South America
48 hot springs
The Andes are a 7,000-kilometre geothermal spine, and South America's springs follow it — from Colombia's volcanic highlands through Ecuador's famous Baños valleys to Chile's altiplano. The culture is local and unpretentious: family-run termas, riverside pozas, and resort complexes built for weekenders from the big cities.
How to reach South America's hot springs
Bogotá or Medellín for Colombia's coffee-region termas; Quito for Ecuador (Baños de Agua Santa is 3–4 hours south); Santiago for Chile's central and northern springs. Buses connect most spring towns, but the best Andean pozas need a 4WD or a hired pickup. Internal flights save days on this continent-sized map.
Where the springs cluster
- Colombia — Coffee-region termas around Manizales and the Nevado del Ruiz highlands — the continent's biggest cluster in our directory.
- Ecuador — Baños de Agua Santa, the adventure capital with thermal baths at the foot of an active volcano.
- Chile — Pucón's forest thermals in the lake district and the high-altitude pools of the Atacama altiplano.
- Brazil — Caldas Novas — one of the world's largest hydrothermal resorts, built over a giant hot aquifer.
Best time to visit
The southern Andes (Chile) are best December–March; Colombia's highlands June–September; Ecuador's Baños is workable year-round with wetter months roughly October–May. High-altitude springs feel best on clear, cold mornings.
Good to know
Altitude is the main factor: many Andean springs sit above 2,500m — acclimatise a day or two in the nearest city before soaking and hiking. Rural roads can be rough and signage sparse; basic Spanish transforms the trip. Sunday is family day at popular termas — go midweek for quiet. Water temperatures at volcanic sources vary wildly; always test first.
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