Relax at Puritama Hot Springs (Termas Baños de Puritama), Atacama, Chile

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West of the Andes in the northern part of Chile lies a 1,000 kilometer long strip of land known as the Atacama Desert which has earned the reputation as the driest desert on earth with average rainfall of less than one millimeter per year. Due to the lack of rainfall and the resultant otherworldly appearance of the terrain the area has been used in the film industry as representative of the surface of Mars. Yet, 30 kilometers north of the city of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, lies the Puritama Hot Springs (Termas Baños de Puritama); pools of heated mineral water delivered by the Puritama River through tubes in the mountains. The waters are thought to hold healing powers and were a place frequented by the peoples of the Andean culture for just that purpose. For centuries these healing waters were the personal secret of the local residents but over the past several decades resorts and spas providing access to the hot springs have sprung up welcoming visitors from the far corners of the globe. In addition to experiencing the waters of the hot springs, the surrounding area offers the Los Flamencos Natural Preserve with its huge population of native bird species in addition to the namesake flamingoes, the Padre Le Paige Museum where an impressive collection of over 3,800 pieces including a centuries old mummy are housed, the Tatio Geysers at an elevation of 4,320 meters and the ruins left by ancient inhabitants of the region, more than 3,000 years ago. Atacama is reached by way of Calama Airport after connection through the International Airport in Santiago, Chile. Buses will await the arrival of visitors at the airport to deliver them to their choice of a good range of accommodations in San Pedro de Atacama. Consider adding a visit to experience the Puritama Hot Springs to your list to discover the healing powers and rejuvenation these naturally heated waters provide. Your dream trip to Chile might require just such an addition to truly make it a trip of a lifetime.

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