Chile : Hot Springs Guide : Puyehue Hot Springs

In order to properly run these thermal baths known throughout the world, a society called Puyehue Hot Springs was formed in June of 1907. The society introduced developments in the establishment of hot springs in Chile, which have become something this country prides itself on. The Society's manager was Mr. Conrado Hubach, who unfolded a strategic plan in October of 1910 that allowed for construction to begin on property that would feature a magnificent hotel with a capacity for up to 60 people.

This beautiful hotel was raised up amidst pure natural surroundings and offered an area with natural hot baths, 16 marble tubs with showering facilities for all of them, as well as an area for mud baths.

In those days, the trip from Osorno to the Hot Springs could be made in car, carriage, or even horse. Another possibility was water transportation, a steam ferry that set sail from Entre Lagos to the port of Puyehue Lake. It would let passengers off about a half an hour away from the Hotel.

As the years passed it became necessary to build a bigger hotel, with the ability to accommodate a larger number of guests. And so began the construction of the Grand Puyehue Hotel between 1939 and 1947. It covers 86,920 sq. ft. (26,500 sq. m.).

In the beginning, the Hotel featured a night club and a theater for 800 people. Unfortunately, in 1957, a fire completely destroyed the whole west wing of the building and in its place was built a large social event ballroom called "Anticura".

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Hotels

Termas Puyehue Hotel Route 215, Km 76, Osorno, Puyehue Part of Puyehue National Park. Features 184 rooms equipped with everything you need for the best in rest and relaxation. Also features restaurants, a boutique, gym, hair salon, a nursery, parlors, and a thermal spa.

Tours

Facilities

The word SPA originates from the Latin "Sanitas per Aquas" that means "health by water." This Thermal SPA is run by a highly qualified and experienced staff. Some of the available facilities include a sauna, individual hydromassage bathtubs, double and single baths. They are all equipped with showers, a lounge and a changing room. There is also a gym with treadmills, bikes, weight machines, and music. As for relaxation, the facilities offer rooms for massage therapy and reflexology, fangotherapy and a lounge with four recliners. There is also a cosmetics boutique and a hair salon. The SPA has 3 pools: a covered pool (99°F to 102°F) and two outdoor pools, one with temperatures from 91°F to 99°F and the other a cooler 68°F to 71°F. The sheltered pool features a small, cool-water pool and another one for hydromassages that exceeds 104°F (40°C). The cool water pool also has a hydromassage, and there is also a cool water pool for children, bubble beds, jets of water, and a waterfall that you can access by bridge.

Water Type

• Hyperthermic waters 170°F to 181 °F (77°C to 83°C)
• Moderately mineralized.
• Rich in Calcium (7.4 mg/lt) and Magnesium (0.2 mg/lt) Sulfates
• Rich in Lithium (0.5 mg/lt)
• Slightly high content of sodium (172 mg/lt.)
• Rich in Fluorine (1.7 mg/lt.)
• Basic pH of 8.65

Indications

• Backaches and spinal pain, pain from Fractures, and Osteoporosis
• Hypertension, Liquid Retention.
• Renal Illnesses.
• Chronic Conditions of the Lower Limbs (Arthrosis, arthritis, tendonitis)
• Chronic and acute stress.
• Gastritis.
• Chronic Constipation.
• Fatigue and Depression.
• Neurological Problems, Paralysis.

Main ingestion effects

• The sodium content produces a deceiving effect in the kidneys, causing an excess of sodium to be eliminated from the blood.
• This sodium carries water. (heavily diuretic).
• A light laxative that facilitates digestion.
• Reduces inflammation of the bladder, prevents cavities. It is antiseptic and antiparasitic.
• Does not allow harmful bacterial infections to develop.

Main bathing effects

• Strong analgesic and antiflammatory.
• The pH and sodium stimulate peripheral circulation, improving thermic regulation.
• Stimulates skin rejuvenation, is antiseptic and protective.
• Sulfur, associated with small quantities of arsenic and iron, stimulates cellular detoxification, the liver's defenses and the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow and the spleen.
• Reduces stress and stress-related symptoms.

Discrepancies

• Cardiopathy
• Low Blood Pressure
• Phlebitis
• Active Cancer.

Applications

Photographs

Attractions

Antillanca Ski Center: It is located on the Casablanca Volcano, 61 miles (98 km.) from Osorno. Antillanca means "Jewel of the Sun" and it boasts smooth slopes of dry snow with different levels of difficulty for all types of skiers. The ski center has 4 drag lifts and 1 chair lift. Because it is within the limits of Puyehue National Park, there is a wide variety of recreational activities for those who enjoy skiing as well as for those who just like to stroll around the area. More Information

Puyehue National Park: This park is characterized by its dense forests, volcanic terrain, and numerous riverbeds and water basins. It features excellent facilities and a system of signs that allow visitors to fully enjoy the area's attractions and all they have to offer. More information.

Lake Puyehue: Its name means "place of puyes", puyes are a type of small white fish. Surrounded by lush forests, the lake has a surface area of 37,680 acres (15,700 hectares) and is situated at 679 ft. (207 m.) above sea
level. The international freeway runs along the southern shore towards the Cardinal Antonio Samoré Customs Complex.

Entre Lagos: Located on the western side of Puyehue Lake, Entre Lagos used to be a lumber port and the site where trains arrived and loaded up products from the Puyehue and Ranco lakes to export to other parts of the country. It is currently a small town dedicated to tourism with a population of about 3,500.

Lake Rupanco: The name means "water that passes by here". It boasts a surface area of 55,200 acres (23,000 hectares) and is only 6 miles (10 km) away from Puyehue Lake. It is somewhat narrow and elongated, encircled by
native forests.

Activities

Baths and other thermal activities, fishing, flora and fauna observation, hiking, photography, kayaking, boat rides along the channels.