All Hot Springs

Hot Springs: Temuco

Temuco, the capital of the Araucanía region, serves as the main gateway to Chile's richest hot spring territory. While the city itself has no springs, it provides airport access and transport connections to dozens of thermal sites in the surrounding volcanic landscape.

5 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
4 hot springsBest Season to Visit: The hot springs accessible from Temuco can be visi...
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Introduction

As the largest city in Chile's Lake District and the capital of the Araucanía region, Temuco is where most travelers begin their hot springs journey. The city's La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) receives daily flights from Santiago, making it the primary gateway to the volcanic thermal belt that stretches from Malalcahuello in the north to Villarrica in the south. Within a 1-3 hour drive of Temuco, visitors can access an extraordinary concentration of hot springs heated by some of Chile's most active volcanoes, including Llaima, Villarrica, and Tolhuaca. The region's Mapuche indigenous culture has used these thermal waters for centuries, adding a cultural dimension to the thermal bathing experience.

Hot Springs

Termas de Tolhuaca

Developed

Set within the Malleco National Reserve, Termas de Tolhuaca is a historic thermal facility dating back over a century. The springs emerge in a forested valley near the Tolhuaca Volcano, with multiple pools of varying temperatures. The surrounding araucaria and lenga forests make for excellent hiking, and the facility offers rustic accommodation for overnight stays.

Temperature: 36-42°C
Entry Fee: $12,000 CLP per adult
How to Get There: Located 120 km northeast of Temuco in Malleco National Reserve. Take Ruta 5 north then turn east. The last 35 km are gravel road. About 2 hours from Temuco.
Best time: November to April
changing roomsrestaurantbasic cabañasparkinghiking trails

Termas de Malalcahuello

Resort

Termas de Malalcahuello is a modern thermal resort at the base of the Lonquimay Volcano, combining hot springs with winter skiing. The pools overlook araucaria forests and volcanic peaks. The resort offers professional spa treatments and comfortable accommodation, making it an excellent base for exploring the upper Araucanía volcanic region.

Temperature: 37-43°C
Entry Fee: $18,000 CLP per adult
How to Get There: Located 130 km northeast of Temuco near the Lonquimay area. Accessible via Ruta 5 and the international road to Argentina. About 2 hours by car.
Best time: Year-round; winter for skiing and hot springs combo
outdoor poolsindoor poolssparestauranthotelski accessparking

Termas de Manzanar

Developed

A mid-range thermal facility set in the foothills of the Andes near Curacautín. Termas de Manzanar offers pleasant pools in a parkland setting with views of the surrounding volcanoes. Less crowded than the better-known springs to the south, it provides a relaxing day trip from Temuco.

Temperature: 35-40°C
Entry Fee: $10,000 CLP per adult
How to Get There: About 90 km east of Temuco on the road to Curacautín. Well-maintained gravel road. About 1.5 hours from the city.
Best time: October to April
changing roomscafeteriaparkingcabañas

Termas de Río Blanco

Natural

A charming set of natural pools alongside the Río Blanco, where hot thermal water mixes with cold river water. The pools are semi-natural, improved with stone walls. The riverside forest setting is peaceful and the prices are very affordable.

Temperature: 34-39°C
Entry Fee: $6,000 CLP per adult
How to Get There: Near Curacautín, about 85 km northeast of Temuco. Gravel access road from the main highway. About 1.5 hours from Temuco.
Best time: November to March
basic changing areaparking

Safety Tips

If driving from Temuco, check road conditions for mountain routes during winter

Some hot springs near volcanoes may close during volcanic alerts — check SERNAGEOMIN reports

Mountain weather can change rapidly; carry rain gear even in summer

The drive to most springs involves mountain roads — ensure your vehicle is in good condition

Fuel up in Temuco or Victoria, as gas stations become scarce in the mountains

UV radiation is strong at altitude — use sunscreen even on cloudy days

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Water shoes
  • Warm layers for mountain driving
  • Rain jacket
  • Sunscreen
  • Drinking water and snacks for the drive
  • Cash in Chilean pesos
  • Full tank of fuel

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Best Season to Visit

The hot springs accessible from Temuco can be visited year-round, though access to some mountain springs is limited by snow from June to September. Summer (December to March) offers the best conditions for visiting all springs. Winter is ideal at Malalcahuello, where you can combine skiing with thermal bathing.

Getting There

Temuco is served by La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) with multiple daily flights from Santiago (1.5 hours). The city is also on the Pan-American Highway (Ruta 5), 680 km south of Santiago (about 8 hours by bus or car). From Temuco, rental cars are available at the airport and in the city. The hot springs are located 85-130 km from the city in various directions.

Nearby Attractions

Mercado Municipal de Temuco (Mapuche market)
Conguillío National Park and Llaima Volcano
Malleco National Reserve
Mapuche cultural centers and museums
Lonquimay Volcano and Navidad Crater
Curacautín waterfalls

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stay in Temuco or near the hot springs?

If you plan to visit multiple springs, staying near the springs (in Curacautín, Malalcahuello, or Pucón) is more practical. Temuco is best as an arrival or departure point, with one night in the city to visit the Mapuche market.

Which hot spring is closest to Temuco airport?

Termas de Manzanar and Termas de Río Blanco near Curacautín are the closest, about 1.5 hours from the airport. For the famous Pucón springs, allow about 1.5-2 hours.

Can I visit hot springs as a day trip from Temuco?

Yes, all the listed hot springs are accessible as day trips from Temuco, with drive times ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way. Early departures are recommended to maximize pool time.

Are the Araucanía hot springs less crowded than Pucón's?

Yes, the springs around Tolhuaca, Malalcahuello, and Curacautín are significantly less crowded than Pucón's famous springs. They offer a more relaxed experience, especially during January and February when Pucón is at peak capacity.

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