El Salvador, a jewel nestled between emerald volcanoes and the turquoise Pacific, holds within its fiery heart a hidden treasure – natural hot springs, otherwise known in Spanish as Los Ausoles. These geothermal havens, kissed by volcanic breath and cradled by vibrant rainforests, offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

El Salvador is home to 20 volcanoes, which means a lot of geothermal activity bubbling away under the surface!

The Best Time for a Thermal Getaway:

Each season offers its own unique charm at El Salvador's natural hot springs:

• Dry Season (November-April): Enjoy sunny skies, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds. Perfect for exploring the surrounding nature and soaking in the warm embrace of the springs.

• Green Season (May-October): Witness the lush rainforests come alive with vibrant greenery. Be prepared for occasional rain showers and slightly higher temperatures, ideal for cooling off in the springs.

• Festival Season (August-September): Experience the vibrant culture of El Salvador during the Independence Day and Mayan festivals. Some hot springs host cultural events and celebrations during this time.

Mineral Matters: A Dip into the Science:

El Salvador's natural hot springs 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 springs like Ahuachapán and Los Naranjos, sulfur is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for skin conditions.

• Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" present in springs like Caliente Río Sensuntepeque and Aguas Calientes de Los Naranjos can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.

• Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Aguas termales de Cerro Verde comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.

Fuentes Termales de Santa Teresa

This place has the Santa Teresa fumarole or hot water geyser, the largest in Central America. Located on the edge of the Apaneca mountain range, this El Salvador hot spring is home to 30 pools of natural thermal water.

You can also get spa treatments such as massages, mud scrubs, and saunas. Has a lovely thermal bath in sauna with eucalyptus. You can even buy mud to go to share this special place with friends - not sure if customs will let it through though :)

Note: The entrance closes at 7 pm, and the hot springs closes at 9:30 pm.

• Water Quality: 4 stars - Crystal clear pools amidst the rainforest, minor sulfur scent adds to the allure.

• Ease of Access: 3 stars - Moderate hike through scenic terrain, some uneven surfaces.

• Ability to Be Alone: 4 stars - Secluded pools, best enjoyed early mornings or weekdays for solitude.

• Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable range, slightly cooler near waterfalls.

• Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in sulfur and minerals, potential benefits for skin conditions and muscle aches.

• Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Limited options, bring snacks and water, accommodation further away.

By Car - The easiest way to get to Santa Teresa hot spring is via car – either your rental car. Located between the towns of Ahuachapan y Ataco, 2km from downtown Ahuachapan, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of coffee plantations and volcanic landscapes along the way.

By Bus – Take the 210 bus from Santa Ana to Ahuachapan, or the 249 from Ataco. Keep in mind the last bus from Ahuachapan to Santa Ana leaves at 6 pm. Hire a tuk-tuk from town or walk the 2km to the hot spring.

Salto de Malacatiupán

This place is truly unique - a hot springs waterfall. Tucked away in the tropical forest on the outskirts of Santa Ana.

The main waterfall is around 33 feet high, so it’s perfect for cliff jumping. Several other smaller ledges surrounding the falls offer lower jumping platforms for those not yet comfortable with heights. There are also a couple of small soaking pools to the left of the main waterfall.

In the rainy summer months, there is a definite risk that the calm stream could fast become a raging river. Always talk to locals about the conditions before visiting.

To get there by bus, take the 210 or 214 from Santa Ana to the town of Atiquizaya, around 45 minutes away. The bus should drop you off near the main town square. Here, you’ll find plenty of tuk-tuks and moto-taxis available to take you the rest of the way to the falls.

When you arrive at the parking lot, head down towards the river (you can’t miss it). Follow it downstream along the rocks until you reach the edge of the falls. Facing downstream, head to the far right and look for the “steps” down to the main area below.

Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean pools set in volcanic landscape, minor sediment.

• Ease of Access: 2 stars - Challenging hike with steep climbs, good physical fitness required.

• Ability to Be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded location, perfect for a private volcanic soak.

• Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable range, varying temperatures in different pools.

• Health Benefits: 5 stars - Rich in minerals, potential benefits for skin, joints, and muscle tension.

• Nearby Amenities: 1 star - Remote location, bring all necessities, camping options available.

Los Ausoles

Los Ausoles BioParque is located on a side street off the main highway from Concepcion de Ataco to Ahuachapan. This is part of the famous "Ruta de Las Flores", and just 5 minutes off the main route. It is a 25 minute drive from Ataco, and a short 10 minutes from Ahuachapan.

Ifyou come hungry you can get some pupusas and fresh orange juice before being walked down to the geothermal springs - it costs a few dollars.

• Water Quality: 3 stars - Noticeable sediment, strong sulfur smell, volcanic environment.

• Ease of Access: 4 stars - Short walk from parking area, well-maintained paths and boardwalk.

• Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, designated quiet areas available.

• Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable range, some pools cooler due to geothermal activity.

• Health Benefits: 5 stars - Rich in minerals, potential benefits for skin conditions and respiratory issues.

• Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants and shops nearby, tours and transportation readily available.

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.