway is mostly gravel, requiring a suitable vehicle with good ground clearance.

Nearby Attractions

Queulat National Park and Hanging Glacier
Marble Caves at Puerto Río Tranquilo
San Rafael Glacier lagoon
Cerro Castillo National Park
Baker River and Nef Glacier confluence
Villa O'Higgins and O'Higgins Lake

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hot springs are there along the Carretera Austral?

There are at least 10-15 known hot spring sites along or near the Carretera Austral, ranging from developed resorts to completely wild pools. New springs are occasionally discovered by adventurous travelers exploring side valleys.

Can I visit hot springs without my own vehicle?

It is difficult but not impossible. Some tour operators in Chaitén, Puyuhuapi, and Coyhaique offer hot spring excursions. However, many of the best wild springs are only accessible with your own vehicle.

Which Carretera Austral hot spring is the most beautiful?

Termas de Puyuhuapi is widely considered the most spectacular due to its fjord setting and professional facilities. For wild beauty, Termas de Quitralco in its remote fjord setting and Termas del Río Exploradores in the glacial valley are hard to beat.

Do I need to camp near the hot springs?

Not necessarily. There are accommodations in towns along the route (Chaitén, Puyuhuapi, Coyhaique, Puerto Río Tranquilo, Cochrane). However, camping near wild springs is a wonderful experience if you have the gear.

Are Carretera Austral hot springs free?

Many wild and natural springs are free. Developed facilities charge entry fees ranging from $5,000 to $45,000 CLP. Budget travelers can enjoy several free wild springs along the route.

Carretera Austral

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