Colombia’s Hot Springs
Unfortunately, Colombia isn't known for traditional hot springs like those found in Western Canada or Iceland. Instead, it offers a unique geothermal alternative: "termales". These are mineral-rich pools heated by volcanic activity, found primarily in mountainous regions and offering similar relaxation and potential health benefits to hot springs.
The tradition of utilizing these "termales" in Colombia dates back centuries. Indigenous communities like the Muisca and Quimbaya revered them for their healing properties, using them for bathing, rituals, and even cooking. Early Spanish conquistadors followed suit, establishing bathhouses around the geothermal sources, some of which still stand today as testaments to this enduring allure.
Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay. As always I suggest getting travel insurance in case nature rears her head and cancels your travel.
When to Go
Each season offers its own unique charm at Colombia's "termales":
Spring and Fall (September-November & March-May): Enjoy pleasant temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds. Perfect for a relaxing soak and exploring the surrounding nature.
Summer (December-February): Escape the heat with a cool dip in some "termales", especially near waterfalls. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Winter (June-August): Experience the magic of snow-capped mountain scenery and soak in the warmth of the "termales". Some locations may have limited hours or be closed during this season.
Health Benefits
Colombia's "termales" are as diverse in their mineral content as they are in their settings. Here's a glimpse into the magic of their waters:
Sulfur: Found in "termales" like El Roble, sulfur is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" present in Santa Rosa de Cabal can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some "termales" like Santa Teresita comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Calcium: Trace amounts of calcium in "termales" like Termales del Sol can be beneficial for bone health and muscle function.
Lithium: Some "termales", like those in Huila, contain trace amounts of lithium, which has potential mood-stabilizing and stress-reducing properties.
1. Termales de La Virgen
Twenty kilometers of Neiva is the municipality of Rivera, famous for its natural hot springs, to which enormous medicinal powers are attributed. Because of its location, surrounded by green mountains, it offers a pleasant climate and lush green landscape.
There were a number of pools, one hot, one warm and one cold. Bring your own towels but there are areas to change and shower.
Stay in nearby Rivera at Casa Constantino a beautiful spanish style villa with in-room wine or champagne. If you’d like a pool stay at Finca Santa Clara which also offers access to a patio, table tennis, free private parking, and children's playground.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, slightly milky, surrounded by volcanic landscape.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Moderate hike through Puracé National Park, well-maintained paths.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, designated quiet areas, best during weekdays.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, slight variations depending on the pool.
Health Benefits: 5 stars - Rich in sulfur and minerals, potential benefits for joint pain and muscle relaxation.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Restaurant and basic shops within walking distance, limited accommodation options.
2. Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal
Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal includes four natural thermal water pools. If you are looking for a plan full of relaxation and fun for the whole family, you are in Termales Balneario. The hot springs open at 6:30 am and close at 11:30 pm.
Located about 18 kilometers from Santa Rosa de Cabal, the thermal springs are surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains, providing an atmosphere of tranquility and pure nature. Access can be done by private vehicle or tourist transport services.
Once you go through the gates of the hot springs building at the top, you’ll see several pools of different shapes, sizes, and temperatures that are perfect for hanging out in.
Some of the pools are bathtub warm (like the one that’s designed for little kids), and others are scorching so that you can’t stay in for long at all. Each of the pools has a spout filling it with cool water as well, so if things are getting too hot for your taste, simply move closer to that and the water will cool down.
With a 95-meter-high waterfall and five branches of cold water that bathe the mountain, they make a dream landscape.
Magmatic waters are composed of elements such as nitrogen, copper, arsenic, bromine, phosphorus and boron.
If you’re making the long journey out to the hot springs, you might as well just stay there as well. About 1.2 km farther down the road is the Hotel Termales San Vicente which also has its own set of hot springs pools.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Noticeable sediment, slightly cloudy water, natural volcanic feel.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Short walk from Santa Rosa de Cabal, well-maintained path.
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars - Secluded pools amidst lush vegetation, moderate crowds during weekends.
Water Temperature: 3 stars - Varies depending on the pool, some can be slightly too hot for extended soaking.
Health Benefits: 5 stars - Rich in sulfur and minerals, potential benefits for skin conditions and joint pain.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants and shops within walking distance, variety of accommodation options in Santa Rosa.
4. Termales de Jurubirá
The Chocó coast of Colombia is truly spectacular, where misty jungle-clad hills meet the restless Pacific Ocean.
In the municipality of Nuquí, in the middle of the humid rainforest of Chocó, travelers find trails that lead them to the thermal waters of Jurubirá, near the beach of Morromico.
Near this place, which needs to be reached by boat after a journey of about 35 minutes from Nuquí, accommodation service is provided in a tourist inn. Or in Nuqui you can stay at Popochos Beach Eco-Lodge, a tree house overlooking the ocean.
The hot springs are a few hundred yards from the beach along a jungle stream. While you soak, you can make your own mud mask from the sulfurous clay by the river. Massage and other spa services are also offered at the spring. The small admission fee and restaurant support the nearby school and other community services.
Poisonous frogs, howler monkeys, and toucans are easy to see on short hikes into the Chocó jungle with the help of local guides. Migrating whales are easily visible between July and October.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, slightly milky, unique blend of ocean and hot spring water.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Boat ride from Nuquí, good physical fitness recommended due to waves.
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded pools, stunning ocean views, minimal visitors.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, adjustable based on ocean tide.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and sensory experience.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Remote location, bring supplies, basic lodging options in Nuquí.
5. Quebrada las Gachas
Going to Quebrada las Gachas hot springs has become a must-see destination in Guadelupe, Santander with its "natural Jacuzzis", and a variety of natural attractions that must be visited and lived, as such as its waterfalls and caves.
You trek 20 min one way and 40 round trip passing by hills rivers, cows a few gates - you have to squeeze yourself or climb the gate! You pay a very minimal fee to the locals.
A river that runs red due to the colour of the rock, with mini jacuzzi pools that you can jump into and natural water slides!
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, slightly milky, unique cave experience.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Moderate hike through Mesa de los Santos, uneven terrain, stairs.
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars - Large pools with designated quiet areas, moderate crowds during peak season.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, some cooler areas in the caves.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Moderate mineral content, potential benefits for muscle aches and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Restaurants and shops in nearby villages, limited accommodation options.
Are you traveling in other parts of Latin America? Take a look at more hot springs in Colombia, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Carribean, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
