Termas Geométricas

Termas Geométricas is one of the most architecturally considered hot spring developments in South America. Located in a steep volcanic canyon near Coñaripe in Chile's Los Ríos Region, the complex channels naturally occurring thermal water — which emerges from the Andes at temperatures exceeding 70°C — into 60 individual soaking pools arranged along 400 metres of canyon floor and walls. The distinctive red-painted wooden walkways and changing cabins that interconnect the pools were designed by architect Germán del Sol to exist in dialogue with the basalt canyon walls and the native coihue and lingue forest above, rather than imposing a visual language foreign to the landscape. The water is volcanic in origin, heated by the geothermal system associated with the Villarrica-Quetrupillán volcanic complex, and carries dissolved silica, sulphate, and bicarbonate. The canyon traps heat and amplifies the sound of the river below, creating an immersive sensory environment. Snow-capped Villarrica volcano is often visible above the canyon rim.