Termas De Pica | Pica’s Relaxing Natural Hot Springs
The termas de Pica are natural hot springs in an “oasis” in the arid Atacama Desert. Find them in the small village of Pica, which can be reached via a day trip from the coastal city of Iquique. The natural thermal pools are also known as Cocha Resbaladero. Cocha actually translates from the Quechua language (Indigenous Language of the Andes) to lake, while Resbaladero translates from Spanish to slip. While relaxing in the termas de Pica, the pool has a natural cave that you can “slip” in and swim between.
This public bath is rustic and can be quite crowded; however, the termas de Pica can be a welcomed relaxing, but full day from the chilled out port city of Iquique.
Here’s how to make the most of a day trip to Pica’s hot springs.
Table of Contents
- How to Reach the Termas de Pica
- Logistics of the Termas De Pica
- Other Things to Do in Pica
- Termas de Pica | Pica’s Relaxing Natural Hot Springs
How to Reach the Termas De Pica
Pica’s natural oasis is around two hours from Iquique by public transportation. The buses that depart from Iquique, and are the same buses that pass the worthwhile mining ghost town of Humberstone. There are two bus companies, but they both depart from the same location, just one block south of the main Central Market on the street of Barros Arana, block 900. The buses run between the hours of 6:00 to 19:15 with multiple departures per hour.
One of the companies, Pullman Santa Angela, posts their daily departure schedule online here.
On this bus line, Pica is conveniently the last stop. The buses drop in Pica’s main plaza, but the thermal pools are a 20 minutes walk out of town. There are taxis that run to the springs, but honestly the walk through town is enjoyable. There are multiple citrus juice stands along the road, more on that here.
Public Transportation Logistics | One Way Bus Fare: $3,500 CLP ($4.50 USD) | Duration: 2 hours each way | Full Day Trip from Iquique
Logistics of the Termas De Pica
Once entering into the termas de Pica, there are basic locker rooms with changing rooms and showers. The ticket includes stowing of valuables and backpacks. It is expected to shower and rinse off before passing into the hot springs.
Don’t expect a high-end luxury pool, but rather a natural pool that has one side that is built into a small cave. Swimming inside the caves is probably the best spot in the whole pool and it is a welcomed escape from the blazing desert sun. Due to the fact that pool’s temperature sits at a comfortable 80°, these pools can be enjoyed year round.
The termas de Pica are just part of a little section of oasis, so the natural rock pool is encircled by nice plants and towering trees. With these hot springs gaining popularity, the small pool can be fairly crowded in the afternoon.
To best enjoy the space, arrive early in the morning, swim during lunch time (there’s a restaurant onsite), or stay late and sleep in guesthouse.
Cocha Resbaladero | Entrance Ticket: $3,000 ($3.75 USD) | Hours: 8:00 – 20:00 ( Jan, Feb, March the hours are extended until 22:00 | Closed during Wednesday mornings until 15:30 for weekly cleaning | The pools shut down completely one day a month for deep cleaning
Other Things to Do in Pica
Pica has shown their love of citrus with these giant statues.
Pica is also famous for their citrus fruits. There’s something about how they grow in the desert that gives them an extra acidic taste. People travel to Pica just to purchase bags of citrus! As stated earlier, along the road leading to the termas de Pica are multiple fruit stands. These fruit stands are notorious for their fresh squeezed juices. There are a variety of flavors and styles, but most of them cost around $1,000 CLP ($1.25 USD). Some vendors have stepped up their game and are selling fresh citrus ice creams.
Another foodie treat of Pica is the traditional plate of Pastel de Chocolo. This Chilean typical plate of food can ONLY be found during lunch hours in Pica. Don’t worry, many of the restaurants next to the thermal pool are serving up this Chilean corn pie filled with meat, hard boiled eggs, and raisins. Some people call this typical dish the “shepherds pie of Chile”
Termas de Pica | Pica’s Relaxing Natural Hot Springs
In short, the termas de Pica makes for a full day trip from Iquique. With frequent buses running from the port city, it’s easy to independently visit the Pica hot springs. Of course, while the main highlight of Pica are the pools, savor the specialty citrus fruit juices of the area or try a typical dish of the region. This long, but pleasant day best suites those travelers looking to escape the salty beaches of Iquique and relax in a natural oasis in a small village.
Have you visited Cocha Resbaladero, the natural hot springs in Pica? What did you think of this thermal pool? Did you try a fresh squeezed juice in Pica? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
