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Hot Springs: Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas, the jewel of Chile's Lake District, offers stunning views of Osorno Volcano across Lake Llanquihue and serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's volcanic hot springs. Several thermal complexes lie within easy day-trip distance of this charming German-influenced town.

5 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
4 hot springsBest Season to Visit: Puerto Varas is a year-round destination, and each...
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Introduction

Puerto Varas is one of southern Chile's most popular tourist destinations, known for its German colonial architecture, lakefront setting, and views of the picture-perfect Osorno Volcano. While the town itself does not have hot springs, its central location in the Lake District makes it an ideal base for accessing several thermal areas. The volcanic geology of the region, driven by Osorno, Calbuco, and Puyehue volcanoes, heats underground water systems that surface as hot springs across the surrounding area. From Puerto Varas, travelers can reach the famous Termas de Puyehue, the Ensenada-area springs near Osorno Volcano, and lesser-known thermal pools in the Cochamó and Petrohué valleys.

Hot Springs

Termas de Puyehue

Resort

The premier thermal resort of the Lake District, Termas de Puyehue has operated since 1908. Grand outdoor and indoor pools are fed by natural hot springs, and a world-class spa offers treatments using volcanic minerals. The surrounding old-growth forest within Puyehue National Park adds to the sense of escape.

Temperature: 37-42°C
Entry Fee: Day pass from $30,000 CLP
How to Get There: About 120 km northeast of Puerto Varas via the Pan-American Highway and Ruta 215. Fully paved road, approximately 1.5 hours by car.
Best time: Year-round
thermal poolssparestauranthotelgolf coursehiking trailschanging roomsparking

Termas de Ralún

Developed

Tucked in the Reloncaví estuary area on the road to the stunning Cochamó valley, Termas de Ralún offers pleasant thermal pools in a setting of lush rainforest. The springs are less known to international tourists, making them a peaceful option. The combination with a trip to the Cochamó valley, often called Chile's Yosemite, is hard to beat.

Temperature: 35-40°C
Entry Fee: $10,000 CLP per adult
How to Get There: Located near the town of Ralún on the road to Cochamó, about 50 km south of Puerto Varas. Paved road to Ralún, then a short gravel access road.
Best time: November to April
outdoor poolschanging roomsparkingsmall café

Termas de Sotomó

Natural

Located on the shores of the Reloncaví Fjord, these thermal springs can only be reached by boat, adding an adventurous element. Warm water meets the cold fjord in a dramatic setting surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains. The boat journey through the fjord is scenic in itself.

Temperature: 34-39°C
Entry Fee: $8,000 CLP plus boat transfer
How to Get There: Accessible by boat across the Reloncaví Fjord from Cochamó or Ralún. Local boat operators offer transfers. The springs are about 2 hours total from Puerto Varas including driving and boat ride.
Best time: December to March
basic facilitiesboat dock

Termas de Ensenada

Developed

Set at the base of Osorno Volcano near Lake Todos los Santos, these thermal pools offer stunning volcanic views. The setting combines the dramatic Osorno cone with temperate rainforest. A great option for visitors exploring the Petrohué waterfalls and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.

Temperature: 36-40°C
Entry Fee: $12,000 CLP per adult
How to Get There: Near the village of Ensenada, about 45 km east of Puerto Varas on the road to Petrohué and the Osorno Volcano base. Paved road.
Best time: October to April
poolschanging roomsparkingcafé

Safety Tips

Check weather conditions before the boat trip to Sotomó springs — fjord conditions can change quickly

Road conditions to Ensenada are good but volcanic areas can be affected by activity alerts

Bring rain gear — Puerto Varas area receives significant rainfall year-round

Reserve ahead at Termas de Puyehue during January-February peak season

Carry cash as some smaller facilities do not accept credit cards

Be aware of strong currents if swimming in lake or fjord water near hot springs

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Rain jacket
  • Warm layers
  • Water shoes
  • Drinking water
  • Cash in Chilean pesos
  • Camera for volcano views
  • Sunscreen for clear days

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Best Season to Visit

Puerto Varas is a year-round destination, and each season offers unique hot spring experiences. Summer (December to March) has the best weather for outdoor pools and combining springs with hiking and lake activities. Winter (June to August) is perfect for luxury spa visits, and the snow-capped volcanoes make a stunning backdrop. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Getting There

Puerto Varas is located 1,016 km south of Santiago. The nearest airport is El Tepual (PMC) in Puerto Montt, just 20 km south, with multiple daily flights from Santiago (about 2 hours). Buses from Santiago take approximately 12 hours. Puerto Varas is well-connected by road to all the thermal areas described. A rental car is recommended for maximum flexibility.

Nearby Attractions

Osorno Volcano ascent and ski center
Petrohué Waterfalls and Lake Todos los Santos
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Puerto Varas lakefront and German architecture
Cochamó Valley trekking
Lake crossing to Bariloche, Argentina

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hot spring for a day trip from Puerto Varas?

Termas de Ensenada is the closest and easiest day trip, combining well with visits to Petrohué Waterfalls. For a full-day luxury experience, Termas de Puyehue is well worth the 1.5-hour drive.

Can I visit hot springs on the way to Argentina?

Yes, if crossing to Argentina via the classic lake crossing route, you pass through Ensenada and Petrohué. A morning soak before the lake crossing is a wonderful way to start the journey.

Are there hot springs suitable for couples?

Termas de Puyehue offers romantic spa packages with private pools and couples treatments. Termas de Sotomó, with its boat-access exclusivity and fjord setting, is also ideal for couples seeking a unique experience.

How rainy is Puerto Varas?

Puerto Varas receives about 1,800 mm of rain annually, spread throughout the year. Summer has less rain but it can still occur. Hot springs are perfect for rainy days — soaking in warm water while rain falls on the surrounding forest is a quintessential Lake District experience.

Puerto Varas

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