In short: The Araucanía Andina has four main hot springs, all in the municipality of Curacautín: Manzanar (the closest to Temuco, about 100 km away, with outdoor pools by the river since 1942), Malalcahuello (a 1,300 m² indoor pool, ideal in winter), Cañón del Blanco (private tubs in the forest, at the foot of Sierra Nevada volcano) and Malleco, formerly Tolhuaca (a spring at 86 °C with geysers). In 2026 a day pass costs about CLP 24,000 to CLP 29,000 per adult.
Key facts: the Araucanía Andina hot springs
| Main hot springs | Manzanar, Malalcahuello, Cañón del Blanco and Malleco (all in Curacautín) |
|---|---|
| Closest to Temuco | Manzanar, about 100 km away (84 km to Curacautín + 18 km) |
| Indoor (winter) | Malalcahuello: 1,300 m² indoor thermal pool, 37–38 °C |
| Most natural | Cañón del Blanco (tubs in the forest) and Malleco (geysers, no signal) |
| 2026 day pass | Malleco CLP 28,000 adult · Cañón del Blanco CLP 24,000 adult (official prices; vary by month) |
| High season | July–August and January–February: book ahead |
| What to bring | Swimsuit, towel, sandals, a hat for sun or cold, and cash |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
The hot springs of the Araucanía Andina rise among araucaria forests and volcanoes, along the geological fault that shaped the Kütralkura Geopark. This guide compares the four main hot springs so you can choose according to your trip: distance, winter, nature or spa relaxation.
Hot springs compared
| Hot springs | Where | What it's like | Day pass (reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termas de Manzanar | Route CH-181, 18 km from Curacautín | 3 outdoor pools by the river, tubs in the forest, hotel; since 1942 | About CLP 25,000 adult, full day* |
| Termas Malalcahuello | Route CH-181, km 86 (Malalcahuello) | 1,300 m² indoor pool (37–38 °C), Jacuzzi, spa and hotel | Ask (hotel guests have priority) |
| Termas Cañón del Blanco | Turnoff at Puente Manchuria, road to Lonquimay | 27 outdoor thermal units, tubs for 8 people; hostel and campground | CLP 24,000 adult · CLP 19,000 child |
| Termas Malleco | Route R-755, 34 km from Curacautín | Spring at 86 °C with geysers, thermal pool, hotel and campground; no signal | CLP 28,000 adult · CLP 18,000 child (Nov.) |
Prices checked on October 3, 2026 on each hot spring's official website; they change by month and season. *Manzanar does not publish prices on its website: reference from a ticket sales site. Always confirm before you travel.
The hot springs one by one
Termas de Manzanar: the closest to Temuco
Welcoming visitors since 1942. On route CH-181, 18 km from Curacautín, with three outdoor thermal pools overlooking the Cautín River and private tubs in the forest. Open from 10:00 to 20:00 with full-day or half-day passes, plus a hotel. More in Manzanar Hot Springs.
Termas Malalcahuello: an indoor pool next to Corralco
At km 86 of route CH-181, at the foot of Lonquimay volcano. Its 1,300 m² indoor thermal pool (37–38 °C), with a Jacuzzi of up to 41 °C and contrast pools, makes it the best choice in winter, after skiing at Corralco. 27-room hotel and spa. More in Termas Malalcahuello.
Termas Cañón del Blanco: tubs in the forest
Mountain hot springs at the foot of Sierra Nevada volcano: on the Curacautín–Lonquimay road, turn at Puente Manchuria at km 12 and continue 13 km. There are 27 private outdoor thermal units, with tubs for 8 people, plus a hostel and campground. Tickets must be bought at least two days in advance. More in Cañón del Blanco Hot Springs.
Termas Malleco: geysers and switching off
The former Termas de Tolhuaca, on route R-755, 34 km from Curacautín and about 2 km from Tolhuaca National Park. Its spring rises at 86 °C in a grotto with eight geysers by the Dillo River; the geyser can be visited with a guide. There is no cell signal or Wi-Fi. Hotel, day pass from 11:00 to 17:30 and campground. More in Termas Malleco.
Hot springs by municipality
- Curacautín: home to all four main hot springs. See the guide to Curacautín hot springs.
- Lonquimay: has no large hot springs; the closest are Malalcahuello and Manzanar, through Las Raíces Tunnel.
- Near Temuco: Manzanar, about 100 km away; Malalcahuello, about 115 km.
Tips for visiting the hot springs
- Book: in July, August, January and February spots sell out; several hot springs sell tickets online.
- What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sandals, a hat and water to stay hydrated.
- Winter: carry snow chains; the roads to Cañón del Blanco and Malleco can have snow or ice.
- Health: if you are pregnant or have heart or blood pressure problems, check with a doctor before using very hot water.
- No signal: at Malleco and Cañón del Blanco, bring cash and tell someone your plans.
Frequently asked questions about the Araucanía Andina hot springs
What are the best hot springs in the Araucanía Andina?
It depends on what you want: Malalcahuello for an indoor pool and a hotel with spa; Manzanar for distance and tradition; Cañón del Blanco for private tubs in the middle of nature; Malleco for its geysers and total disconnection.
What hot springs are near Temuco?
The closest in the Araucanía Andina are the Termas de Manzanar, about 100 km away (about 1 h 30 min) via Lautaro and Curacautín. The others are about 110 to 120 km away.
How much is a hot springs day pass?
As a 2026 reference: Termas Malleco CLP 28,000 per adult and CLP 18,000 per child in November; Cañón del Blanco CLP 24,000 per adult and CLP 19,000 per child (buying 2 days in advance). Prices change by month: confirm them on each hot spring's website.
Are there hot springs in Lonquimay?
The municipality of Lonquimay has no large hot springs. The closest are Termas Malalcahuello and Manzanar, through Las Raíces Tunnel on route CH-181.
Which hot springs are best in winter?
Malalcahuello, for its indoor pool and proximity to Corralco. For soaking outdoors in the snow: Cañón del Blanco or Malleco (check road conditions and carry chains).
Which hot springs have geysers?
Termas Malleco, formerly Termas de Tolhuaca: its spring rises at 86 °C in a grotto with eight geysers by the Dillo River.
More to see nearby: Curacautín hot springs · Manzanar Hot Springs · Cañón del Blanco Hot Springs · Termas Malleco