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OU’s Quick Guide to… Uruguay’s Thermal Spring Zone—Part 1

Located just beneath the surface in a region in Northwestern Uruguay, more precisely the littoral region, and always close to the Uruguay River, there lies one of the largest groundwater reservoirs in the world: the Guaraní Aquifer. This water system spans four countries—Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In Uruguay, the water temperatures range between 38ºC and 46°C, which means this site is an excellent place to enjoy the thermal waters emerging from the depths of the Earth.

The benefits of these waters were discovered in ancient times, and they have been used as a source of health ever since. As a result of their high content of mineral salts, the hot springs located in this Uruguayan region are used for immersion baths, and are ideal to be consumed as drinks, as a stomach sedative or as a diuretic.

The sites where the hot spring resorts of Uruguay are nestled are said to have a positive influence on organic balance, and contribute to the sensation of wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Therefore, they are highly regarded within this field around the world, and there is a wide variety of hot spring resorts to suit the most varied of tastes. Nature, peace, relaxation, but also fitness, beauty, health, and fun are some of the qualities that are the focus of the venues in the region.

Almirón Hot Springs

Almirón Hot Spring Resort is surrounded by undulated hills, small woodlands destined for ecological tourism, and creeks to enjoy fishing or adventure travel.

Therapeutic effects: Due to its high salinity, these waters are recommended for rheumatic treatments.

Location: 85 km to the East of Paysandú, following Route 90.

Characteristics of the water: These are the only salt waters in the country, as their origin is the sea, and, at temperatures reaching 42°C, they have significant healing and relaxing properties.

Average temperature: 36° C Maximum temperature: 38° C

Arapey Hot Springs

This is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Uruguay. Situated in the peaceful countryside surrounded by rivers and native woodlands, it offers everything visitors need to relax.

Therapeutic effects: The water, emerging from the Arapey Hot Springs, meets all the ideal conditions to be used for therapeutic treatments. It is used in bathing therapy and in stimulating and destabilizing baths. It is highly effective in general rheumatism. And its properties turn it into a high-quality drinking water, a stomach sedative, and healing diuretic. 


Location: 80 km to the North of the City of Salto.

Characteristics of the water: It contains iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, and fluorine. It is colorless in small amounts and slightly bluish in great volumes. Its tastes nice, and it is odorless.

Average temperature: 39° C Maximum temperature: 42° C

We’ll continue our report on the thermal zone next week with a profile on four other hot spring resorts in Uruguay’s thermal zone.

The information in this article has been reproduced here with the permission of www.welcomeuruguay.com.