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Puyuhuapi Hot Springs area makes up one of the most important thermal
areas in Chile, not to mention it is one of the southernmost hot
springs and one of the loveliest by far.
They are located in Dorita Bay of the Glacier Inlet, right in the
middle of the Chilean Patagonia, surrounded by a spectacular landscape
of native forests and enormous ferns. The name Puyuhuapi means "place
of puyes", the puye is a species of fish that is greatly sought
after by fishing lovers. The waters of the inlet originate from
the underground springs of the Melimeyu Volcano.
The resort is situated 133 miles (213 km) northeast of the city
of Coyhaique in the Aysén region. To get there you must travel
along a significant stretch of the Austral Road, passing breathtaking
landscapes and enchanting places along the way.
The hyperthermic waters reach temperatures of up to 185°F (85°C),
even though the temperature of the water used in treatments and
therapies is only 117°F. These waters are heavily mineralized,
containing chlorides, sulfates, magnesium, chromium, zinc, and selenium
among others and they are classified as bicarbonates. Because of
its characteristics and 6.3 pH, similar to that of the skin, the
waters of Puyuhuapi are recommended for the relief of rheumatism,
aching joints, and skin conditions.
Puyuhuapi Hot Springs are open year round and offer a wide range
of activities that cater to all guests, from the traditional thermal
baths that invite you to enjoy peace and relaxation to excursions
throughout the area: visits to Queulat National Park and its spectacular
hanging glacier, kayak trips through the channels and nearby islands,
fly fishing for salmon, brown and rainbow trout, photography tours
and flora and fauna observation.
If you opt for the visit to Queulat National Park which extends
from Risopatrón Lake to the coast of the Glacier Inlet, you
will have the chance to see large expanses of forests, take walks
along the trails, and admire nature from the lookout point over
the Glacier River. Other places that you cannot miss include Mt.
Queulat, the thick glacial walls, and the Padre Garcia and Condor
waterfalls.
In addition to kayaking through the channels, visitors can go rafting
in some of the abundant rivers that encircle the area. You can also
participate in hiking trips among the nearby hills and board a catamaran
that sails through channels or a passage to the San Rafael Lagoon.
Nearby the Hot Springs, just 6 miles (10 km) southeast, is the
town of Puyuhuapi, famous for its flourishing handcrafted rug industry,
among other things. They are handmade with exclusive designs. Another
highlight is the antique German-style wooden houses with gardens.
This town with a population of only 500, was founded by German settlers
in 1935.
When to go:
Year round.
How to get there: from Santiago
by plane to Coyhaique and from there to the Hot Springs along
the Austral Road, or on land from Puerto Montt, passing Chaiten,
traveling 225 miles (361 km). Check out our flights
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Hotels
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 Puyuhuapi
Hot Springs Hotel & Spa
Dorita Bay, Puyuhuapi
This Hotel and Spa is located in the Patagonian Fjords, surrounded
by raw, beautiful nature. From these luxurious facilities you
can head out on exciting excursions to San Rafael or go fly
fishing. |
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 El
Pangue Cabins
Austral Road Km 240, Puyuhuapi
El Pangue is an Ecological Tourist Center featuring a hotel,
cabins, a Club House and conditioned pool area, sauna, and Jacuzzi.
It is open year round and located along the northern shores
of Risopatrón Lake, 11 miles (18 km) north of Puyuhuapi.
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Tours
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Facilities
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These first-class, modern facilities are built out of wood to maintain
their harmony with nature. There are sheltered pools and hydromassage
baths, and Puyuhuapi Hot Springs also offers guests a wide variety
of natural treatments that combine thermal water, sea water, algae,
and the natural heat that is emitted from the hot springs. Puyuhuapi
offers the exclusive thalassotherapy treatment, which combines sea
algae and sea water with exfoliants and relaxants.
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Water Type
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- Hyperthermic waters (185°F/85°C)
- Bicarbonated
- Heavily mineralized
- Traces of Chlorides and Sulfates
- Magnesium
- Chromium
- Zinc
- pH de 6.3
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Indications
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- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Aching Joints
- Skin conditions
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Discrepancies
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- Serious heart conditions.
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Applications
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- Thermal baths
- Hydromassage
- Fangotherapy
- Thalassotherapy
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Photographs
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Attractions
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San Rafael Lagoon National Park:
This is the largest park in Aysén, and includes the entire
Northern Ice Field, the birthplace of countless rivers and lagoons.
The tallest peak of the Southern Andes, Mt. San Valentín,
is found here. The Ice Field extends across this and other mountains,
forming 19 glaciers. The park became famous for one of these glaciers
and even carries the same name, San Rafael. It is an impressive
sight to see massive blocks of ice loosen from the glacier and crash
into the water.
Queulat National Park: This park
covers 369,823 acres (154,093 hectares) and is very easily accessible.
It is also characterized by its large variety of animal and plant
species. One of its main attractions is the Hanging Glacier that
was discovered in 1875 by Captain Enrique Simpson. Risopatrón
Lake, Tempanos Lagoon, Queulat Inlet, and Padre Garcia and Condor
waterfalls are some of the loveliest sights within the park. You
can visit them by following the trails that are equipped for this
kind of hike.
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Activities
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Baths and other thermal activities,
fishing, flora and fauna observation, hiking, sea kayak, boat rides
along channels. Activities Index
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