Puritama Hot Springs, indigenous word for "hot water", are located in the heart of the Atacama desert, more than 19 miles (30 km) North of San Pedro de Atacama, and 11,398 ft. (3,475 m) above sea level. The Town Council of Atacama took over the administration of these baths years ago and is currently in charge of maintaining the area's facilities. The baths have modern services, apt for rest and for travelers who wish to enjoy nature in an overwhelming desert landscape.
These waters are warm, refreshing, and revitalizing and flow up from the underground at temperatures near 91.4°F (33°C). Puritama Hot Springs are sulfuric and recommended for the relief of rheumatic illnesses and to combat stress and fatigue.
The area surrounding Puritama Hot Springs is famous around the world for its archeological deposits, especially San Pedro de Atacama which was declared a "Typical Zone" in 1980. Nearby, there are some misterious places to visit like the Moon Valley, as well as unique landscapes such as the Atacama Salt Flat, famous handicraft towns like Toconao, and other fantastic places like Los Flamencos Reserve and the Tatio Geysers.
When to go: Year round
How to get there: Santiago - Antofagasta, 855 miles (1368 km) by highway, from Antofagasta to San Pedro de Atacama 219 miles (350 km) along a road that is in good condition. San Pedro de Atacama - Baths of Puritama, 19 miles (30 km) along a dirt road.
Facilities: The thermal center is located on a ravine encircled by desert vegetation and boasts outdoor pools, a pool with a waterfall, sauna, baths that are connected to pools by wooden footbridges, and changing rooms.
Water Characteristics:
Hypothermic waters (91.4ºF/33°C)
Sulfated
Indications:
Rheumatism
Rheumatic illnesses
Contraindications:
Unknown
Recommendations
We recommend you that you schedule your flight to Calama to arrive in the morning so you are able to participate in the scheduled activities without affecting the itinerary.
This place has a desertic weather and it’s also some meters above sea levels, which means that throughout the year there is a very large temperature oscillation between day and night. The average annual temperature is between 14° C and 3 ° C.
Many of the excursions and tours that are done include visiting places that are in the Chilean plateau, 3,500 above sea levels. This means that people may experience altitude sickness. It is important that people drink lots of water so they keep their body well hydrated. People shouldn’t make sudden or harsh movements, and let their body get used to the heights and the altitude.
There are few ATMs in San Pedro de Atacama. You have to consider that the demand for these ATMs is high, so they don’t always have money. We advise you to bring some cash with you.
Stores in rural areas are open all day, but they close between 13.00 and 15.00. We advise you to carry local currency (Chilean pesos), since it isn’t possible to pay with debit or credit cards in kiosks and rural stores.
Do not throw garbage on the beaches, parks or streets. To take care of our environment is everyone's responsibility. Avoid fines by following the rules.
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