Beyond the fact that only water steam and mineral gases such as sulfur come out of its mouth and spread the aroma around the area, the Copahue is an active volcano. The hot springs located in the surroundings are part of vulcanization processes and they are related to hot water steams emerging from the core of the earth and finding their way to the surface.
Las Maquinarias and Las Maquinitas are a clear example of this volcanic phenomenon. They may be easily reached from Copahue, as both hot spring locations lie within 10 kilometers from this tourist village.
Towards Las Maquinitas
Many visitors set out on foot from Copahue following a main road until a detour leads them to the hot spring pools known as Las Maquinitas.
Very Warm Waters
While in Copahue, visitors may visit two sites which have made this region famous: Las Maquinarias and Las Maquinitas, which stand for “the machinery” and “the little machines”, respectively, in Spanish. Their names respond to the noise produced by water steam when it fights to reach the surface through the rocks.
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Hot water steams emerging from the core of the earth
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Copahue Thermal Center
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Active thermal zone that has not been exploited yet
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Towards Las Maquinitas
These hot spring pools, whose waters reach the surface with temperatures over 30º C and in some cases almost reaching 50º C, are always watched by steady staff members so that the baths are safe and there are no inconveniences.
A wooden footbridge and a set of small roofs cover up the small area of the venue, from where the pools and the sulfur vapors smoking day and night may be
Finding Las Maquinarias
We followed the road towards Caviahue, until we came to another detour that leads to an abandoned military area. In the winter and the fall, this area is covered up by snow and various sulfur gas and steam fumaroles appear at first sight. There is also a small light blue lagoon after which Las Maquinarias is named.
Those who dare to look inside, or else walk carefully around the cracks on this soil, will watch small openings, plenty of air holes and several fumaroles of singular importance.
According to experts, Las Maquinarias is the only active thermal zone that has not been exploited yet. Here, some regular visitors have built small compartments to enjoy the hot spring baths more comfortably. However, the sulfur level in these waters is so high that the walls of these constructions have been practically petrified or destroyed as time went by.
Ideal to cure skin diseases, Las Maquinarias and Las Maquinitas are a must for all those who wish to enjoy the medical benefits of Copahue and its hot spring resort.
Pablo Etchevers 
Pablo Etchevers
