Waterfall among rocks and natural pools at the Puritama Hot Springs
A traveler bathing in the hot springs at Termas de Puritama
A natural hot spring pool surrounded by vegetation and rock formations
Swimmers enjoying a natural pool at the Puritama Hot Springs
Aerial view of the natural pool complex at Termas de Puritama
Wooden walkways winding through the vegetation at the Puritama Hot Springs
A traveler enjoying the natural hot springs of Puritama
Natural pool with a waterfall and swimmers at the Puritama Hot Springs
A traveler enjoying the natural hot springs of Puritama
Wooden walkways winding through the vegetation at the Puritama Hot Springs
A thermal pool surrounded by vegetation at the Puritama Hot Springs
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Puritama Hot Springs Tour San Pedro de Atacama

Visit Puritama Hot Springs with transportation from San Pedro de Atacama

Available all year round!

Location
San Pedro de Atacama
Duration
1 day
Language
Spanish and English

Tour highlights

Puritama Hot Springs Tour San Pedro de Atacama

The Puritama Hot Springs Tour takes you from San Pedro de Atacama to one of the best-known hot spring complexes in the Atacama Desert. Located at an altitude of 11,500 feet (3,500 meters), Puritama features eight natural thermal pools with water temperatures around 86°F (30°C), surrounded by native vegetation, rock formations, and canyon walls.

The tour starts with pickup from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, followed by a drive of about 19 miles (30 km) to Puritama Hot Springs. Once there, you'll have approximately 2 hours to relax in the water and explore the different pools connected by walkways.

This half-day tour is a relaxing way to experience the hot springs near San Pedro de Atacama without any trekking. Choose between a morning or afternoon departure, and after your time at the springs, we'll take you back to San Pedro de Atacama.

Tour details

Puritama Hot Springs Tour San Pedro de Atacama

Starts
From your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama between 8:00 and 8:40 a.m. or between 1:00 and 1:40 p.m.
Ends
In downtown San Pedro de Atacama at 1:00 PM or 6:00 PM.

Included

  • Professional guide (Spanish - English)
  • Transportation

Not included

  • Entrance fee to Puritama Hot Springs

Important information

Please note that during the months of October to March the departure time may vary slightly. You will be informed of the exact time the day before the tour.

The entrance to the Puritama Hot Springs must be purchased in advance by clicking here.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Puritama Hot Springs Tour San Pedro de Atacama

Puritama Hot Springs

Elevation: 11,500 feet (3,500 m)

Maximum group size: 15 people

Pickup from Your Accommodation

The Puritama Hot Springs Tour will begin with pickup at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama. The time will depend on the session you select: morning or afternoon.

Once the group has gathered, you’ll travel approximately 19 miles (30 km) to the Puritama Hot Springs. Access to the pools is via walkways.

Wooden walkways leading to the natural pools at Puritama Hot Springs

Puritama Hot Springs

When you arrive at the Puritama Hot Springs, you’ll find eight natural pools surrounded by hills and native vegetation. The water comes from the Andes Mountains and reaches temperatures of approximately 30–32 ºC.

You’ll have about 2 hours to swim and enjoy the different hot springs.

💙 HOWLANDERS TIP: Remember to bring a swimsuit and a towel. Since the site is located at an altitude of approximately 11,500 feet (3,500 m), it’s also a good idea to bring warm clothes to wear before and after swimming.

Return to San Pedro de Atacama

After your soak, you’ll begin the return trip to San Pedro de Atacama, where the tour will end.

A couple bathing at the Puritama hot springs

What to bring

Puritama Hot Springs Tour San Pedro de Atacama

  • Trekking shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Warm clothes
  • Sunscreen 
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Bathing suit

Where does the tour start

Puritama Hot Springs Tour San Pedro de Atacama

The tour starts in San Pedro de Atacama and most travelers arrive from 3 zones:

From Santiago de Chile: the most advisable option is to do it by direct plane to Calama. Upon arrival you can take a transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. We recommend the company Transfer Pampa for being the most reliable. 

From Peru: most probably you will arrive directly from Cuzco or Arequipa. In this case we recommend you to take a bus that crosses the Arica-Tacna border and then takes you to San Pedro de Atacama, although it is a somewhat complex combination, since it is necessary to combine several buses.

From Salta (Argentina): there is a direct bus that takes approximately 11 hours.

Questions & Answers

Puritama Hot Springs Tour San Pedro de Atacama

  • How long can you stay in the hot springs?

    You'll have about 2 hours to enjoy the Puritama Hot Springs. During this time, you can take a dip and explore the various hot spring pools.

  • Where can I buy a ticket?

    Tickets to the Puritama Hot Springs can be purchased directly on the hot springs' official website. We recommend buying them in advance and selecting the same time slot—morning or afternoon—that you have chosen for the tour.

  • Is admission to the Puritama Hot Springs included in the tour?

    No. The tour includes transportation from San Pedro de Atacama and a guide, but admission to the Puritama Hot Springs must be purchased separately. You must purchase it in advance for the time slot corresponding to your reservation.

  • Is it better to visit the Puritama Hot Springs in the morning or in the afternoon?

    Both time slots offer the same experience and allow about 2 hours to enjoy the hot springs. You can choose between morning and afternoon depending on how you want to schedule the rest of your excursions and activities in San Pedro de Atacama.

  • How do you get to the Puritama Hot Springs from San Pedro de Atacama?

    The Puritama Hot Springs are about 19 miles (30 km) from San Pedro de Atacama. With this tour, you don't need to arrange transportation on your own: we'll pick you up at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and take you to the hot springs. At the end of the visit, you'll return to San Pedro de Atacama.

  • Is it worth visiting the Puritama Hot Springs?

    The Puritama Hot Springs are a great option if you’re looking for a relaxing activity during your stay in San Pedro de Atacama. The experience focuses on bathing and relaxing in the thermal pools, so it’s different from more active excursions or those centered on exploring the desert landscapes.

    If you only have a few days in Atacama and would rather prioritize hiking, geysers, lagoons, or other scenic spots, other excursions might fit better into your itinerary. If you want to combine those activities with a few hours of relaxation, the Puritama Hot Springs are a good alternative.

Puritama Hot Springs San Pedro de Atacama tour reviews with Howlanders

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