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Located near the Los Cipreses River National Reserve, Cauquenes
Hot Springs is one of the oldest in Chile.
Cauquenes is situated about 19 miles (31 km) east of the city of
Rancagua, in the Machalí suburb next to the Cahapoal River,
73 miles (117 km) south of Santiago.
Rugged and forested terrain encircles the hot springs complex.
The land boasts trees that are centuries old and speaking of centuries,
some of the original settlers inhabited the area during the pre
Colombian era. Later on, beginning in the 17th century, the land
was managed by Jesuits.
The thermal waters that spring from 3 main sources emit temperatures
between 108°F and 118°F (42°C and 48°C) and is mostly
chloridated, with a presence of chlorine, magnesium, potassium,
and lithium, among other minerals. They are recommended for the
temporary relief of rheumatism, arthritis, skin conditions, and
respiratory illnesses. They cleanse, purify, and revitalize the
skin and body.
Los Cipreses River National Reserve is only about 9 miles (14 km)
from the hot springs, and covers a surface area of 86,000 acres
(36,000 hectares). You can easily get to this Reserve leaving from
the hot springs complex. Among the flora and fauna that reside within,
you may also see animals such as pumas, llamas, guanacos, the red
fox, vizcacha (rodent), gray fox and birds such as the condor, eagle,
and the endangered Tricahue parrot.
Other important sights include the town of Doñihue, near
Rancagua, famous for its crafts and "huaso" (Chilean cowboy)
ponchos; and the city of Rancagua and its main attractions, like
the regional museum, the house of Pilar de Esquina, the Cathedral
and the Church of Merced.
If you have time, you should visit the old Sewell Mining Center,
next to the Cerro Negro hillside in the Andes foothills. In 1904,
this minery was established by the North American Company Braden
Cooper, dedicated to the extraction of copper; but in 1905 it took
the name Sewell in honor of the company's first president, Barton
Sewell. The facilities turned this flourishing mining town into
a place ahead of its time with a hospital, a fire station and a
Social Center. Sewell later became an established city until the
end of the 60's when residents had to move to other nearby towns
and cities. Today, Sewell is being restored and guided tours bring
visitors here to discover the peculiar way of life of these miners.
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When to go
Year round.
How to get there
Rancagua - Coya, along the Copper Route. Approx. 4 miles (6
km) from Coya heading towards the Los Cipreses River National
Reserve along a gravel road. Location
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Hotels
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 Cauquenes
Hot Springs Hotel
Machalí, Rancagua
This colonial style hotel features 38 beautifully decorated
rooms and 12 suites, all equipped with TV, central heating,
fridgebar, private bathroom, message service, and laundry, among
others. |
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Facilities
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The Cauquenes Hot Springs facilities were constructed out of Oregon
pine during the 19th century and nowadays these buildings are a
true historic and architectural relic.
The original pavilions were built under the order of Don Apolinaro
Soto in 1876, following a design by architect Dr. Espejo. The original
design was restored a couple of years ago preserving the lovely
gothic style which includes, for example, baths made of Carrara
marble that are more than 200 years old. Another highlight of this
construction are the old Spanish ceramic floors that still remain
intact to this day.
Currently, the Cauquenes Hot Springs boast all modern services,
pools, individual baths, hydromassage baths, and natural pools where
one can enjoy massages, reflexology treatments and hydromassages,
among other types of therapy.
Pools, natural pools, individual baths, hydromassage baths.
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Water Type
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- Hyperthermic waters (42º y 48ºC).
- Chlorides.
- With traces of: magnesium, potassium, and lithium.
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Indications
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- Arthritis.
- Rheumatism.
- Skin conditions.
- Respiratory illnesses.
Main effects of bathing
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory strength
- Cleanses, purifies, and revitalizes the skin and body.
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Discrepancies
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Applications
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- Thermal baths
- Hydrotherapy
- Mud baths
- Steam baths
- Massages
- Reflexology
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Attractions
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Los Cipreses River National Reserve, Rancagua, Doñihue,
Sewell.
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Activities
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Baths and other thermal activities,
photography, hikes, flora and fauna observation, visits to nearby
towns.
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