Vista de las termas naturales a orillas del rio petrohue
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Ralún and Petrohué River Mouth

3.8
·515 reviews·Cochamo, Chile

Discover rustic thermal pools nestled by the Petrohué River Mouth, accessed via a scenic boat ride through stunning Chilean Patagonia.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
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Vista de las termas naturales a orillas del rio petrohue

Ralún and Petrohué River Mouth

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover rustic thermal pools nestled by the Petrohué River Mouth, accessed via a scenic boat ride through stunning Chilean Patagonia.

3.8
(515 reviews)

"The boat ride along the Ralun River to reach the pools completes the experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Fee

Expect a small fee for parking your car. The attendant is noted as friendly.

💰 River Crossing Cost

A fee is charged for the boat ride across the river to reach the pools.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.8 · 515 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ralun River Boat Ride

Ralun River Boat Ride

Ralun River

A scenic boat journey along the Ralun River, offering beautiful views and completing the journey to the thermal pools.

Natural Thermal Pools

Natural Thermal Pools

Near Petrohué River Mouth

Experience warm, natural pools nestled in beautiful vegetation, a unique spot for relaxation.

Puyuhuapi Hot Springs

Puyuhuapi Hot Springs

Near Puyuhuapi

While not directly at the river mouth, these nearby hot springs offer a more developed and relaxing thermal experience.

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Planning Your Visit

River Crossing & Access

Reaching the thermal pools involves a river crossing, often by boat, for which a fee is charged. Some visitors suggest asking an 'ox driver' for a shovel to dig for hotter water, indicating a more natural, less developed experience. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds and ensure a more comfortable visit. Reddit

Thermal Pool Experience

The thermal pools are described as shallow and not consistently hot, with some visitors finding them small and potentially dirty due to high visitor numbers. The natural setting and boat ride are highlights, but the pool conditions may not meet everyone's expectations. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Unos piqueros en el Rio Petrohue, cuando fui a las Termas de Ralun⛰️🇨🇱 #ralun #cochamo #petrohue
@santi._viajero
17.2K likes • 749.7K views

🚗 Parking Fee

Expect a small fee for parking your car. The attendant is noted as friendly. Reddit

💰 River Crossing Cost

A fee is charged for the boat ride across the river to reach the pools. Reddit

Termas del Sol, in lugar para relajarse 😌🌿 en las cercanias de Puelo, comuna de Cochamó. #termasdelsol #termaschile #surdechile #cochamo #puelo #regiondeloslagos
@natmundt
16.2K likes • 350.8K views

🛠️ Dig for Hot Water

Bring a shovel to dig in the sand for hotter water sources in the pools. Reddit

🏞️ Enjoy the Scenery

The natural beauty and boat ride are significant parts of the experience. TikTok

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Fee

Expect a small fee for parking your car. The attendant is noted as friendly. Reddit

💰 River Crossing Cost

A fee is charged for the boat ride across the river to reach the pools. Reddit

🛠️ Dig for Hot Water

Bring a shovel to dig in the sand for hotter water sources in the pools. Reddit

🏞️ Enjoy the Scenery

The natural beauty and boat ride are significant parts of the experience. TikTok

💧 Pool Size & Cleanliness

Pools can be small and may get crowded; consider visiting early. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(515 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the beautiful natural setting and the scenic boat ride to reach the thermal pools. However, some find the pools to be shallow, not consistently hot, and potentially crowded. The cost of the river crossing is noted, and the overall development of the facilities is minimal, appealing to those seeking a rustic experience.

"Awful. The thermal baths are really shallow, not hot. The guy charges a lot to cross the river. Not worth it. Go to Termas Pichocolo instead."

Natalia Weir

"Expectacular"

José Ignacio Herrera Caro

"The pools are really warm. They should be made a little bigger.
The vegetation is beautiful, and the boat ride along the Ralun River to reach the pools completes the experience."

Luis Gustavo Riveros Franz

What People Like

Beautiful natural scenery
Scenic river boat ride
Unique natural pools

What People Dislike

Shallow & variable heat
Can be crowded
Rustic facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access typically involves a drive towards Ralún and then a river crossing. Many visitors take a boat to reach the thermal pools. The journey can be part of the adventure, with scenic views along the Ralun River. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available, and a fee is usually charged by an attendant who is described as friendly. Reddit

A boat service is available for crossing the river, and a fee is associated with this service. Reddit

The Termas del Sol, near Ralún, are about two and a half hours from Puerto Montt. TikTok

Information on alternative routes is limited, but the river crossing is often highlighted as part of the unique experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There's a fee for the river crossing, and some reviews mention a charge per person (around 10,000 CLP) for access to the pools, though others state the hot springs are free and the boat is paid. Reddit

Operating hours are not explicitly stated, but visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds and potentially secure a better spot. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not mentioned, but due to the natural and potentially crowded nature of the pools, arriving early is advised. Reddit

The fee primarily covers the river crossing. Access to the pools themselves is sometimes described as free, but this can vary. Reddit

Information on group or family discounts is not readily available. It's best to inquire locally upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The pools are described as shallow and natural, with some visitors suggesting digging in the sand to find hotter water. They can be small and get crowded. Reddit

Yes, the pools can become crowded, especially if multiple groups arrive. Visiting early is highly recommended to have a more private experience. Reddit

The water temperature can vary. Some find it warm, while others suggest digging in the sand to access hotter water. Reddit

The main activity is relaxing in the natural thermal pools. The boat ride along the Ralun River is also a key part of the experience. TikTok

The shallow nature of the pools might be suitable for children, but supervision is essential. The natural setting offers a unique experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the scenic boat ride along the Ralun River and the natural beauty surrounding the thermal pools. The lush vegetation offers a picturesque backdrop. TikTok

A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable due to the water. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive natural scenery. TikTok

Early morning light can be beautiful, and visiting when fewer people are present will allow for unobstructed shots of the pools and landscape. Reddit

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but be respectful of other visitors' privacy. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

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