Sources Thermales: Caviahue-Copahue
Caviahue-Copahue se trouve au pied du Volcan Copahue actif dans la province de Neuquén, offrant l'expérience thermale volcanique la plus remarquable d'Argentine. Fumerolles, mares de boue bouillonnante et sources minérales chaudes émergent d'un paysage volcanique dramatique sans pareil en Patagonie.
Introduction
Les villages jumeaux de Caviahue et Copahue occupent une impressionnante vallée volcanique dans le nord de la Patagonie, à des altitudes entre 1 500 et 2 000 mètres. Le Volcan Copahue, l'un des plus actifs des Andes, chauffe un extraordinaire système d'eaux thermales riches en soufre, fer et autres minéraux prisés pour leurs propriétés médicinales. Le paysage est dramatique : fumerolles fumantes, lacs de cratère émeraude, forêts d'araucarias et roche volcanique noire.
Sources Thermales
Termas de Copahue
StationThe historic Termas de Copahue complex is the centerpiece of the region's thermal tourism. It offers a comprehensive range of thermal treatments including sulfurous water baths, volcanic mud applications, vapor cave sessions, and algae wraps. The waters are classified into nine different types based on their mineral composition, each recommended for specific ailments. Medical professionals on-site can recommend personalized treatment plans.
Anfiteatro Hot Springs
NaturelThe Anfiteatro is a natural volcanic amphitheater where thermal water pools in rock formations surrounded by fumaroles and steaming vents. The raw volcanic landscape makes this one of the most visually dramatic hot spring sites in all of Patagonia. Bathers can find pools at varying temperatures, from warm to very hot, as water seeps through volcanic rock.
Las Maquinitas
SauvageLas Maquinitas is named for the machine-like sounds produced by steam escaping from fumaroles across a surreal volcanic field. Hot water bubbles up through sulfurous mud, creating natural pools of varying temperatures. This is an active geothermal area and should be approached with care, but the experience of soaking in a wild volcanic landscape is unforgettable.
Laguna Las Mellizas Thermal Area
NaturelNear the beautiful twin lakes of Las Mellizas, warm thermal water seeps into natural pools along the lakeshore. The temperatures here are milder than at Copahue, making them suitable for longer soaks. The setting among araucaria forests with views of the volcanic peaks is spectacular.
Conseils de Securite
Ne jamais approach active fumaroles or boiling mud pools — the ground can be unstable and temperatures lethal
Stay on marked trails in geothermal areas, as thin crusts can hide scalding water below
The altitude (1,500-2,000m) can cause mild altitude effects; acclimatize gradually
Copahue Volcano is active; check volcanic alert levels before visiting the thermal area
Sulfurous gases can be strong near fumaroles — avoid prolonged exposure if you have respiratory conditions
La route to Copahue is snow-closed from May to October; verify conditions avant de voyager
Apportez sun protection, as UV radiation is intense at altitude
Quoi Apporter
- Maillot de bain (couleurs foncées recommandées)
- Vieille serviette (l'odeur de soufre persiste)
- Chaussures aquatiques pour roche volcanique
- Beaucoup d'eau potable
- Crème solaire et chapeau
- Vêtements chauds (températures chutent vite en altitude)
- Espèces en pesos argentins
- Chaussures de rando pour atteindre les sources
- Sac plastique pour affaires mouillées
Meilleure Saison pour Visiter
The thermal season at Caviahue-Copahue runs from November to April, as the Copahue area is inaccessible in winter due to heavy snowfall. Peak season is January and February when all facilities are open and weather is warmest. December and March offer pleasant conditions with smaller crowds. Caviahue itself is accessible year-round and operates as a small ski resort in winter.
Comment y Aller
Caviahue-Copahue is located in northwestern Neuquén province, Argentina. The nearest city is Zapala, about 150 km south, accessible via Ruta Nacional 22 and Ruta Provincial 26. The nearest airport is Neuquén (NQN), approximately 350 km southeast, with flights from Buenos Aires. From Neuquén city, the drive takes about 5 hours. Bus service from Neuquén to Caviahue runs during summer. A rental car is recommended for flexibility, especially for exploring the thermal areas around Copahue village.
Attractions a Proximite
Explorez la Patagonie en Voiture
Louez le vehicule parfait pour votre voyage et atteignez les sources thermales les plus reculees a votre rythme.
Explorez la Patagonie en VoitureExplorez Plus
Decouvrez plus de guides et ressources pour cette destination
Planification
Aventures
Activites
Ski à Caviahue-Copahue 2026 — Meilleurs Spots, Conseils et À Quoi S'attendre
Excursions d'une Journee
Meilleures Excursions depuis Caviahue-Copahue 2026 — Distances et Guide
Tresors Caches
Tresors Caches a Caviahue-Copahue (2026) — Lieux Secrets
Guide de Ski
Guide Ski Caviahue-Copahue et Cerro Caviahue | Patagonia Hub
Culture et Nature
Road Trips
Questions Frequentes
Are the Copahue hot springs open year-round ?
No, the village of Copahue and its thermal facilities are only open from approximately November to April. Heavy snowfall blocks the road in winter. Caviahue village, 18 km away, is accessible year-round.
Are the medicinal properties of Copahue waters scientifically proven ?
The mineral composition of Copahue's thermal waters has been studied extensively, and the complex has operated as a thermal medicine center for over a century. The waters contain sulfur, iron, arsenic, and other minerals used in balneotherapy for skin conditions, rheumatic disorders, and respiratory issues.
Can I visit the wild hot springs without a guide ?
The Anfiteatro can be visited independently as the trail is reasonably well-marked. For Las Maquinitas and other geothermal areas, a local guide is strongly recommended due to unmarked terrain and active volcanic hazards.
Is Caviahue-Copahue suitable for families with children ?
The developed Termas de Copahue complex is suitable for families, with controlled pool temperatures and professional staff. Wild hot springs and geothermal areas are not recommended for young children due to unpredictable temperatures and terrain.
How does the volcanic activity affect the hot springs ?
The Copahue Volcano's activity directly heats the thermal waters. During periods of increased volcanic activity, some areas may be temporarily closed for safety. The thermal complex monitors conditions closely and adjusts operations as needed.