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The name for these hot springs stems from a curious story that
tells about a sick and skeletal mule that was traveling among a
herd of other cargo-carrying mules, accompanying a group of miners.
This mule was left behind at the hot springs since he could not
go on with the rest of the mules carrying supplies. When the miners
returned, the mule had miraculously gotten better. He had completely
recuperated and even gained weight, almost magically. In honor of
this anonymous mule that was saved by the miraculous waters, the
hot springs came to be called first, "Vegas del Flaco"
and nowadays "Del Flaco Hot Springs".
Located approximately 62 miles (100 km) south of Santiago, surrounded
by a picturesque landscape and abundant flora and fauna, Del Flaco
Hot Springs is nestled in the middle of the mountain range, next
to the Tinguiririca river, 564 ft. (172 m) above sea level.
The nearest city is San Fernando in the Sixth Region, about 48
miles (77 km) away and it is the departure point to get to this
hot springs resort. You can get here along a dirt road that is only
open between the months of December and April. You can travel by
automobile or by buses that leave periodically from Santiago and
San Fernando. If you are going by car we suggest you call the Carabineros
(Chilean police force) ahead of time to find out about the road
conditions.
Visitors can enjoy these thermal waters bathing in natural pools,
baths, steam baths, and mud baths These waters are chlorinated and
sulfated, containing sodium, calcium and are considered somewhat
radioactive. They help relieve the pains of arthritis, rheumatism,
respiratory ailments, neuralgia, rhinitis, sciatica, and symptoms
of gout. Temperatures range from 163°F and 205°F (73ºC
and 96ºC).
Del Flaco Hot Springs is famous not only for its waters but also
for its dinosaur footprint fossils that are said to be more than
120 million years old. These prints were discovered in 1960 by Diego
Marquez, a resident of San Fernando, and in 1967 the National Museum
of Natural History along with two Argentinean paleontologists began
studying the ancient fossils. These footprints were left behind
in the mud by Iguanodons and other dinosaurs millions of years ago.
These fossils solidified and when the Andes Mountain Chain formed
they began to sift, however, they had already become petrified and
were permanently engraved. Nowadays, the footprints that are now
declared a National Paleontological Monument, are found on a 120°
slope. Studies suggest that during the Jurassic era this area was
a watering hole, due to the existence of so many of these footprint
fossils.
You can participate in excursions that leave from the Hot Springs
to visit these footprints, or other interesting places that are
rich in natural landscapes like the Paso de Las Damas (Ladies Pass),
Maule Lagoon, and neighboring towns; typical reflections of the
culture of Chile's central region. You can also buy natural products
like those made with the Rosa Mosqueta flower (dog rose) or herbal
medicines for traditional uses.
For the fearless spirits there is an excursion to University Glacier
that lasts several days during the summer season. It leaves from
Santiago, arriving at its base, Del Flaco Hot Springs. This hiking
trip is only recommended for experienced hikers that must provide
their own proper equipment. This trek promises spectacular landscapes
and spotting native wildlife such as guanacos and condors.
When to go:
From December to April.
How to get there: by land in
public transportation or private vehicle, to San Fernando. From
San Fernando, go 48 miles (77 km) along an almost entirely dirt
road, heading southwest towards the hot springs resort. See
our flights section. |
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Hotels
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Santa Cruz Plaza Hotel
Plaza de Armas 286 Santa Cruz
It is located in front of the Plaza de Armas of Santa Cruz,
next to the Convention Center and Colchagua Museum. It features
44 spacious rooms, equipped with a safety-deposit box, fridge-bar,
hair dryer, magnetic door lock, central heating, air conditioning,
computer connection and Cable TV, among other characteristics.
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Tours
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Facilities
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The Hot Springs facilities are available beginning Holy Week and
they boast an excellent hotel and gastronomic infrastructure that
caters to all kinds of tastes and budgets. There are natural pools
and baths, as well as facilities for mud baths
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Water Type
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- Hyperthermic waters 163 °F and 205°F (73ºC and
96ºC)
- Moderate mineralization.
- Chlorinated
- Sodium
- Sulfated
- Calcium
- Radioactive
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Indications
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- Arthritis
- Rheumatism
- Respiratory ailments
- Neuralgia
- Rhinitis
- Sciatica
- Relieves symptoms of gout
- Recommended for gynecological ailments
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Discrepancies
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Applications
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- Local Baths
- General Baths.
- Mud baths
- Steam baths
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Attractions
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Natural Paleontological Monument (dinosaur fossils), Paso de Las
Damas, Maule Lagoon, University Glacier.
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Activities
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Baths and other thermal activities,
photography, hiking, short excursions, horseback riding.
Visits to nearby towns, paleontological excursions (to the dinosaur
footprints).
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