Cochamó, Ralún and Puelo hot springs, from Ensenada

There are no hot springs in Puerto Varas itself: the nearest ones are on Route V-69, the road from Ensenada to the Reloncaví Estuary, Cochamó and Puelo. There are three: the natural pools at Ralún, Termas Cochamó and Termas del Sol. This guide covers the distances from Ensenada, what each one is like and how to plan the day.

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Quick factsUpdated 25 October 2026

Road: Route 225 to Ensenada, then Route V-69 toward Cochamó and Puelo
Ralún hot springs: ~28 km from Ensenada: natural pools, reached by boat across the river
Termas Cochamó: Km 41 of Route V-69: 4 thermal pools from 35 to 42 °C
Termas del Sol: Puelo area, ~3 hours from Puerto Varas: 10 pools from 36 to 45 °C
Day visit: Yes, at all three
Pets: Not in the pools

Two kayaks paddle the Reloncaví fjord, with snowy mountains behind

Route V-69: the hot springs road from Ensenada

Route V-69 starts in Ensenada, where our base is, and runs down the Petrohue River valley to Ralún, at the head of the Reloncaví Estuary. From there it follows the estuary to Cochamó and on to Río Puelo. The hot springs come in that order: Ralún first, then Cochamó and finally Puelo.

A winding road

The V-69 has many curves, climbs and descents: drive slowly, especially in the rain. Along the way you see the estuary, waterfalls and Yate Volcano.

No regular public transport to Ralún

There are no frequent buses to Ralún, so a car is best. Buses to Puelo leave from Puerto Montt, about 4 a day, on a trip of about 3 hours.

Ralún hot springs: natural pools by the river

The Ralún hot springs are natural thermal pools on the northeast bank of the Petrohue River, across from the village of Ralún and next to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. They are already described in Chile's 1899 geographic dictionary. They are the most rustic and the closest to Ensenada, about 28 km away.

Getting there: boat and trail

The turn-off is marked by a rustic sign near km 26. A gravel road leads down to the river, you cross the Petrohue by boat and, on the other side, walk about 10 minutes through native forest to the pools, which have a volcanic sand bottom.

Watch the tide

The pools are near the river mouth. At high tide the water can cover them completely and the hot springs "disappear" for a few hours. Check the tide table before you go.

More than hot springs

Ralún has cabins, camping and home cooking, and medium-difficulty trails to a waterfall and to a hanging lagoon with views over the valley.

A kayak on the Reloncaví Estuary facing snow-capped Yate Volcano, on the road to the hot springs

Termas Cochamó: pools facing the estuary

Termas Cochamó is at km 41 of Route V-69, on the shore of the Reloncaví Estuary among arrayán trees. It opened in late 2024 and is the most complete on the road. It is about 30 minutes from Ensenada and 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Puerto Varas.

Pools and hot tubs

There are 4 outdoor thermal pools from 35 to 42 °C and a thalassotherapy pool with seawater warmed by the springs. By the river there are 9 covered private hot tubs, booked on the day and paid separately.

Hours, services and tickets

Open every day from 10:30 am to 8 pm. There is a restaurant, changing rooms with showers, parking and universal access, with a wheelchair entrance to the main pool. General adult entry costs CLP 28,000 in low season and more on peak dates (official site rates, October 2026). Tickets are sold on termascochamo.com.

Rules

No picnics and no pets in the main pools. Tickets are not refundable, but you can change the date with 24 hours' notice.

Termas del Sol, in Puelo

Termas del Sol is in the Puelo area, at the end of Route V-69, about 3 hours from Puerto Varas. It is fed by a 60 °C thermal spring from Yate Volcano. Sernatur covers it on Chile Travel.

10 pools and 650 m of boardwalks

There are 10 thermal pools from 36 to 45 °C, linked by 650 m of boardwalks through the forest, with universal access. There is a café and an eight-station wellness circuit with mud, steam, ice and herbs.

A day pass with no time limit

Entry is a day pass with no time limit. In 2026 adult entry started at CLP 40,000; check current rates and hours on their website before you go. No pets and no outside food or drink.

Combine it with the Puelo valley

It sits at the entrance to the valley: if you go that far, it is worth staying in the area and continuing to Lake Tagua Tagua and Llanada Grande.

Which hot springs to choose

All three can be visited as a day trip, but they are very different.

Ralún: rustic natural pools, reached by boat. For those who want the most natural option, and it depends on the tide.
Termas Cochamó: the closest with full services, pools, hot tubs and a restaurant. It fits into half a day from Ensenada.
Termas del Sol: the largest, with 10 pools and boardwalks. It is further away, so it suits a full day or a trip on to the Puelo valley.

What to bring and when to go

Bring a swimsuit, a towel and sandals; Termas Cochamó also rents towels and robes. It rains a lot here, so dress in layers with waterproof clothing. Hot springs are the best plan for a rainy day, and in winter the contrast of hot water and cold air is worth it. On weekends and public holidays, buy your ticket in advance.

Getting to the hot springs from Puerto Varas

Through Ensenada and Route V-69

From Puerto Varas take Route 225 to Ensenada, 44 km along Lake Llanquihue. In Ensenada, where our base is, take Route V-69 toward Ralún, Cochamó and Puelo. From Puerto Montt add the drive to Puerto Varas: Termas Cochamó is about 2 hours away.

Via the Carretera Austral, toward Puelo

For Termas del Sol you can also take Route 7 to Caleta La Arena, cross by ferry to Caleta Puelche, with no booking needed, and continue to Puelo.

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Two cyclists rest at a viewpoint above a lake

Kayaking and trekking on the hot springs road

On the same road we run kayaking on the Reloncaví Estuary, a full day from Ralún toward Cochamó, and the Trek & Bike through the Cayutué Valley to Ralún, with a bike ride down and estuary views. A morning of activity and an afternoon in the hot springs.

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Wooden house at the TerraSur base in Ensenada, with a cabins and campsite sign and a red kayak

Where to stay at the start of Route V-69

Barlovento, the same company and base as TerraSur, is in Ensenada, right where Route V-69 begins: cabins in Ensenada and a campsite facing Lake Llanquihue. From here, Termas Cochamó is about 30 minutes away.

Hot springs FAQ

Which hot springs are near Puerto Varas?

On Route V-69, starting in Ensenada, are the Ralún hot springs, Termas Cochamó and Termas del Sol, in Puelo.

Are there hot springs in Puerto Varas?

Not in town. The nearest are on Route V-69: Termas Cochamó, 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Puerto Varas through Ensenada.

Which hot springs are closest to Ensenada?

The Ralún hot springs, about 28 km away, which are natural pools. Termas Cochamó, at km 41 of Route V-69, is the closest with pools and services.

Can I visit as a day trip?

Yes. All three hot springs on the road can be visited as a day trip.

How much is entry to Termas Cochamó?

General adult entry costs CLP 28,000 in low season and more on peak dates, according to the official site (October 2026). Private hot tubs are paid separately.

Where is Termas del Sol?

In the Puelo area, Cochamó district, at the end of Route V-69. It is about 3 hours from Puerto Varas.

Do the Ralún hot springs flood at high tide?

Yes. They are near the mouth of the Petrohue River, and at high tide the water can cover the pools. Check the tide table before you go.

Which hot springs are near Puerto Montt?

The same ones on the road to Cochamó: from Puerto Montt you drive through Puerto Varas and Ensenada. Termas Cochamó is about 2 hours away.

Can I bring my dog?

Termas Cochamó and Termas del Sol do not allow pets in the pools. At Termas Cochamó they can stay in the restaurant and the private hot tubs.