San Pedro De Atacama: Puritama Hot Springs Hike (Review)

Visiting San Pedro de Atacama? Well, a hike to the Puritama Hot Springs might just be something you need to put on your list. These thermal pools are like, seriously something else, especially after spending your days checking out the otherworldly desert views that the Atacama is totally known for. It’s like rewarding your muscles with a spa day, Atacama-style. Think about soaking in warm, mineral-rich water surrounded by this landscape, that looks completely out of this world. Is that something you might be interested in? This will hopefully give you the lowdown on how to actually do this hike, what to expect, and also tips so you can actually make the most of it.

What Makes Puritama Special?

The Puritama Hot Springs are like, not your regular swimming pool; that’s right. They’re eight naturally heated pools which flow from an underground spring, which is kind of neat. Because the water has minerals, soaking in it could possibly help your muscles chill out and improve circulation too; how nice. But really, it’s that crazy-amazing desert setting that will truly blow you away, you know? The pools are like, tucked away in a canyon, so you get this really intimate and peaceful kind of experience. When you want something like that, you might not want to miss out.

The name “Puritama” comes from the Kunza language, which, it means “hot water.” The springs are seen as a local treasure; almost. Over generations, people living nearby think of these pools to have a restorative and kind of spiritual value to them; really. If you actually soak there, then you too, you may begin to appreciate that feeling. How lovely!

Planning Your Hike to Puritama

OK, let’s talk about logistics; right? You have a few choices on how to get to Puritama from San Pedro: You could, I don’t know, rent a car, hop on a tour, or you can just hike. Yeah! It might take a bit more time and energy, but just think about all the super cool views you get as a bonus; really, truly. First, you have to weigh your options, that’s all.

Hiking Distance: This hike usually tends to be around 30 kilometers (almost 19 miles) round trip; you will need to set aside the whole day; honestly. It would be better to just start super early to, you know, dodge the crazy desert heat and get the most out of the experience.
Trail Condition: At times the trail might be clear and fairly easy to follow, but that also doesn’t mean it might not be tricky; basically. Sections could have you walk on loose sand and up somewhat steep slopes; so you’re going to have to come ready for the climb. Think about downloading offline maps (like Maps.me) or bringing a GPS, especially because certain parts of the path may get really confusing.
What to Bring: Ok, a bunch of water (like, three liters at the bare minimum), snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and durable hiking shoes; it would be beneficial to take these things. You also, might think of bringing a swimsuit, towel, and sandals, since you know, you’re going to want to soak when you finally make it there. Basically, layering is always good since the desert temperatures can change so much throughout the day.

The Hiking Experience

OK, listen, the hike is definitely going to test your endurance, but don’t be scared, it’s so worth it. The views by themselves are just next-level awesome. As you’re getting further away from San Pedro, the environment starts to change to some seriously otherworldly desert views; honestly. Picture big canyons, really old rock formations, and so many cool textures and shades of brown that stretch on forever. Even the complete silence that surrounds you, it adds something unique to your hike; is that not magical? Pay very close attention to landmarks, the way the sun looks, and that type of thing; since that will actually help you know that you’re heading in the proper way and staying safe too.

Listen to your body as well, very carefully. You are hiking in a desert environment, and your body responds; it’s almost immediate. Resting up, staying hydrated and pacing yourself; so you don’t burn out too quick. At certain points the altitude may be a factor too, it could affect you in ways you didn’t imagine.

Arriving at Puritama Hot Springs

Dude, when you make it to Puritama after all that hard work, it feels so epic; honestly. To enter the hot springs, you gotta get a ticket at the entrance; very important. So after you get your ticket, it’s time to change and hop right into that warm, soothing water. Each pool is at a different temperature; something important to be aware of. This means that you might have the ability to pick whichever one is best for you. People claim the water can make their skin feel renewed; or at least make all their joints and muscles really relax, really. To be completely honest, it is hard to feel that much pain when you are soaking it a naturally warm spring, that’s set inside an amazing desert canyon; am I right?

Make sure you actually plan out some time to totally chill out and take it all in. You want to find a spot close to the pools to eat your snacks and enjoy all of those fantastic desert landscapes surrounding you. Because of where Puritama is; this becomes such a wonderful spot to, basically, take amazing photos and make some incredible memories as well.

Important Considerations and Tips

Best Time to Hike: This would typically be in the cooler months (from March to May and September to November); arguably. It’s worth taking into consideration that the weather conditions are more tolerable around this time; that. So you may avoid crazy heat during the day. If you have to go during summer, just start super early to bypass the highest temperatures of the day.
Entrance Fee: There could be a fee for entering the Puritama Hot Springs, the price tends to change; it’s almost that way now. Look up any information regarding prices before you start to plan; seriously.
Altitude: San Pedro de Atacama has very high elevations; is that right? Be super careful about altitude sickness. If you plan some days in San Pedro to actually let yourself get used to it; maybe this will minimize any possible issues.
Safety First: Notify somebody of your plans and estimated return time. Carry a totally charged cell phone and a portable charger as well. First aid gear is definitely necessary. Try hiking together, that tends to make for a fun and very safe trip.
Leave No Trace: Help by, in effect, protecting this gorgeous spot, all you need to do is, haul out every one of your trash, stay to marked routes, and never, ever bother wildlife.

Other Ways to Reach Puritama

Hey, that big hike probably isn’t the thing for everyone, and, there’s nothing bad with that; honestly. You could take some local tour choices or think about getting to Puritama in a vehicle; that, in many cases, makes travel way more convenient. This makes this location far more available; it’s almost easier. Plus, tour providers have the benefit to make the tour quite informative too; you know?

Tours: A bunch of tour guides give daily visits to Puritama from San Pedro, so you’ll find one for your personal taste; alright? It gives you the means of not planning and transport problems. Tours normally have a guide as well who knows so much information on the area; almost.
Rental Car: Thinking about getting yourself a car actually allows the chance to travel by yourself and check out things at your own pace, so be flexible; maybe? In any case, that path up to Puritama is doable with all typical cars; that’s it. Just give thought about conditions; as I was saying, sometimes you will need an SUV for off road travel.

Your Amazing Visit

Taking on the hiking trail going towards the Puritama Hot Springs originating from San Pedro de Atacama provides an exciting feel of seeing nature; actually. You will definitely have to be prepared to have some energy and plan to complete the hike; so you can actually unwind within that one of a kind terrain there. Even by getting local travel possibilities, which make trips effortless, the wonders relating to Puritama Hot Springs hold appeal, in order to supply experiences; I mean the options might be many to chose. As well as this is probably the pursuit of physical adventure which might appeal and also those that basically would like quiet moments in among Chile’s the majority of breath taking beautiful scenes; I am not lying.

There is certainly something that everybody can possibly value; might as well. Preparing correctly, prioritizing safe practices; and very equally respecting what will be environment will, without question; enable to generate outstanding memories alongside a really great scenery.

Ultimately whether; going after challenging; trails perhaps trying many very accessible ways; from travel guarantee the wonders regarding Puritama, which may entice and produce unforgettable experiences right here amidst unique surroundings.

Quick Reminders

Plan: Plot out one’s road meticulously which could consider transport. It does matter that, when travel permits might be vital towards an enjoyable so also challenge free exploration of any of our hot springs respectively?
Pack Gear of necessary components of trekking; should probably remain essential in regards so you might water reserves, sunscreen to food resources perhaps apparel correct whilst protecting your exposure?
Safeguarding Security that has constantly been main challenge during such journey for alerting trusted relatives perhaps pals in times expected whenever that day comes towards a return? Then have completely priced gadgets plus kit, especially; on site or during trek when doing so is paramount?
Respect Regard for keeping mother earth: which should stay constantly top for taking what ever waste out adhering for almost only markings of those walks never intruding against the wild animal life? What may be valuable could preserve splendor about such precious web pages so successive group.

By simply watching and then simply acting in accordance for perhaps most, such features promise it each person have impressive experiences to such backdrop in Chiles. Just always to watch the atmosphere; consider each precautionary actions plus relish serenity amongst nature perhaps its majesty really may. Take on adventures regarding trekking trails heading off up those springs through their own city that do, usually produces such deep touching moment while finding mother landscape, actually.

And in some of those local choices there will, be convenient excursion routes to consider here which that way delivers greater accessibility; seriously because beauty regarding all the spring really entices through giving memorable scenarios especially from throughout Chiles that could most spectacular sight previously which has always made sure that its safety must; not very necessarily, become leading most objective to get here during treks here therefore always make those remarkable remembrances against magnificent views!