Thermal Baths of Puritama

 

Indicated by the name in the indigenous Kunza language, Puri: water and tama: hot, the water reaches nice temperatures of average 30°C. This is due to its volcanic origin. The water finds its way through a river that crosses the valley of San Pedro de Atacama, a region known for the ancient cultures that have been living there. Some of them were the Diaguitas or the Atacameños, who also were the first ones to find out about the healing powers of the water.

 

San Pedro de Atacama Tours

 

Located about 35km from San Pedro de Atacama in the North of Chile, the Thermal Baths of Puritama build a group of eight big water ponds full of warm thermal water (33,5°C ). At an altitude of 3.475m over sea level they can be found in a canyon in the middle of the Atacama Desert.

 

The water is considered as sodium-sulfuric with a PH value of 7.09. It contains components such as chlorine, sulphate, magnesium, sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium and boron. The beautiful Thermal Baths of Puritama are located in a canyon and are accessible by a 4x4 or 4x2 vehicle or by walking down the canyon by foot.

 

The baths provide wooden walkways that connect the different ponds. There is a bathroom, changing rooms, a cafeteria and on weekends you can even get a massage.

 

This sector is designed in an relaxing atmosphere with 8 warm water pools that have a temperature between 25°C and 30°C. As the river Puritama nourishes these ponds, the water is full of minerals with medical and therapeutic properties.