Jump to:
Argentina has more than its fair share of hot springs. In fact, the nation’s vast geography and geothermal undercurrents make it nothing less than a hot springs hotbed!
The entire region is home to numerous wellness spas featuring mineral bathing and deep natural pools along South America’s southernmost point.
The wealth of natural resources has seen the South American country nurture a rich tradition of thermal and wellness tourism. The quality and professionalism of its health and wellness specialists have done Argentina’s hot springs proud, helping bring out the redeeming features of these natural wonders.
The vast wealth of hot springs runs right across the nation, which means you can expect various climates, regardless of when you visit.
The seasons in Argentina are quite the opposite of those somewhere like the United States, for instance, with spring through early fall typically occurring between September and April, and the winter months between June and August.
In this article, we will take a look at the different types of hot springs in Argentina, from primitive to wellness resorts.
Argentina Hot Spring Regions
The province of Entre Ríos statistically has the highest concentration of hot springs in the whole country. This is evident by way of a kind of connected ‘circuit’ of thermal spas between different provincial towns.
There’s even an entire thermal park in the region by way of the Parque Termal Federación that comes complete with a water park and waterfront resorts. The hyper-thermal waters reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and are as deep as 4,000 feet.
The existence of groundwater throughout the entire Ríos region was widely known beforehand, but it wasn’t until the construction of Salto Grande’s hydroelectric dam was complete that the first “healing waters” surfaced.
These waters would give new hopes of tourism to many cities along the banks of the Uruguay and Paraná Rivers years later.
The Most Popular Hot Springs in Argentina
Termas de Reyes (Kings’ Hot Springs)
The visits of the Incas and other tribes to the Andes regions to bathe in the waters also paved the way for vestiges like the Termas de Reyes.
Located in Jujuy, these hot springs are considered to have the most historical value of all the springs in the country. They are easily the most visited hot springs in the whole nation, for both locals and tourists.
The springs are open year round, and many head to them to escape the colder months by soaking in the pools that range between 95° to 104°f.
The springs are also easily accessed with several resorts popping up around the pools offering both direct and easy access to Termas de Reyes.
Termas de Rio Hondo
The city of Termas de Rio Hondo is set along the Dulce River and is another popular and traditional resort, especially with senior Argentinians who seek its renowned health benefits, with the springs said to help those suffering from high blood pressure and rheumatism.
Termas de Rio Hondo has become a popular tourist destination built around two public pools, La Olla, and the Pileta Municipal. Located near the town center, the two pools are surrounded by acclaimed restaurants and accommodations.
Visitors are spoiled for the choice of events and sites that they can take in, including museums, golf courses, and the famous “Circuíto Centro“.
Puente del Inca (Inca’s Bridge)
Puente del Inca is a picturesque location due to its unique landscape and the mythology behind it. The area is said to have been formed when the Inca king’s guards were mineralized in place to construct a human bridge to enable him to reach the springs.
In actuality, the colorful landmass was created by glacier melt and a build-up of minerals. Once a resort, flooding further changed the area as the once thriving community built up around the springs was swept up into the landscape.
Historically, the hot springs have been classified as therapeutic, but they are now also a stop for mineralized souvenirs. Items placed in one of the hot springs will become encrusted with minerals.
Mendoza
Although a renowned wine-producing region, Mendoza is also rich in hot springs. Visitors to the region will find more than 20 outdoor pools with temperatures ranging from 95 to 120 degrees F.
The springs at Cacheuta are particularly worth checking out due to their location in the foothills of the Andes, just an hour’s drive from the main city of Mendoza.
However, there are two main options for visitors to the region for experiencing the springs, that is the Parque de Agua – Termas de Cacheuta, i.e. public water park, or the Hotel and Spa Termas de Cacheuta.
The Termas de Cacheuta is accessible by bus, and the public space is certainly the more affordable option for those looking to experience hot springs in the area.
Those looking for a more private experience with options for pampering will head to the Hotel and Spa Termas de Cacheuta which also offers full and half day packages for those looking to spend the day but not stay at the resort.
The Copahue Hot Springs
The Neuquén province is located in close proximity to the Caviahue Ski Resort. These springs have their origins in the volcanic activity within the Copahue Volcano.
The process of vulcanization from the volcano has allowed the ancient thermal waters to be enjoyed by the region’s indigenous population for centuries.
Some of the treatments on offer at Copahue include mineral-medicinal waters, algae, mud, kinesiotherapy and therapeutic vapors.
Types of Hot Springs in Argentina
There are 3 main types of hot springs—thermal, geothermal, and hydrothermal, all of which are produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater.
Geothermal resources are largely found in active volcanic regions like the southern volcanic zones of the Andes.
Some resorts like the Hotel & Spa Termas Cacheuta have thermal water in every hotel bathroom, though many opt for a more communal experience in shared pools.
The vast Argentinian terrain includes different types of hot spring features, although the majority tend to originate from some form of volcanic activity.
The hyper-thermal, sulphated, and sodium-bicarbonate waters are reportedly the thing you need to give your immune system a supercharge and encourage the elimination of toxins.
Volcanic Activity Springs
Along the region of the Andes Mountain Range there are many hot springs that exist as a result of volcanic activity.
These water bodies are the very same ones that attracted the Incas considered sacred and thus traveled all the way from upper Peru just to bathe in them.
Large geographical faults provided ideal conditions for extensive levels of geothermal activity, and a great number of hot spring sources are located within the Andes Mountains.
Other Activity
Aside from the mountain regions, there are a range of other hot spring features in Argentina. Some of these have been uncovered by drilling. Notably, the construction of the Salto Grande hydroelectric dam in the province of Entre Rios bordering Uruguay.
This province was lucky enough to uncover its own wealth of geothermal activity when the drilling started and the dam was constructed.
The discovery, in turn, led to the uncovering of further geothermal sources, and these quickly helped the region establish itself tourism-wise with a variety of features.
Saline and Sea Water Hot Springs
On the Paraná River, the hot spring waters have succeeded in attracting visitors to cities like La Paz, where high-saline waters contain four times the salt present in seawater, which is ideal for floating
The first hot spring waters along the Argentinian stretch of the Atlantic lie 300 km from Buenos Aires at San Clemente del Tuyo. These waters are famed for the high salt and mineral content found in the region.
Visitors to Argentina will also find freshwater hot springs, hot springs with natural cascades and pools, and drinkable mineral waters thought to aid digestion with a few examples below.
