VISIT TO THE HOT SPRINGS OF SANTA ROSA DE CABAL, IN COLOMBIA

Send

In a trip through the Coffee Axis of Colombia you can not miss a visit to the Hot Springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal. We were clear that we would base two sites on this pass through the heart of Colombia: the first in Salento to trek through the Cocora Valley one day, and a car route through the towns of the Coffee Axis another. The second place was Santa Rosa de Cabal, to dedicate an entire day to the Termas de Santa Rosa. We sacrificed very interesting places of the Coffee Cultural Landscape by time limit, but the truth is that we do not regret it, it was the perfect touch to the tour of the Coffee Axis!

Here we tell you all the useful information to plan your visit to the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs. The best of Colombia!

Inside the green landscapes of the department of Risaralda, just 10 km from Santa Rosa de Cabal, these hot springs spring from the interior of the Earth to more than 60 degrees. Its volcanic origin and its composition make them especially ideal for relaxation and rest treatments (they are called telluric waters). Its temperature and its beneficial properties, in addition to the idyllic environment, are the cause for the creation of this thermal complex.

Upon arrival there is a guarded parking lot that is free, although in the end they will ask you for the will (we leave 3,000 pesos). The ticket office is on the other side of the road, and there you will have to pay the entrance that interests you most (below we tell you more). From here there is a path parallel to the spring that goes up to the hot springs, super pretty. This spring is creating pools where, we suppose, in the middle of summer people come to bathe. Although the good is above.

The trail is about 300 meters, until you reach the site. There are several buildings around 5 swimming pools, where you find all the services: from changing rooms, bathrooms, lockers, to bars, restaurants, dining rooms and even a hotel.

The pools are not natural, but have been built in that area taking advantage of the hot springs that are born here. But they maintain the balance with the environment quite well. Obviously they are buildings in the middle of nature and that never ends up fitting ... but we didn't have the feeling of being a cement monster.

Next to the pools there is an impressive waterfall, which you can reach by short paths, and where you can bathe. Here the water is cold, but it feels great to regulate the temperature of your body. Also, who says no to a photo in plan "I am the most adventurous in the neighborhood" under the waterfall cap? Well, that ...

In addition to spending hours and hours in its waters (eye, because it is recommended to go out every 20 minutes to take a cold shower, or at least take some fresh air), the environment is amazing. Walking tours are organized from the information center inside the jungle, to visit the source of the spring, other waterfalls and natural pools. So do not forget the sports because it is a good plan!

It is best to base a night or two in the town of Santa Rosa de Cabal. In case the town does not have much interest, although it has accommodations, restaurants and all services for the traveler. From here to the hot springs are just 10 km, which take about 25 minutes to travel.

The road is paved most of the time, up to a bridge about 2 km away, where the gravel and dirt road begins. Although you have to reduce the speed, the road is in good condition and you don't have to worry if you go in your own car. Even if it rained the day before (we had a downpour the night before and the road was fine).

If you do not have your own car, you can also arrive by public transport. Willys and local buses leave from the main town square to the thermal box office. The price is around 3,000 pesos. Ask about the return times so you don't stay there!

There are several plans to enjoy a day at the hot springs. You can opt for the basic entrance, with which you have access to the pools and the enclosure (waterfall, changing rooms, etc ...), or packages that include thermal treatments, food, etc:

Thermal passport (access to the pools): $ 45,000
Natural passport (access, menu of the day and snack, that is panela water with cheese): $ 55,000
Passport connection (access, menu of the day, snack and thermal expedition): $ 62,500
Energy passport (access, healthy menu and three treatments): $ 139,000

Also sometimes they make 2 × 1 offers so stay tuned! We opted for the natural passport, which included the menu. The food is not very there, but you will be hungry for sure and it is a way to save on the menu.

The schedule is very wide, so much that we advise you to stay until nightfall. It opens at 09:00 and closes at 23:30. We arrived relatively early, around 12:00 and there weren't too many people. But as the day went by it filled up more. We left at about 4:00 pm and it was the moment that most people saw.

We did not stay at sunset, although we were told that it is well worth it.

→ More information

Unless the universal flood is falling, you can enjoy the day inside the pools without problems. We went on an overcast day, it sparkled continuously, but it was no impediment to a great day.

There is another hot spring area on another road further north, the San Vicente Hot Springs, although we were advised not to go with our car. Apparently the road is much worse and it is best to arrive on all terrain or in Willys. From what we have seen in photos, it seems a more exclusive site, destined for special occasions, while that of Santa Rosa is more popular.

Here we leave you an interactive map where we point out the most important points to plan your visit.

For us, visiting the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs was an unforgettable experience. We spent a super fun day practically without moving from the same place where we planted our asses upon arrival. We hope this useful information helps you plan your visit to the Hot Springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal.