Enquelga Hot Springs - Image 1
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Enquelga Hot Springs

4.6
·28 reviews·Enquelga, Chile

Relax in warm, natural pools amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Tarapacá plateau, with chances to spot alpacas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Avoid afternoon winds

CrowdLow
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Enquelga Hot Springs - Image 1

Enquelga Hot Springs

Best Time

Morning

Avoid afternoon winds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Relax in warm, natural pools amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Tarapacá plateau, with chances to spot alpacas.

4.6
(28 reviews)

"The place is beautiful, surrounded by mountains, a volcano, and alpacas. The water is very pleasant."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Carefully

The road to Enquelga isn't in great condition. Go slow on the way up and down. :car:

💰 Affordable Entry

Adults pay 3,000 CLP, children over 8 pay 1,000 CLP. Kids under 8 are free. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Natural Pools

The Natural Pools

Main bathing area

Relax in the warm, natural waters surrounded by breathtaking high-altitude landscapes.

Tarapacá Plateau Scenery

Tarapacá Plateau Scenery

Surrounding area

Marvel at the dramatic mountains, volcano views, and potential wildlife sightings.

Alpaca Encounters

Alpaca Encounters

Near the hot springs

Keep an eye out for alpacas grazing in their natural habitat.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Enquelga

Plan your trip to Enquelga Hot Springs to avoid the afternoon winds and potential crowds. Arriving early is recommended, especially considering the road conditions. Check local conditions before you go.

Enquelga Hot Springs: What to Expect

Enquelga offers a natural, semi-thermal pool experience in a stunning high-altitude setting. While the water is pleasant, it's not intensely hot. Be prepared for basic facilities and potentially windy afternoons.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Avoid afternoon winds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#nuevasrutas 🏖️🏕️⛰️🏔️🗻 🎥👉 @altiplanotravel Disfruta de las maravillosas termas de Enquelga ubicadas en la Comuna de Colchane, Región de Tarapaca ¡Que esperas! ¡Viaja con nosotros ! ☺️🏔️🚙📷🌵 🎒🌎 ✔️Tour full ✔️Información y compras online 💳 www.altiplanotravel.cl . . . #aventura #visitchile🇨🇱 #vacations #friends #happiness #experiences #instanaturelover #geiserdepuchuldiza #holiday #love #enjoy ...
arica_turismo
414 likes • 8.1K views

🚗 Drive Carefully

The road to Enquelga isn't in great condition. Go slow on the way up and down. :car: Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Adults pay 3,000 CLP, children over 8 pay 1,000 CLP. Kids under 8 are free. :moneybag: Reddit

💧 Pleasant Waters

The water is warm and pleasant, not intensely hot like some hot springs. :droplet: Reddit

🌬️ Windy Afternoons

It can get quite windy in the afternoons, so plan your visit accordingly. :wind_face: Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Carefully

The road to Enquelga isn't in great condition. Go slow on the way up and down. :car: Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Adults pay 3,000 CLP, children over 8 pay 1,000 CLP. Kids under 8 are free. :moneybag: Reddit

💧 Pleasant Waters

The water is warm and pleasant, not intensely hot like some hot springs. :droplet: Reddit

🌬️ Windy Afternoons

It can get quite windy in the afternoons, so plan your visit accordingly. :wind_face: Reddit

🏞️ Stunning Surroundings

Enjoy the beautiful views of mountains, a volcano, and even alpacas! :mountain: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(28 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Enquelga Hot Springs is praised for its stunning natural setting and pleasant, warm waters, offering a relaxing escape in the Tarapacá plateau. Visitors appreciate the affordable entry fees and the opportunity to see alpacas. However, some note that the water isn't intensely hot, and the cleanliness of the facilities could be improved.

"The setting is beautiful, the pools just as nice, although the water wasn't like hot springs, it was cold, more like a swimming pool. Adults pay 3,000, children over 8 pay 1,000, children under 8 are free. There are small tables for camping, you can have a barbecue, and also a place to change clothes, and a pit toilet."

Melisa CarpeDiem

"Nice place. The waters aren't too warm, but pleasant. It's windy in the afternoon. There's a space with tables and benches and restrooms. Tickets are 3,000 per person."

Rudy Muñoz

"It's a natural semi-thermal pool about three hours from Iquique, in the middle of the Tarapacá plateau. If you're lucky, you might even spot some animals wandering around. The water is warm and generally clean, providing the perfect setting for enjoying and relaxing. The only thing that needs to be improved is the cleanliness of the bathrooms and changing rooms."

Paula Andrea Ayarza Olivares

What People Like

Beautiful natural scenery
Pleasant warm water
Affordable entry fees

What People Dislike

Facility cleanliness
Water not very hot

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Enquelga Hot Springs is located about a three-hour drive from Iquique in the Tarapacá plateau. The route is not in the best condition, so it's recommended to drive slowly and carefully. Consider a 4x4 vehicle if possible, or join a tour for easier access. Reddit

The road conditions are described as not being in good condition, suggesting it's likely unpaved or rough in sections. Driving slowly is advised. Reddit

While possible, it's advisable to drive slowly and cautiously due to the road conditions. Some travelers might prefer a vehicle better suited for rough terrain. Reddit

Yes, some tour operators like Altiplano Travel offer tours to Enquelga Hot Springs, which can simplify transportation and logistics. TikTok

The journey from Iquique to Enquelga Hot Springs takes approximately three hours. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is 3,000 Chilean pesos for adults and 1,000 Chilean pesos for children over 8 years old. Children under 8 enter for free. Reddit

Children over 8 years old pay 1,000 Chilean pesos. Children under 8 years old get free admission. Reddit

Information on advance ticket purchases is limited, but it's generally a pay-on-arrival system. Checking with tour operators might offer package deals. TikTok

Specific operating hours are not widely published, but visiting in the morning is recommended to avoid afternoon winds and potential crowds. Reddit

While camping is mentioned as an option with small tables available, specific camping fees are not detailed in the provided information. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The water is described as warm and pleasant, rather than intensely hot like traditional hot springs. It's more akin to a comfortable swimming pool temperature. Reddit+1

Yes, there are places to change clothes and restrooms available. However, some reviews mention that the cleanliness of these facilities could be improved. Reddit+1

Yes, there are small tables available for camping and barbecues, making it a suitable spot for a picnic. Reddit

The hot springs are set in a beautiful natural environment on the Tarapacá plateau, surrounded by mountains, a volcano, and often visited by alpacas. Reddit

Crowds can vary, but visiting in the morning or on weekdays is recommended to experience a more peaceful atmosphere and avoid potential afternoon winds. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning panoramic views of the Tarapacá plateau, the surrounding mountains and volcano, and the unique sight of alpacas in their natural habitat. The natural pools themselves also make for beautiful shots. TikTokReddit

Early morning light can be ideal for capturing the dramatic landscapes without harsh shadows. Be mindful of the wind picking up in the afternoon. Reddit

The entire area offers picturesque views. Look for elevated spots to capture the vastness of the plateau and the volcanic formations. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots. Consider a telephoto lens if you want to get closer shots of any wildlife like alpacas. A polarizing filter can help manage glare on the water. :camerawithflash:

Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in natural or protected areas. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Enquelga Hot Springs can be a fun outing for families, offering a chance to relax in warm waters and enjoy nature. The entrance fee is very reasonable, with children under 8 entering for free, making it an economical choice. Reddit The natural pools provide a pleasant bathing experience, and the surrounding scenery with mountains and potential alpaca sightings can be engaging for kids. Reddit There are picnic tables available, perfect for a family lunch or snack. Reddit However, parents should be aware of the road conditions leading to the springs and the potential for strong winds in the afternoon, so keeping a close eye on younger children is advised. The cleanliness of the restrooms might also be a consideration for families.

🚗 Budget Travelers

Enquelga Hot Springs is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. The low entrance fee of 3,000 CLP for adults and 1,000 CLP for children over 8 makes it very accessible. Reddit Bringing your own food and drinks for a barbecue or picnic at the provided tables further reduces costs. Reddit The main expense will likely be transportation, especially if you're driving yourself and need to account for fuel. Joining a tour might offer a fixed price, but self-driving allows for more flexibility if you're comfortable with the road conditions. The natural beauty of the location is free to enjoy, offering significant value for the minimal entry fee.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Journey to Enquelga

Reaching Enquelga Hot Springs involves a scenic, albeit challenging, drive from Iquique. The journey takes approximately three hours and traverses the high-altitude Tarapacá plateau. Travelers consistently advise caution due to the road conditions, which are described as rough and not well-maintained. Reddit It's recommended to drive slowly and steadily, both on the ascent and descent. While a regular car can make the trip, a vehicle with higher clearance or four-wheel drive might offer a more comfortable experience. For those who prefer not to navigate the roads themselves, organized tours are available and can be a convenient option. TikTok

Key Takeaway: Prioritize a slow and steady drive, and consider your vehicle's capabilities when planning your self-drive adventure. Joining a tour is a viable alternative for a stress-free journey.

The Enquelga Hot Springs Experience

Enquelga Hot Springs offers a unique natural bathing experience in a spectacular high-altitude setting. Unlike intensely hot thermal springs, the waters here are pleasantly warm, providing a comfortable temperature for relaxation. Reddit+1 The surrounding landscape is a major draw, with dramatic mountain vistas, a prominent volcano, and the chance to spot local wildlife, including alpacas, grazing nearby. Reddit The facilities are basic but functional, including changing rooms and restrooms, though some visitors note that cleanliness could be improved. Reddit+1 The site also provides small tables suitable for camping and barbecues, making it a great spot for a day trip picnic.

Key Takeaway: Embrace the natural, rustic charm of Enquelga. The warm waters and stunning scenery are the main attractions, complemented by basic amenities and picnic areas.

Best Practices for Visiting Enquelga

To make the most of your visit to Enquelga Hot Springs, timing is crucial. Arriving in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the strong winds that often pick up in the afternoon. Reddit Visiting on weekdays can also lead to a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds. Reddit The entrance fee is quite affordable, with a modest charge for adults and a smaller fee for older children, while younger children enter for free. Reddit Remember to pack accordingly for the high-altitude environment; while the water is warm, the air temperature can be cooler, and the wind can be brisk. Reddit

Key Takeaway: Plan your visit for the morning, ideally on a weekday, and be prepared for the high-altitude climate and potential winds.

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