I’d heard a lot of good things from locals about the Hot Springs Santiago - stories about natural pools hidden in the Andes, surrounded by snow and silence. Everyone said the same thing: "you have to go, it’s incredible". So of course, I had to try it myself.
A few hours after leaving the city, the noise and chaos of Santiago faded behind me. The road climbed higher into the mountains, and soon there was nothing but winding valleys, steaming air, and that crisp Andean wind. The moment I stepped into the hot water, I got it - the locals were right.
Every hot spring I’ve visited in Chile has been special, but there’s something unforgettable about the ones near Santiago. The combination of raw landscape, altitude, and peace hits different. It’s the kind of experience that makes you stop, breathe, and realize how stunning this country really is.
Also planning to go further south to Chile's Lake District? Check out the best hot springs of Pucón!
The road to Termas Valle de Colina feels like an adventure in itself. Once you leave Santiago, the highway slowly turns into a narrow mountain road that winds deeper into Cajón del Maipo. Dust clouds rise behind every car, the air gets colder, and the Andes start to dominate the horizon. By the time you reach the valley, the only sounds left are the wind and the bubbling of the hot springs.
My first dip into the pools was pure magic - warm volcanic water, thin mountain air, and snow still sitting on the peaks above me. It’s one of those places that make you forget you’re only a couple of hours away from a capital city. The contrast between the icy air and the steaming pools is something you’ll never forget.
The layout of Termas Valle de Colina is something out of a postcard. Seven or eight natural pools cascade down a small slope, each one slightly cooler than the one above. They’re formed from mineral-rich mud and rock, so the edges feel rough and natural - nothing polished or built-up here.
From the top pools, you get a clear view of the Andes stretching endlessly in every direction. Steam rises into the cold air, mixing with the smell of sulfur and the sound of distant meltwater streams. The higher you sit, the hotter the water - it can reach up to 50°C - while the lower pools are milder and perfect for just floating and watching the light change on the mountains.
Entrance fee: Around 10,000–15,000 CLP per person (roughly $10–15 USD), depending on the season. Bring cash - there’s no card payment this high up.
How to get there from Santiago: Drive southeast toward San José de Maipo, then continue about 75 km into the Cajón del Maipo valley. The last stretch is gravel and can be rough, so a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The total drive is around 2.5 to 3 hours from Santiago.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn (October to April). In winter, snow often blocks the access roads.
What to bring:
– Swimsuit and towel
– Flip-flops or sandals (the ground is rocky and hot)
– Water and snacks (no shops around)
– Cash for entrance
– Warm layers - once you get out of the water, the wind can be freezing
Facilities: Very basic. There are no changing rooms, no café, no showers - just nature. Most visitors change behind their cars or wrap up in towels.
Because this is as close as you’ll ever get to bathing in the sky. The combination of wild scenery, pure silence, and steaming mineral water surrounded by snow-covered peaks makes Termas Valle de Colina one of the most unforgettable Hot Springs Santiago has to offer. It’s raw, real, and exactly the kind of experience that reminds you how powerful and peaceful nature can be - all within a few hours of the city.
After soaking in Valle de Colina, I wasn’t sure another place nearby could compete - but Baños Morales has a completely different charm. It’s smaller, quieter, and feels like a little mountain village lost in time. The hot springs here are community-run, simple stone pools tucked between massive peaks, with steam rising gently into the cold air.
The drive up is worth it alone. You pass turquoise rivers, sharp cliffs, and finally reach Baños Morales, sitting at over 1,800 meters above sea level. The air is thin, crisp, and filled with the sound of running water from nearby streams. And if you have time, combine it with a visit to Embalse del Yeso, the stunning turquoise reservoir just a short drive away - one of the most beautiful mountain views near Santiago. It’s the perfect day trip: adventure first, relaxation second.
The pools at Baños Morales are simple but beautiful. Two or three small thermal pools sit on a rocky slope, surrounded by the Andes on all sides. The water temperature hovers around 25–30°C - not boiling, but comfortably warm - especially nice when the mountain breeze hits your face.
What makes the experience special isn’t luxury; it’s the setting. You’re sitting in natural mineral water with snow-capped peaks towering above you and the sound of a mountain stream below. It feels peaceful, honest, and refreshingly local.
How to get there from Santiago:
Take Route G-25 toward Cajón del Maipo and continue past San José de Maipo until you reach Baños Morales (around 93 km from Santiago). The drive takes roughly 3 hours. A car with good clearance is recommended; the last stretch can be rough and narrow.
Entrance fee / open season:
Entrance costs around 8,000–10,000 CLP per person. The hot springs are usually open from October to April, but it depends on weather and road conditions. In winter, snow often closes access.
Road conditions / accessibility:
The gravel road after San Gabriel can be challenging, especially after rain or snow. Check conditions before you go, and start early - there’s no phone signal in most of the valley.
Facilities:
Very basic. There are no changing rooms or restaurants, just a small area managed by locals. Bring everything you need for the day.
What to bring:
– Swimsuit and towel
– Water and snacks
– Sunscreen (the altitude makes the sun strong)
– Cash (no card payments)
– Warm clothes for when you get out
– Camera - the landscape is unreal
Because Baños Morales gives you the purest version of mountain relaxation - no crowds, no fancy facilities, just the Andes, warm mineral water, and silence. Pair it with a quick stop at Embalse del Yeso, and you’ve got one of the most scenic day trips in Chile. It’s peaceful, authentic, and one of the easiest ways to mix hiking, adventure, and soaking in nature near Santiago.