Ruta de las Termas Geométricas Villarrica

This 34-kilometer mountain track cuts through dense araucaria forests on Volcán Villarrica’s eastern flanks, connecting the main highway to the geometric hot springs complex built into a narrow gorge. The route follows old logging roads past Coñaripe village, climbing through sections of deep volcanic ash that can trap unprepared vehicles, especially after recent eruptions. Two major river crossings at Río Tancura require careful navigation during snowmelt season.

Moderate difficulty demands high-clearance 4WD and recovery gear for the ash sections. Best accessed May through September when river levels drop and volcanic activity typically decreases. No permits required but fuel up in Pucón — there’s nothing once you commit to the forest roads. The payoff is soaking in architect-designed thermal pools carved into volcanic rock, plus camping among thousand-year-old monkey puzzle trees that survived multiple eruptions.