4 Best Sights in El Norte Grande, Chile

Most people come to Pica not for the town itself but for the incredible hot springs at Cocha Resbaladero. Tropical green foliage surrounds this lagoonlike pool cut out of the rock, and nearby caves beckon to be explored. It is quite a walk, about 2 km (1 mile) north of town, but well worth the effort. You can also drive here or catch a bus from town.

On your way back to San Pedro, you may want to stop at the Termas de Puritama hot springs. A hot soak may be just the thing to shake off that early morning chill. A relaxing day trip in itself, the hot springs are a series of eight pools, each one connected by wooden platforms and surrounded by foliage in the middle of a natural valley that is also a popular hiking area. If you don't have your own transport, you can book a transfer or group tour from many agencies in San Pedro. If you're staying at Hotel Explora, you'll have exclusive access to the first (and warmest) spring.

On your way back to San Pedro, you may want to stop at the Termas de Puritama hot springs. A hot soak may be just the thing to shake off that early morning chill. A relaxing day trip in itself, the termas are a series of eight pools, each one connected by wooden platforms and surrounded by foliage in the middle of a natural valley that is also a popular hiking area. If you don't have your own transport, you can book a transfer or group tour from many agencies in San Pedro. If you're staying at Hotel Explora, you'll have exclusive access to the first (and warmest) spring.

Ipla is the hottest of the termas (thermal baths) with a direct channel of thermal water practically going straight to the large public baths. The Barros El Chino is where you can relax covered in therapeutic mud, bake it off on the drying rack, and then wash clean in the plunge pools. There are basic changing facilities, showers, and a snack bar.