Copahue and its Hot Spring Center

Copahue is famous for its hot spring resort and for the healing properties of its waters.

For several years, this site located in Northern Neuquén has been a favorite destination for various generations who have been visiting and recommending this place not only to relax but also to recover from all kinds of skin disease.

The Copahue hot springs emerge from the Copahue Volcano, whose vulcanization process has given the city ancient thermal waters that have been used by men for centuries.

Copahue hides some secrets, unveiled only by those who have visited the city. One of them is that the city is almost abandoned by its settlers, as the snow covers absolutely everything.

Only the hot spring resort and the National Gendarmerie station are left uncovered. The latter remains free of ice as a result of the hard work done by its men. From this post, assistance is provided to the entire area.

When the low temperatures start, the city gets ready to go through the winter. All windows in the hotels, cabins and apartments are sealed and all necessary arrangements made so as to reduce damages caused by the snow as far as possible.

Not until the coming of spring does the city become alive again. Before the ice disappears, many dwellers of Caviahue (which lies quite close) ski or ride snowmobiles around the area to watch the city conditions under the snow.

In September, the snow melts down and the colors of the city and its surroundings abandon the whiteness which remains only on the top of some mountains that circle the city, located literally in a hole.

The vapor in the hot springs is the first thing tourists spot as soon as they get to this destination. With its own visitors and its own pace, Copahue displays its houses for temporary rent, its cabins and, of course, some high class hotel resorts, ideal to stay and enjoy.

The hot springs, with their varied ponds and their highly-qualified information center, can provide 2,500 baths a day. Since very early in the morning, they provide thousands of visitors with what they have come in search for: relax, pleasure and, obviously, to be healed.

Immersion baths in volcanic sulfurous ferrous healing waters, hydromassage, mud therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, inhale therapy, dermatology, rehabilitation and outdoor baths are some of the options at the hot spring city, where a team of highly-qualified professionals and therapists render their services.

Famous for having been enjoyed by the primitive Mapuche peoples years ago, the Pig’s Lagoon, the Green Lagoon and the Sulfurous Lagoon (not suitable for bathing, due to its high temperatures, surpassing 70° C) are the entrance to the hot spring resort.

The hot spring season begins on November 15 and ends in the middle of May, when the provincial and local authorities begin to realize it is necessary for the city to become adapted to the upcoming winter. Thus, once again, and as it has always happened, the snow begins to hide this real treasure.