It’s not surprising that along the volcanic areas of the Andes from Panama to the tip of Patagonia, South America has thousands of hot springs. Hot springs, or thermal springs, and geysers are associated with volcanic activity and recently formed, hot, igneous rocks.

Some of these thermal spots have been developed into resort areas, or spas offering services such as mineral water baths, mud baths, massages, and exfoliating and moisturizing body treatments. Others are little more than a widening of a river. Regardless of their location, they provide a warm welcome to travelers.

Urban spas may lack the natural thermal springs, yet they still offer all the luxuries necessary to pamper and treat their guests. Therefore, plan a vacation with stops at one or more of these all-service spa resorts and indulge yourself.

By country, north to south, here are some of the spas and hot springs of South America.

Colombia

Volcán de Lodo El Totumo is a mud hill or volcano. After the mud draws toxins from the skin, enjoy a massage and wash.

Venezuela

Golden Rainbow Maremares in Puerto La Cruz features a lagoon-style pool with a wave machine, cascading waterfalls, a spa, a fitness center, medical evaluations, and nutrition programs.

La Limonera in San Francisco de Asis, Aragua, offers a range of services including Aqua-Tonic, steam baths, and various types of massages.

La Samanna de Margarita Hotel on Isla de Margarita offers a Thalassotherapy center, massages, body wraps, and more.

There are hot springs in Tabay on the trek through Condor Pass near Mérida in Sierra de la Culata National Park.

Ecuador

Termas de Papallacta is the most famous in Ecuador, offering volcanic mineral waters and various massage and aromatherapy services amid stunning natural beauty.

Arasha Rainforest Resort & Spa in Quito provides aerobics and a pool for relaxation.

Madre Tierra is a garden hotel in Vilcabamba, featuring a variety of wellness treatments, including mud baths and aromatherapy.

Machachi in the Central Highlands is renowned for its mineral waters, springs, and swimming pools.

La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa in Imbabura offers luxurious spa treatments and outdoor recreational activities.

Hot springs can also be found in Baños, Oyacachi, and Chachimbiro.

Peru

Peru is rich in thermal springs, found in various towns:

• Churin: a small resort town with natural hot springs
• Cajamarca: favored by the Incas for its warm waters
• Tacna: known as Caliente due to its high water temperature
• Calera: a sacred site in Chivay
• Aguas Calientes: located at the base of Machu Picchu
• Hot springs of Upis on the Azungate Trek
• Ausangate
• Colca Lodge Hot Springs in the Colca Valley
• San Mateo
• Ormina
• Tambomachay
• Baños del Inca Hot Springs

Peru’s waters are also known for their medicinal properties, with the seven lakes at Las Huaringas having significant historical healing practices.

Bolivia

Hot springs in Bolivia include:

• Desert in the Sky: Uyuni Salt Lake
• Agua Blanco
• Thermals in Sajama National Park
• Kamata River near hot springs
• Oruro
• Chalviri hot springs

Chile

Puyuhuapi Hot Springs: Internationally known, these springs are located in a region of lush native vegetation. Thermal waters are ideal for treating skin and rheumatic ailments. The Termas de Puyuhuapi Hotel & Spa also offers various recreational activities.

Huife Hot Springs features modern facilities and a tranquil river setting, providing treatments such as lymphatic massages and reflexology.

Hotel y Spa Termas de Puyehue has been offering therapeutic treatments since 1908.

Hotel del Lago Resort and Casino in Pucon provides a variety of spa services and recreational amenities.

Termas de Chillan features hydrotherapy and a plethora of outdoor activities.

Hot springs can also be found at Puritama Hot Springs in San Pedro de Atacama.

Baños Colinas, near Santiago, has various pools with temperature variations cascading down a mountain.

Argentina

Named the best spa in Argentina, La Posada del Qenti in Punilla focuses on health and revitalization with various wellness programs.

Agua Club & Spa Villa del Sur in Buenos Aires features extensive wellness services, including massage and hydrotherapy.

European Spa in Buenos Aires offers comprehensive body care and beauty treatments.

Yacu ‘Rupaj Resort-Spa Termal provides a range of health and wellness services.

Termas de Cacheuta is a full-service hotel and spa with outdoor activities and a thermal water park.

Termas de Río Hondo is known as Argentina’s spa city.

Uruguay

Victoria Plaza Hotel in Montevideo features the Spa Victoria, offering a range of wellness treatments and programs.

Brazil

The São Pedro Spa Médico near São Paulo specializes in weight management and its related complications.

Costão do Santinho Spa in Florianopolis incorporates European detoxification methods alongside various wellness services.

Plaza Itapema Resort & Spa is a beach resort offering nutrition, massage, and thalassotherapy services.