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Considered by many to be the best hot springs resort in Chile,
Chillan Hot Springs is situated at 5,248 ft (1,600 m) above sea
level and combines thermal activity with a modern ski center.
This thermal and recreational resort is located 51 miles (82 km)
from Chillan amidst the Andes foothills in the Eighth Region of
Chile.
Surrounded by a natural scenery abundant in flora and fauna, Chillan
Hot Springs boasts hot waters averaging temperatures of 140°F
(60°C). Bathing in these waters is recommended for the relief
of arthritis, skin conditions, and respiratory illnesses. Their
healing powers were discovered long ago by original indigenous populations
and now in 1954, the Department of Health in Chile declared them
"healing fountains".
The waters of Chillan Hot Springs contain moderate amounts of minerals
including iron, sulfur, manganese, magnesium, and potassium, among
others. They correspond mainly to sulfated waters.
There are plenty of activities in which to participate around Chillan
such as hiking, short walks, mountain biking, rock climbing, and
observing various native animal species; including mountain goats,
guemals, pumas, and foxes. You can also climb the Chillan Volcano,
try Andean mountain climbing, fish in the Diguillín river
or visit the historic caves of the Pincheiras, a group of notorious
outlaws from the 1800's.
If there is time, a visit to Chillan is a great idea. This is one
of Chile's oldest cities where you can tour the old Chillan neighborhood,
Bernardo O'Higgins Plaza, and the Chillan market where visitors
can buy traditional arts and crafts from the central region. These
include wool knits, baskets, and wood carvings.
Don't miss the Convent of St. Francisco, historic Jesuit missionary
center; the Museum of Chillan; and Bernardo O'Higgins Monumental
Park.
Another attraction that is actually not well-known by most people
is the School that the Mexican Government donated to Chillan after
the earthquake of 1939. This school is located on O'Higgins Avenue
between Vega de Saldías and Gamero and boasts splendid murals
within, painted by renowned Mexican painters like David Alfaro Siqueiros
and Xavier Guerrero.
Another option is a visit to the Los Huemules (Guemals) of Niblinto
National Reserve, created to protect the last population of guemals
(Andean deer) in the central region. This species is currently endangered
and you can only find numerous populations in the extreme southern
part of Chile. Other species of mammals such as birds, reptiles,
and amphibians inhabit the Reserve.
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When to go
Year round.
How to get there
Santiago - Chillan, along Route 5 South. From Chillan, 51
miles (82 km) heading southeast towards the Andes foothills,
along a renovated road that is now optimal for travel. This
road leads you to the Chillan Hot Springs and Ski Resort.
Location
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Hotels
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Termas
de Chillan Grand Hotel
Road to Chillan Hot Springs Km 78, Chillan
It features 120 fully equipped rooms with air-conditioning and
heating, lovely wood décor, restaurants, game rooms,
conference rooms, bar, store, hair salon, gym, squash court,
day care, and all other services you require for a pleasant
stay. |
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Pirigallo Hotel
Chillan Hot Springs area Km 82, Chillan
This 3-star hotel is a faithful reflection of the warm family
environment that Chillan Hot Springs offers. Its inviting indoor
ambiance, its meticulous spatial distribution and infrastructure
grant the visitor a truly unforgettable vacation. |
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Tours
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Facilities
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Besides the traditional thermal baths, some of the modern facilities
include hydrotherapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, fangotherapy and
massages, among other kinds of treatments.
This thermal resort features comforts such as a hair salon, gym,
squash courts, daycare, stores, a club, restaurants and various
specials on accommodations.
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Water Type
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- Hyperthermic waters (up to 158°F/70°C)
- Sulfated waters
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Sulfur
- Potassium
- Manganese
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Indications
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- Arthritis
- Skin diseases
- Respiratory illnesses.
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Discrepancies
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- Habitual, serious heart conditions.
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Applications
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- Thermal baths
- Hydrotherapy
- Fangotherapy
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
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Photographs
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Attractions
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Natural landscapes of Chillan and its surroundings, Chillan Volcano,
Diguillín river, Old Chillan, Los Huemules of Niblinto National
Reserve.
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Activities
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Baths and other thermal activities,
photography, hiking, excursions, horseback riding, exploring native
flora and fauna, Andean mountain Climbing, skiing, snowboarding,
fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking
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