Toutes les Sources Thermales

Sources Thermales: Esquel

Esquel, porte d'entrée du Parc National Los Alerces et de la steppe patagonienne, se trouve là où les contreforts andins rencontrent les vastes plaines argentines. La géologie volcanique de la zone produit des sources chaudes modestes mais charmantes dans de spectaculaires décors de montagne et de forêt.

3 sources thermalesMeilleure Saison pour Visiter: Summer (December to March) offers the warmest temp...

Introduction

Esquel est une petite ville de la province de Chubut, connue comme point de départ de La Trochita (Vieux Express Patagonien) et porte d'entrée du Parc National Los Alerces, site du Patrimoine Mondial UNESCO. La ville se trouve dans la zone de transition entre les humides forêts andines et la sèche steppe patagonienne.

Sources Thermales

Termas de Cholila

Naturel

Natural warm pools in a pastoral valley near Cholila, the area made famous as the hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The springs emerge in a meadow with views of the Andes, surrounded by sheep ranches and poplar-lined roads. The experience is quintessentially Patagonian in its simplicity and beauty.

Temperature: 32-37°C
Tarif d'Entree: $3,000 ARS per person
Comment y Acceder: Near the village of Cholila, about 75 km north of Esquel on Ruta 40. Gravel road to the springs from the village. About 1.5 hours from Esquel.
Meilleure periode: November to March
vestiaire basiqueparking

Termas del Río Arrayanes

Sauvage

Wild hot springs along the Arrayanes River in the forests bordering Los Alerces National Park. Warm water seeps into natural rock pools beneath ancient coihue and lenga trees. The springs are modest but the pristine forest setting and the sound of the rushing river create a deeply peaceful experience.

Temperature: 30-35°C
Tarif d'Entree: Free (national park entry fee may apply)
Comment y Acceder: Within the buffer zone of Los Alerces National Park, about 50 km west of Esquel. Requires a gravel road drive and a 1-hour hike. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
Meilleure periode: December to March
aucune

Termas de Nahuel Pan

Naturel

Gentle warm springs managed by the Mapuche community of Nahuel Pan, the same community that hosts the La Trochita steam train stop. The springs are very modest but the cultural connection and the opportunity to support the local indigenous community add value beyond the thermal experience.

Temperature: 30-34°C
Tarif d'Entree: $2,000 ARS donation to community
Comment y Acceder: Near the Mapuche community of Nahuel Pan, about 15 km east of Esquel. Accessible by paved road and short walk. About 20 minutes from Esquel.
Meilleure periode: November to April
parking informelmarché artisanal communautaire

Conseils de Securite

Wild springs in Los Alerces area require proper hiking preparation

Ruta 40 between Esquel and Cholila can have livestock on the road — drive carefully

Weather can be cold and windy, especially in the steppe areas — bring warm layers

Cell service is limited in rural areas around Esquel

Respect Mapuche community protocols when visiting Nahuel Pan springs

Emportez extra fuel when driving north to Cholila, as gas stations are scarce

Quoi Apporter

  • Maillot de bain
  • Serviette
  • Vêtements chauds et coupe-vent
  • Chaussures de randonnée pour sources sauvages
  • Eau et collations
  • Espèces en petites coupures
  • Crème solaire et chapeau
  • Appareil photo pour les paysages

Meilleure Saison pour Visiter

Summer (December to March) offers the warmest temperatures and best access to all springs. The shoulder months of November and April can work for the more accessible springs. Winter visits are impractical for wild springs but the Nahuel Pan community springs can be visited year-round.

Comment y Aller

Esquel has its own airport (EQS) with flights from Buenos Aires and Bariloche. The city is also connected by Ruta 40 to Bariloche (300 km north, about 4 hours) and by Ruta 259 to the Chilean border at Futaleufú (75 km west). Buses from Buenos Aires take about 20 hours. A rental car is recommended for visiting hot springs in the area.

Attractions a Proximite

Los Alerces National Park (UNESCO World Heritage)
La Trochita (Old Patagonian Express steam train)
Trevelin Welsh colony and tea houses
La Hoya ski resort (winter)
Cholila Valley and Butch Cassidy cabin
Lago Puelo National Park

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 Voiture

Explorez Plus

Decouvrez plus de guides et ressources pour cette destination

Questions Frequentes

Are Esquel's hot springs worth a special trip ?

Esquel's springs are modest and best enjoyed as part of a broader trip that includes Los Alerces National Park, La Trochita, and the Trevelin Welsh colony. They complement rather than anchor a visit to the area.

Can I visit hot springs and Los Alerces in the same trip ?

Yes, the Arrayanes River springs are near the park, making it easy to combine a park visit with a hot spring soak. Plan at least 3-4 days in the Esquel area to experience both properly.

Is the drive from Bariloche to Esquel scenic ?

The Ruta 40 route through Cholila and El Bolsón is one of the most scenic drives in Patagonia, passing through lake-studded valleys, forests, and mountain panoramas. The drive takes about 4 hours without stops.

What is the Mapuche thermal tradition ?

The Mapuche people have used thermal waters for healing and spiritual purposes for centuries. The community at Nahuel Pan shares some of these traditions with visitors, offering a cultural dimension to the hot spring experience.

Esquel

|