Termas de Puritama from San Pedro de Atacama: 8 thermal pools

Eight thermal pools in a stone gulch, fed by mineral water from the Puritama River

Termas de Puritama is a transfer-based visit to eight natural thermal pools set in a large stone gorge outside San Pedro de Atacama, where you soak in warm water rich in minerals from the Puritama River. The pools range from 25 to 30°C and are reached by a 45-minute drive from town, with a 15-minute climb to the upper pools. The full outing takes about five hours from pickup to return. Children are welcome from age seven. The site is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.

The experience

Termas de Puritama sits in a large stone gulch in the Atacama Desert, fed by the Puritama River: a rare source of warm, mineral-rich water in one of the world's most arid landscapes. The eight pools range in temperature between 25 and 30°C, and the minerals carried by the river are said to have therapeutic properties. A shared minibus picks you up from your accommodation between 8:00 and 8:30 am and drives for about 45 minutes to reach the site.

Bathing opens at 9:30 am. You move between the pools at your own pace. The upper pools require a 15-minute climb from the lower ones. The water outlet happens around noon, and you head back to the village center by 1:00 pm, arriving in San Pedro by early afternoon. The driver and entrance ticket are included. Transportation is shared minibus.

What’s included

• Shared minibus transportation from your San Pedro de Atacama accommodation.
• driver.
• entrance ticket to Termas de Puritama.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 46 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by WHIPALA EXPEDITION

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a shared minibus excursion that leaves your afternoon open. The steep terrain to upper pools means you'll need to decide whether to explore all eight basins or stay at the lower ones.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the whole trip take from my hotel in San Pedro de Atacama?

About five hours total, including pickup from your accommodation between 8:00 and 8:30 am, the 45-minute drive to Termas de Puritama, time in the pools, and the return to town by 1:00 pm.

What are the eight pools like, and how do I move between them?

The pools are natural thermal basins fed by the Puritama River, ranging from 25 to 30°C. The upper pools require a 15-minute climb from the lower ones. You soak at your own pace and move between them as you choose.

What's included in the price, and do I need to bring anything?

The price includes shared minibus transportation, the driver, and your entrance ticket to the site. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and water. The pools are in an open desert gorge with no shade.