Puritama Hot Springs

The Puritama river comes out of the ground at around 30 degrees in a narrow canyon north of San Pedro, and a series of pools has been formed along it - partly natural, partly walled - stepping down the canyon floor between reeds, joined by boardwalks and stairs. The water is heated at depth along the fault system rather than by a magma body directly beneath, and the name is Kunza for warm water. The site is now a paid attraction with numbers capped and booking required, which is a change from the days when it was a free stop on the way back from El Tatio.

What you'll find

• Terraced pools down a canyon - part natural, part walled.
• Water at around 30 degrees - warmed along the fault at depth.
• Reeds and boardwalks - between the pools.
• Capped numbers and booking - the current access arrangement.

When to go

Year round; midday is warmest for getting in and out. Half a day.

Before you go

Booking is required and slots sell out, particularly in high season. There is a long stairway down and back, at altitude. Prices have risen sharply. Sunscreen must be washed off before entry.

Nearby

El Tatio is further up the road; San Pedro is south.

Key facts