Termas de Colina: How to visit the Andes Mountains when in Santiago

Our list of impressive things to do in Chile grows every day. The experience of swimming in the hot spring waters warmed by the San José volcano, in Termas de Colina, with the view of the Cordillera de los Andes (Andes Mountains), was surreal.

We gathered some hot tips in case you want to try this adventure:

• When in Santiago, the Chilian capital city, you can visit not only Termas de Colinas, but some other tourist attractions — such as the reservoir called Embase de Yeso (picture emerald lake and snowy peaks), waterfalls, and vineyards — on the same day.

• The hot spring site is made up by nine natural pools with temperatures from 25°C to 55°C. With mineral properties coming straight from the volcano, the water is known for its healing effect. While swimming, many people use its mud for skincare.
• People of all ages can visit the springs. The only restriction is reserved for people with low blood pressure and pregnant women. They should stay in the pools with lower temperatures.
• Termas de Colina is only 40km away from Santiago, but don’t fool yourself. To get there, you have to drive through narrow gravel roads. Some of them are up in the mountains.
• You can rent a car (a 4×4 is your best option) and go by yourself. But we advise you to do that only if you’re a skilled driver and research about the places and roads in advance. We’ve already driven throughout the Rockie Mountains in Canada and comparing them both, the Chilian rote is way more complicated. The bright side is that you can travel at your own pace and stop whenever you feel like.

There are many travel agencies you can hire in Santiago. We went on this tour as guests of Morande Turismo and it was an excellent experience! The guides are experienced and hight skilled to take awesome pictures!

Duo to its difficult location, and aiming its preservation, the hot spring site isn’t big in restrooms and restaurants, for example. Plan your day carefully. Take water, food, sunscreen, and everything you need to swim in the Springs and to change back into your clothes later.