Chile Hot Springs Guide. Mamiña Hot Springs

According to archaeological studies, the Mamiña Hot Springs are located in what is believed to be an ancient pre-Incan settlement in the North of Chile. These springs are an excellent choice for those who enjoy being around nature and adventure, under the sun and immersed in desert landscapes. Placed high above a valley, visitors have a privileged overview of the hills that provide the lovely backdrop for the ravine below.

There is a legend that tells the story of the only daughter of an Inca chief whose vision was restored upon bathing in these waters, famous by its therapeutic properties. To honor this miracle, the father demanded that the valley was named "Niña de mis ojos" (Girl of my Eyes), or "Mamiña". This region has been occupied by settlers since before the Inca domination and, up to this day, constructions that date back to the Colonial Spanish era are still standing.

Farming in this region is still done in the traditional Andean style with staircase terraces, where vegetables, alfalfa and fruits are mostly grown. The region's inhabitants are descendants of the Aymarás and Quechua people of long ago, and are very attached to their ancestral customs and traditions.

Basic Information

When to go

Year round

How to get there
From Iquique, 78 miles (125 kms.) to the East until arriving at Pozo Almonte. From there, there are 46 miles (73 km) to the hot springs along a partly paved and gravel road, in good condition.

Facilities
The Mamiña Hot Springs are made up by a group of several thermal water fountains, some that are conditioned for public use and others that are untouched, flowing just as nature intended.

The most important sources of thermal water are the Ipla and Tambo.

-Los Baños de Iplaa, the most well-known of the two, features bathing facilities and individual pools of natural thermal water. Average temperature around 113°F (45°C).

-El Tambo Baths, near Ipla, boast the area's hottest waters at 134°F (57°C).
-La Magnesia Spring provides water suitable for drinking and features the Radium Spring, the one that serves as the origin for the legend of the Inca Chief's daughter and which is recommended for ocular illnesses.

-If you want to delight in a mud bath, the Chinese Baths are ideal. It's a radioactive mud spring recommended for skin conditions.

Water Type
Hyperthermic (134°F and 113°F/57ºC and 45ºC.)
Oligominerals
Hypertonic
SulfatedC
Chlorides
Sodium
Silica
Radioactive

Indications

Respiratory illnessesI

llnesses of the Nervous System

Skin conditions

Rheumatism

Fatigue

Sciatica
Joint illnesses
Neurological illnesses

Contraindications
Serious heart conditions

Applications
Outdoor thermal baths
Individual thermal baths
Mud baths.

Attractions
Santa Laura Saltpeter Refinery Offices.
Dupliza Gorge Geoglyphs.
Farming terraces.
Pozo al Monte Town.

Activities

Thermal baths and activities

Photography
Trekking
Archaeological excursions, cultural tours

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