Termas de PuriLibre: Swimming in the Atacama for Free
Water in the desert is a rare and magical sight, and I was very happy to bathe in the free and beautiful thermal waters of PuriLibre in the Atacama Desert.
While my initial plan was to swim in the famous (and pricey) Puritama Hot Springs, their sold-out tickets led me to find out about this fantastic free alternative just down the road!
TL;DR? Here is the key information for visiting and swimming in PuriLibre!
📍Location: 7W6Q+J2
⏰ Hours: Always open
💸 Entrance fee: Free!
✅ Is it worth it? Absolutely!
How to Visit PuriLibre
PuriLibre is located about 30 minutes by car from San Pedro de Atacama. Here’s how you can get there:
- By car: The drive is straightforward on fully paved roads, and there’s no need for a 4X4 or a tour guide. You can explore the site at your own pace, as it is open to visitors anytime.
- By tour: If you don’t have access to a car, some local operators offer tours to PuriLibre. Expect to pay around 50,000 CLP per person.
Getting there, you’ll find a trail just by the parking lot. Though the trail has no signage, it is quite easy to follow and leads you to at least 3 small ponds where you can swim!
Pro tip: wear sneakers when visiting Termas PuriLibre! Though easy, the trail is uneven and full of rocks, so wearing flip-flops can be quite uncomfortable
The site does not have any employees controlling the influx of people, so it is open all the time and there is no limit to how long you can enjoy the refreshing water streams!
Important to note: There is no infrastructure at PuriLibre. No bathrooms, benches, or designated changing areas—just nature. Bring your own towel, snacks, and plenty of water.
Best Time to Visit PuriLibre
PuriLibre can be visited year-round and at any time of the day! However, because the water there is not very hot, I recommend visiting it between 9 AM and 7 PM to avoid getting too cold.
After sunset and before dawn, the temperatures in the Atacama drop significantly, so the best time to bathe in the refreshing waters of PuriLibre is while the sun is shining bright in the sky.
My Experience Swimming in PuriLibre
We arrived in the late morning, parked along the road, and began our short hike.
The trail is quite clear and easy to find!
Within five minutes of walking, we spotted our first pool. It was down a large rock wall, which we climbed down! Though very clear, the pond was small and shallow, more suited for dipping your feet than swimming. So, we climbed back up and continued on the trail.
After about a 10-minute walk, the trail led to a rickety wooden bridge. We crossed it and turned left.
About 5 minutes further down the trail, we stumbled upon a knee-deep and a small waterfall, which was the perfect spot to enter the water, sit, and relax.
I visited in early January, and the water temperature was just right. Despite the name of the site being “thermal waters of PuriLibre”, the water wasn’t hot like in the Puritama springs, but not shockingly cold either.
Think of it as slightly cooler than a comfortable shower, yet warmer than a standard swimming pool— just the perfect temperature for refreshing from the dry heat of the desert.
Encouraged by the promise of more, we pressed on for another five minutes and discovered a larger pool, where a family was lying around and bathing.
After swimming in the two larger pools, we were quite refreshed and decided to head back to the car, though I bet more pools and waterfalls would be available throughout the trail!
What Makes PuriLibre Unique
PuriLibre was the only free swimming spot I came across in the Atacama, making it the perfect destination for budget travelers or families who don’t want to pay the hefty $35 fee to enter its alternative, Puritama.
Another unique feature is that PuriLibre has no strict operating hours, so you can visit it anytime!
In terms of nature, PuriLibre stands out for its green surroundings. The plants growing along the flowing river contrast beautifully with the region’s dry landscape filled with tall cacti.
Even if swimming isn’t your primary goal, PuriLibre is worth visiting for its stunning landscapes alone.
What To Pack To PuriLibre
Here’s what to bring to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit:
- UV-rated swimwear (or shirt) to protect your skin from the intense Atacama sun
- A towel for drying off (I love this affordable quick-dry towel)
- Snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Sneakers for walking (flip flops are not a good idea for this rocky and uneven trail)
Important to note: I recommend wearing UV-rated swimwear as opposed to sunscreen to avoid polluting the water stream.
FAQs About PuriLibre
Is PuriLibre worth it?
Absolutely, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to experience swimming in the Atacama. While it lacks the comfort and infrastructure of Puritama, the natural beauty and affordability make the visit worthwhile!
Is it safe to swim in PuriLibre?
Yes, but be careful when descending the rocks and entering the pools as it gets quite slippery.
How long does it take to visit PuriLibre?
Plan for 2–3 hours to hike, explore the pools, and relax by the water.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re visiting PuriLibre, consider adding these nearby attractions to your itinerary:
Puritama Hot Springs
Similar to PuriLibre but with a more comfortable hot springs experience
Laguna Los Flamencos
A beautiful lagoon on the side of the road filled with flamingos!
The Wrapup: Is Swimming In Termas de PuriLibre Worth It?
PuriLibre is a refreshing bathing spot in the heart of the driest place on Earth! A stop in PuriLibre is very much worthwhile to fight the heat and dryness of the Atacama.
While it’s not a direct replacement for the more developed Puritama Hot Springs, its still natural charm and free access make it a fantastic alternative.
Whether you’re budget-conscious or just love discovering local hidden gems, PuriLibre is worth adding to your itinerary.
