Puritama Hotsprings AM or PM

Puritama’s seven hot pools feel wonderfully out of place: warm water, high Andean air, and a green canyon cutting through the dry desert. I like the contrast, and I like that the pools are naturally heated, shallow, and suitable for children.

I also like the simple plan. Your driver collects you in San Pedro de Atacama, takes you north for about 40 minutes, and leaves you free to enjoy the pools at your own pace. The small group limit of 10 keeps the ride more personal than a large coach trip.

The main drawback is that the 35,000 CLP entrance ticket is extra, on top of the $65 tour price. You should also confirm your hotel, pickup time, and AM or PM booking carefully, since the organization can involve several WhatsApp messages and forms.

Key points about Puritama Hotsprings

• Seven naturally hot pools: You can move between several shallow pools rather than being confined to one bathing area.
• High-altitude setting: The pools sit at 3,500 meters above sea level, so the Andean setting is part of the experience.
• A green canyon in the desert: The Puritama River brings a striking strip of greenery to an otherwise dry region.
• About 40 minutes from San Pedro: The drive is short enough for a half-day outing, with morning and afternoon departures.
• Small groups of up to 10: You avoid the feel of a large bus excursion.
• Bring extra money for admission: The tour price covers transport, but the 35,000 CLP park ticket does not come with it.

Seven pools at 3,500 meters

The main reason to book this outing is the setting. Puritama’s hot springs sit high in the Andes, at about 3,500 meters above sea level, inside a canyon crossed by the Puritama River.

That combination gives the place its character. You are not soaking beside a resort or in a built-up spa complex. You are surrounded by dry high-country terrain, with a green strip of vegetation where the river runs. The warm water and sharp mountain air make a pleasing contrast.

There are seven pools to choose from. They are naturally hot and not very deep, which makes the bathing area more approachable for families with children. You can shift from one pool to another, find a quieter spot, or simply settle into the water and let the setting do the work.

I would not book this for a packed schedule of sightseeing. The value comes from slowing down. You get time to sit, soak, and look around rather than rush from one viewpoint to the next.

The 40-minute ride north from San Pedro

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel. The vehicle then heads north from San Pedro de Atacama toward the Puritama Hotsprings park, a drive of roughly 40 minutes.

That short transfer matters. You get an Andean outing without committing an entire day to a distant site. The full activity lasts 270 minutes, including transport and your time at the springs, so it fits well into a morning or afternoon in San Pedro.

The driver speaks Spanish and English. The group is limited to 10 people, which should make the ride easier to manage than a large tour bus. Once you arrive, the driver drops you at the hot springs and sets a pickup time.

This is a fairly independent format. You should not expect a long guided walk, a lecture at every pool, or a tightly managed sequence of activities. The driver’s main role is transport and coordination, leaving you to use the bathing time as you wish.

What your time at the springs is like

Once you enter the park, the central activity is straightforward: choose a pool, get comfortable, and enjoy the water.

Because the pools are shallow, you can sit rather than swim. That suits anyone who wants a gentle soak, and it makes the outing more practical for families. The seven-pool layout also gives you some choice. If one area feels too busy, you can try another pool instead of having to leave the water entirely.

The hot springs are the sort of place where a little patience helps. You may want to spend time simply taking in the canyon, the river, and the unusual sight of warm pools in a high desert setting. Bring a small snack or fruit if you need something to eat, since food is not included and the instructions specifically suggest carrying your own.

Alcohol is not allowed. Water is important, both for the hot conditions of the pools and for being at altitude. Carry a bottle with you, and remember that you may feel the height more than you expect even during a quiet activity.

The springs are not presented as a luxury spa. Their appeal is the natural setting and the chance to relax outdoors. If you want massage rooms, food service, or a polished resort atmosphere, this is not the right choice. If you want warm water surrounded by the Andes, it makes much more sense.

Why the high altitude deserves attention

At 3,500 meters, Puritama is high. The activity itself is easy, but the altitude still matters. You are asked to bring water, and that is practical advice rather than a minor packing note.

I would take the transfer calmly, avoid treating the outing as a race, and pay attention to how you feel. The hot water may also make you feel tired faster than expected. Since the tour gives you free time at the pools, you can rest instead of trying to visit every pool in a hurry.

The high setting is also one of the strongest reasons to choose Puritama over a standard city spa. You get a sense of the Andes without a demanding trek. The experience combines a gentle activity with a dramatic altitude, which is useful if you want nature but do not want a strenuous excursion.

What the $65 price really covers

The listed price is $65 per person. That covers hotel pickup or pickup from an agreed central point, transport, and return to the center of San Pedro de Atacama.

The separate entrance charge is 35,000 CLP. You need to add that amount to your budget, since it is not included in the tour price. Once you count the admission ticket, the outing costs more than the headline figure suggests.

Still, the price can make sense if you value convenience. You do not need to arrange transport to the springs yourself, and the small group size limits the number of people sharing the vehicle. The 270-minute duration also gives you a proper visit rather than a quick stop for a photograph.

The value is weaker if you are focused only on the soak and already have reliable transport. In that case, the paid transfer may feel less important. But for a visitor staying in San Pedro who wants a simple half-day plan, pickup and return transport remove much of the practical work.

Morning or afternoon: which should you choose?

This activity is offered in a morning or afternoon version. The right choice depends on the rest of your day, since the actual hot spring program is the same.

A morning departure leaves your later hours open for San Pedro. An afternoon departure may suit you if you want a slower start or have other plans earlier in the day. The supplied information does not specify an exact start time, so you should check availability before booking.

I would choose based on your energy and schedule rather than assuming one option is automatically better. The key is to reserve the correct time. A booking mix-up once placed people in the afternoon group after they had chosen the morning option, so check the confirmation and repeat the AM or PM choice clearly if the operator contacts you.

Pickup details you should handle carefully

You are asked to wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup. The guide or driver is expected to contact you by phone before arrival, and the vehicle will wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled time.

That makes punctuality important. Do not plan to walk down from your room at the last minute or assume the vehicle will wait while you finish breakfast. Keep your phone available and make sure the provider has the correct hotel name.

The pickup process may involve several WhatsApp conversations and forms. Some of the requested details can feel excessive, including weight information. You should complete what is needed, but also keep your booking details handy so you can correct any mistake quickly.

Hotel location has caused confusion in the past, even after the name was confirmed several times. If your accommodation has a similar name to another property, send the exact hotel name and location in writing before the pickup day. If you are not staying at a hotel, confirm the approved central pickup point.

The tour ends with a drop-off in the center of San Pedro de Atacama. That is useful if you want to continue with lunch, shopping, or an afternoon walk instead of returning directly to your room.

What to pack for the hot pools

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimsuit or other swimwear
• Towel
• Water
• Passport or identification card
• A small snack or fruit
• Money for the 35,000 CLP entrance fee

You are advised to arrive already wearing your swimwear, which makes the changeover easier. A towel is not included, so do not assume one will be supplied.

Drones are not allowed. Leave yours behind rather than bringing it to the park and discovering that you cannot use it.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend Puritama to you if you want a relaxed nature outing with little walking and a clear central activity. Families may appreciate the shallow pools, while couples and solo visitors can use the free time for a quiet soak.

It also works well for anyone who wants to experience the Andes without booking a strenuous hike. The high altitude gives the visit a real sense of place, while the transport and short drive keep the day manageable.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike hot water, find high-altitude outings uncomfortable, or want a guide-led cultural tour. This is not a packed sightseeing program. It is a transfer to a scenic bathing area, followed by free time.

A friendly driver, with organization to watch

The driving service is one of the better parts of the outing. The driver is described as friendly, and an English or Spanish-speaking driver is available. One especially positive account noted that the guide helped the group feel comfortable and connected.

That personal touch can matter in a small group. A good driver sets the tone for the ride, explains the pickup plan, and makes the transfer feel easy.

The weak point is not the springs themselves. It is the administration around the booking. Multiple WhatsApp chats, repeated hotel details, and a wrong AM or PM assignment can create avoidable stress. I would keep screenshots of your confirmation, check the time, and confirm the hotel location before the day of departure.

Is Puritama Hotsprings worth booking?

I would book this outing if you want a gentle half-day in an unusual Andean setting. The seven natural pools, green canyon, shallow water, and 3,500-meter altitude give it more character than an ordinary swimming stop.

The decision comes down to expectations. You are paying $65 for transport and coordination, then adding 35,000 CLP for admission. In return, you get a small group, hotel pickup, a 40-minute ride, and time to relax without planning the transport yourself.

Book it if that convenience is worth the cost, and confirm the pickup details carefully. Skip it if you want a fully guided tour, a strenuous outdoor activity, or an all-inclusive price with admission already covered.

FAQ

Where are the Puritama Hotsprings?

They are in northern Chile, about 40 minutes north of San Pedro de Atacama, inside a green canyon crossed by the Puritama River.

How high are the hot springs?

The pools are located at about 3,500 meters above sea level.

How many pools are available?

There are seven naturally hot pools at the site.

Are the pools suitable for children?

The pools are not very deep, which makes them suitable for children, although children should still be supervised.

Is the entrance ticket included?

No. The entrance ticket costs 35,000 CLP and must be paid separately.

What does the $65 tour price include?

It includes hotel pickup or pickup from the center, transport, and drop-off in central San Pedro de Atacama.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or identification card, swimwear, a towel, and water. You may also want to bring a small snack or fruit.

Is alcohol allowed?

No. Alcohol is not allowed at the hot springs.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are not allowed.