Termas de Polques (Laguna Chalviri)
- Location
- Termas de Polques Laguna Chalviri, Bolivia
- Water type
- sodium chloride
- Temperature
- 35 °C
- pH
- 7
Water profile
Soothing — neither hot nor cold, perfect balance.
Loaded with major ions — the essential minerals (Ca, Mg).
Dense, salty water — you float without effort.
Termas de Polques at Laguna Chalviri, situated on Bolivia's high altiplano near the Chilean border at an altitude of approximately 4,400 metres, are chloride-rich geothermal pools that offer one of the world's most spectacular and surreal bathing experiences. The thermal pools emerge near the reddish Laguna Chalviri, with the snow-capped Licancabur volcano looming on the horizon, and morning visits often include frost on the surrounding ground while the pools maintain a comfortable 30°C. Part of the southern altiplano circuit, Termas de Polques is a bucket-list thermal destination that combines extraordinary geological scenery with the visceral contrast of hot soaking in the Andean cold.