And so we bathe in volcanic waters...

The Termas Geométricas, a collection of beautiful, natural thermal baths, were a "must see" on our trip to the South of Chile.

Located at just two short bus rides away from our base in Pucón, in the lakeside town of Coñaripe, they are extremely accessible using public transport. Indeed, in general I have been impressed with the public transport system everywhere I have visited in Chile so far.  After a quick look around this bustling hub of shops selling pan amasado, a type of bread cooked in the ashes of a fire to give it a warming, smokey taste, and home-made cheese, honey and jam among other products, we rapidly located our transfer man, Sergio.  Not only was he a mini bus driver, he also doubled up as a font of all knowledge, giving us a guided tour of the surrounding countryside, relaying facts about the Mapuche people who resided there and commenting on life in general!

We passed houses, animals, crops, wood-cutting machinery and even a small, quaint school, all belonging to the Mapuches.  Sergio informed us that there were only about twenty-five students attending the school, and they all spoke both Mapudungun and Castellano.  Apparently, one of the community's main sources of income is selling the wood from the surrounding lands.  We saw men using an enormous electric chainsaw to cut down the trees and slice them into planks, but evidence of previous methods was still visible in the form of old machines that must have been powered by steam as they resembled baby Hogwarts Expresses!

Our guide also showed us the wonders of Mother Nature, as he pointed out how from the root of an old, dead tree, a new one blossoms and is protected from the old bark during its growth.  Absolutely fascinating! Add to all that the river that changes colour depending on the time of day and you've got yourself one very special corner of the world.






The site of the baths really was, as a hippy guy in the hostel had described it, hypnotic.  Picture this: the sound of rushing water behind and in front of the towering rocks lining the area, the sun diffusing through gaps in the trees, everywhere glowing a vibrant, healthy green.  There were waterfalls, streams, and seventeen different pools to choose from.

We practically had this haven to ourselves, meaning that we could take our pick of the baths and come and go as we pleased.  However, we did end up raiding the bath that a couple had been occupying for at least two hours.  Upon entry, we realised why it was so appealing.  The temperature of the water was divine!  I drifted in and out of consciousness, of that I am sure.  I felt slightly hypnotised and in a dreamlike state.

The design of these baths had Japanese culture as its inspiration, with red wooden cabins dotted all over, allowing you to change in peace and serenity.  There definitely was a certain "zen" throughout the area.  I think these baths would be perfect for a romantic honeymoon holiday destination, especially when night falls and four hundred candles are lit, illuminating the calm, smouldering waters.





If I had to choose just one word to sum up the Termas Geométricas, it would have to be "paradise".