Valle Colina Hot Springs: natural thermal pools in the Andean mountain range

Soak in open-air thermal pools formed by mineral deposits, surrounded by Andean peaks

Valle Colina Hot Springs is a full-day activity in the Andes where you soak in natural thermal pools heated to around 50–55°C, formed by calcareous deposits and filled with mineral water and therapeutic mud. Hotel pickup and a local guide are included; entry tickets are part of the price. The pools sit like open-air terraces next to a river, and the landscape shifts with the season—fresh drizzle in summer, snow in winter.

The Experience

The natural pools at Valle Colina are not built structures but terraces shaped by thermal water deposits over time, each one a different depth and temperature. You'll find them on the main path Camino al Volcán, accessible by gravel road from Lo Valdez. The water stays warm year-round, which means the bath feels different depending on when you go: in summer, the contrast between the hot water and cool mountain air; in winter, the pools become a shelter from snow and cold. Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen—the sun reflects off the water and the mineral content is strong.

A local guide leads the day and handles the logistics of getting you there and back to your hotel. The journey itself takes you through a recondite part of the Andes, away from city noise, where you're likely to see endemic plants and animals. The itinerary emphasizes leaving no trace: pack out what you pack in, respect the quiet, and follow the established paths. The mineral water and mud have therapeutic properties, and many visitors find the combination of the bath, the river sounds, and the isolation more restorative than the temperature alone.

The full day is nine hours from pickup to drop-off. That span includes the drive, time in and around the pools, and the return journey. Bring comfortable hiking shoes and clothes you don't mind getting wet or muddy. The site has no commercial facilities—no restaurant, no shop, no changing rooms—so plan accordingly and bring what you need for the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• local guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• entry tickets to Valle Colina Hot Springs.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Santiago Tours

Is this one for you?The nine-hour commitment leaves room for a full day in the mountains but not much else—plan this as your main activity and arrange the rest of your day around the pickup time. If you want to combine thermal bathing with a remote Andean landscape and don't need amenities or a structured itinerary of multiple stops, this works; if you need facilities, food service, or a shorter outing, look elsewhere.

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Top questions

What are the thermal pools at Valle Colina actually like?

The pools are natural terraces formed by mineral deposits from thermal water, each one shaped differently and sitting at different levels. Water temperatures range around 50–55°C, and the pools contain mineral water and therapeutic mud. They're open-air and surrounded by the river and Andean landscape, with no walls or roofs—you're bathing in the mountain itself.

How long is the full day, and what does that time include?

The activity runs nine hours total, which covers hotel pickup, the drive to Valle Colina, time to soak and explore the pools, and the return drive to your hotel. The actual time in the water depends on how long you choose to stay in each pool.

What should I bring to Valle Colina Hot Springs?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes suitable for a mountain walk. The site has no shops or facilities, so pack everything you'll need for the day. The operator recommends comfortable clothes for the hike and notes that the sun reflects strongly off the water.

Is there food or shelter at the hot springs?

No—Valle Colina has no restaurant, changing rooms, or commercial facilities. It's a natural site in a remote part of the Andes. Bring water, snacks and any supplies you need, and plan to eat before you go or bring your own food.

What is the landscape like at different times of year?

In summer, the pools contrast with cool mountain air and fresh drizzle. In winter, snow surrounds the valley and the warm water becomes a shelter from the cold. Year-round, the site sits next to a river with endemic flora and fauna visible throughout the day.

Do I need to be fit to do this activity?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to the altitude and the thermal water immersion. Wear comfortable shoes for the mountain walk and follow the established paths.