Thermal Tourism in Argentina: Relaxation and Nature All Year Round

A proposal of wellness, health, and nature awaits in Argentina, perfect for those seeking rest or natural therapeutic treatments. In this guide, we highlight some of the most special thermal tourism destinations in Argentina, along with recommendations to help you make the most of your experience.

Entre Ríos: the thermal heart of Argentina’s Litoral

The province of Entre Ríos is considered Argentina’s thermal capital, and for good reason: it boasts more than 16 thermal complexes located along the Uruguay River and in various inland towns. Its hyperthermal waters, emerging at temperatures between 33°C and 42°C, are ideal for both relaxation and therapeutic purposes.

Here are the main thermal complexes in Entre Ríos:

• Termas de Federación: pioneers in the province, offering modern facilities, spa services, indoor pools, and a water park.

• Termas de Colón: set in a natural environment, with more than ten pools at different temperatures, spa services, and a recreational park.

• Termas de Villa Elisa: one of the most comprehensive complexes, featuring an artificial lake, cabins, local gastronomy, and year-round activities.

• Termas de San José: twelve pools with varying temperatures, including indoor areas and a wellness space.

• Other notable thermal destinations include Concordia, Chajarí, Concepción del Uruguay, María Grande, La Paz, Basavilbaso, Villaguay, and Victoria del Agua.

How to get there: Entre Ríos is well connected via National Route 14. From Buenos Aires, travel time ranges from 3 to 5 hours depending on the destination. All thermal towns have bus terminals, and there are flight options to Concordia and Paraná.

Air connections are available to Paraná (General Justo José de Urquiza Airport) and Concordia (Comodoro Pierrestegui Airport), with regular flights from Buenos Aires and other cities, especially during high season. From there, you can continue by shuttle, taxi, or rental car to explore the region.

Best time to visit: Thermal destinations in Entre Ríos can be enjoyed year-round, though autumn and winter are ideal for experiencing the contrast between cooler weather and hot spring waters.

Santiago del Estero: Termas de Río Hondo

Located above a vast mineral-rich aquifer, Termas de Río Hondo is the most important thermal city in Argentina and one of the largest in Latin America. Its alkaline and sulfurous waters can reach temperatures of up to 70°C in some areas and are naturally distributed throughout the city—feeding hotels, spas, private and public pools.

These thermal waters are ideal for rheumatic, dermatological, and circulatory treatments, but the city also offers a wide range of activities, including golf, museums, local cuisine, and proximity to the international racetrack. It is a year-round destination that blends wellness and entertainment.

How to get there: The Termas de Río Hondo International Airport receives flights from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and several other cities across the country.

Mendoza: Termas de Cacheuta

Just 38 km from the city of Mendoza, Termas de Cacheuta is located along Provincial Route 82, next to the Mendoza River and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. This thermal complex stands out for its natural stone pools, sulfurous hot springs, spa treatments, and an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit.

It offers a family-friendly thermal water park, wave pool, lazy river, massages, and mud therapy, along with accommodation packages for full-day experiences.



How to get there: From Mendoza City, you can reach Cacheuta by car, taxi, or organized excursion. The route is scenic and very popular with visitors.

Best time to visit: Autumn, spring, and winter are ideal seasons to enjoy the experience.

Jujuy: Termas del Jordán and Termas de Reyes

Termas del Jordán located deep in the Yungas rainforest, within Calilegua National Park in the Valle Grande department of Jujuy, Termas del Jordán offers a magical and almost pristine environment. The turquoise, naturally occurring waters emerge at an approximate temperature of 30°C, collecting in rocky formations that create natural, crystal-clear pools surrounded by ferns, trees, and unique biodiversity.

This hidden paradise combines the therapeutic properties of its waters, rich in minerals such as sodium, chlorides, and sulfates, with the charm of an adventure and ecotourism experience.

Access to the hot springs is not direct: from the town of San Francisco, which can be reached via the scenic Ruta Provincial 83 from Libertador General San Martín, there is a 3-hour hike along moderate mountain trails. This trek is part of the appeal, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in one of the richest ecosystems in the country, home to tropical birds, butterflies, and lush vegetation.

Termas de Reyes just 19 kilometers north of San Salvador de Jujuy, Termas de Reyes is one of the most traditional thermal spas in northern Argentina. Located in a deep valley crossed by the Reyes River and surrounded by green hills, these hot springs offer a stunning and serene setting. The sulfurous waters, with temperatures reaching up to 50°C, are highly valued for their therapeutic benefits in treating rheumatic, muscular, and dermatological conditions. The distinctive sulfur scent blends with the mountain's coolness, creating a relaxing and healthy atmosphere.

The main complex is the Hotel Spa Termas de Reyes, a historic establishment that combines accommodation with thermal and spa services. It features an indoor pool with thermal water, hydromassages, body treatments, and a restaurant with panoramic views. There are also walking trails, contemplation spaces, and outdoor activities. Its proximity to Jujuy's capital makes it easily accessible by car, taxi, or organized excursions, making it an ideal option for short getaways at any time of year. For more information, visit Jujuy's official tourism portal.

How to get there:

• To reach Termas del Jordán, travel by car or bus to San Francisco (Valle Grande) via Ruta Provincial 83 from Libertador General San Martín. From there, begin the 3-hour hike (a local guide is recommended).

• To reach Termas de Reyes, it’s easy to travel by car or bus from San Salvador de Jujuy via Ruta Provincial 4. Daily services and private transfers are available.

Best time to visit:

• Termas del Jordán are ideal to visit from April to October, when the weather is drier and the risks of flooding or slippery paths are reduced.

• Termas de Reyes can be visited year-round, but autumn and winter are particularly recommended to fully enjoy the contrast between the cool surroundings and the hot waters.

Catamarca: Termas de Fiambalá

Located in the Andes mountain range, 15 km from the town of Fiambalá, these Catamarca hot springs feature 14 natural pools arranged along the mountainside. The temperatures range from 28°C to 51°C, making them ideal for relaxing and rejuvenating after touring the Ruta del Adobe or the Paso de San Francisco route to Chile.

The town of Fiambalá is also a tourist destination in itself, known as the gateway to the Paso de San Francisco, one of the most spectacular international crossings between Argentina and Chile. The area is also part of the historic Ruta del Adobe, a cultural circuit that explores colonial and religious buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the Iglesia de San Pedro and the Oratorio de los Orquera.

How to get there: From San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, take Ruta Nacional 60, passing through Aimogasta, Londres, Belén, and Tinogasta. From Tinogasta, it’s about 70 km to Fiambalá, and then another 15 km on paved road to reach the hot springs. You can also reach Fiambalá from La Rioja or Chile via the Paso de San Francisco. The Fiambalá bus terminal receives daily buses from Tinogasta and San Fernando.

Best time to visit: The Termas de Fiambalá are open year-round, though the autumn and spring months are particularly pleasant due to their temperate climate. In summer, the dry heat can be intense, while in winter, visitors can enjoy the contrast between the cold mountain air and the hot waters. The complex is generally open every day, but it’s advisable to check opening hours during the off-season.

Neuquén: Termas de Copahue

The Copahue complex, located at the foot of the Copahue volcano and just a few kilometers from Caviahue, is considered one of the most prestigious in the world for its mineral medicinal waters. Located in the northwest corner of the Neuquén province and within the Copahue-Caviahue Provincial Park, this thermal center has become one of the most recognized in South America and worldwide for the quality of its waters and mineral medicinal mud.

The Termas de Copahue combine a unique volcanic setting, specialized health services, and imposing Patagonian landscapes. The therapeutic properties of these waters are extraordinary: they contain minerals such as sulfur, iron, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, and are categorized according to their therapeutic use. The waters, mud, and vapors are applied in personalized treatments for individuals with dermatological conditions (psoriasis, eczema), respiratory issues (asthma, bronchitis), muscular, joint, rheumatological, and stress-related conditions.

The thermal complex is public and managed by the provincial government. It features a thermal hospital, a medical spa, and programs supervised by doctors, physiotherapists, and dermatologists. The thermal circuit includes outdoor pools, steam baths, volcanic mud treatments, inhalations, massages, and aesthetic treatments. Preventive programs and general wellness services are also available, making it a popular destination for both tourists and patients with medical referrals.

For more information on treatments, rates, and reservations, you can visit the official Neuquén tourism website.

How to get there: From Neuquén city, you can reach Copahue by air or land. The most common route is to fly into Presidente Perón Airport (Neuquén Capital), then drive along National Route 22 and Provincial Routes 21 and 26 to the town of Loncopué, and from there to Caviahue, which is 18 km from Copahue. The final stretch can be completed by transfer or private vehicle. There are also organized tours from Caviahue, with accommodation options available in both towns.

Best time to visit: Copahue is only operational during the Patagonian summer, from early December to late April. Outside this period, intense snowfalls make the complex inaccessible. It is recommended to make advance reservations, especially in January and February, when demand is high.

Salta: Termas de Rosario de la Frontera

In the southern part of Salta province, surrounded by green hills and subtropical vegetation, lies Rosario de la Frontera, a city renowned for its thermal waters for over a century. This destination is home to one of Argentina's oldest and most prestigious thermal complexes: the Hotel Termas Rosario de la Frontera, which opened in 1880 and was declared a National Historic Heritage site.

The complex boasts nine different types of mineral medicinal waters, each with specific properties. These waters emerge at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 90°C and are ideal for treating bone, muscle, rheumatic, dermatological, and gastrointestinal conditions, as well as for stress relief and prevention programs.

In addition to its traditional hotel infrastructure, the property offers modern spa facilities, hydromassage, individual thermal baths, Scottish showers, inhalation therapy, and relaxation circuits. Over the decades, the hotel has hosted notable visitors, such as Domingo F. Sarmiento and Juan Domingo Perón, and has been a pioneer in the development of thermal tourism in northern Argentina.

How to Get There: Rosario de la Frontera is located on National Route 9, 170 km south of Salta city and 130 km north of San Miguel de Tucumán. You can access it from both cities by car, bus, or train (Tren de las Nubes to Metán, then a land connection). The town also has a bus terminal with regular services from various cities in the NOA region.

The nearest airport is Aeropuerto Internacional Martín Miguel de Güemes in Salta, with daily flights from Buenos Aires and other provinces.

Best Time to Visit: Rosario de la Frontera is a year-round destination, but spring and autumn are especially recommended due to their mild and pleasant climate. In winter, the contrast between the cool atmosphere and the thermal waters creates a highly valued experience, while summer can be hot and humid, although the facilities are equipped to receive visitors in all seasons.

For more information, you can visit the official website of the hotel or the official tourism site of Salta or Visit Salta.

Buenos Aires: Thermal Springs Near the Capital

Although Buenos Aires is not traditionally known as a thermal destination, the province offers several thermal spa options that are perfect for weekend getaways, short trips, or relaxing day visits just a few kilometers from Buenos Aires City.

These spots combine modern infrastructure, peaceful surroundings, and therapeutic waters, making them a great choice for those seeking wellness without venturing too far. They are easily accessible by car or bus, and offer services ranging from indoor thermal pools to full-service spas, accommodation, and family-friendly recreational activities.

• Carhué Hot Springs: Known for the salt-rich waters of Lake Epecuén, which have unique skin-rejuvenating properties.

• Termas del Salado (General Belgrano): Located 140 km from Buenos Aires, featuring indoor and semi-covered pools, plus spa facilities.

• Termas Marinas Park (San Clemente): Offers seawater pools just 500 meters from the coast, combined with a thermal and recreational park.

• Parque Termal Dolores: A modern complex providing a mix of relaxation and leisure services.

General Recommendations for Thermal Tourism in Argentina

• Best time to visit: Thermal destinations are open year-round, but autumn and winter enhance the thermal contrast and are especially pleasant.

• What to pack: Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, sunscreen, and water are essential items for enjoying thermal facilities.
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• Reservations: During high season or long weekends, it is recommended to book accommodation and entrance tickets in advance.

• Health: If you have heart conditions or blood pressure issues, consult a doctor before visiting.

From the lowlands of Entre Ríos to the high Andes peaks, Argentina offers a unique thermal circuit in South America. With excellent value, pristine natural settings, and wellness-focused services, Argentina’s hot springs provide an experience that rejuvenates body and mind, in any season.