The Top Geothermal Pools And Natural Hot Springs Around The World

Craving for some relaxation? Sounds like you need the mineral-rich waters of a naturally warm body of volcanic water. Plunge into steamy geothermal pools on one of these self-indulgent Culture Trips.

Soaking in natural hot springs isn’t just soothing for the soul – the warm, mineral-rich waters bring a range of health benefits – from nourishing the skin to improving circulation and relaxing tense muscles. In places like Iceland and Japan it can even be treated as a catalyst for social interaction, as friends gather to catch up while admiring the scenery from the warming comfort of a pool. This selection of carefully curated trips celebrate these geological wonders by giving you ample time to soak in them – the hardest part is getting out.

A couple soak in a pool rimmed by rocks and fed by natural hot springs at Termas de Papallacta, surrounded by a lush mountainous landscape

Papallacta Hot Springs, Ecuador

Head 70km (43mi) east of Quito towards Ecuador’s Amazon region and you’ll arrive in Papallacta, a tiny village deep in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 3,300m (10,827ft). Besides an abundance of spectacular hiking opportunities, the settlement is renowned for its geothermal springs at the Termas de Papallacta spa resort, where you can hop between 10 naturally heated pools of varying sizes and temperatures. You’ll spend the final night of Culture Trip’s specially curated eight-day Ecuador trip at this tranquil hideaway.

From US$1954.15 Next available from 15th Feb 2025 Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT Quito, Ecuador

ENDS AT Quito, Ecuador

DURATION 8

GROUP SIZE 16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Black Friday

Women bathing at a Japanese hot springs lined with rocks and bamboo

Traditional ryokan, Japan

Our epic 12-day Rail Trip in Japan wouldn’t be complete without a stay in a ryokan. The quaint architecture and authentic energy of Japan’s traditional inns are utterly delightful, but the best bit is that with a ryokan you’ll often find an onsen, particularly in Hakone, the alpine town we’ll be visiting. Onsen are geothermal hot springs that are incredibly common and popular in Japan, and Ryokan Hakone Ashinoko Toranoyu, where you’ll be staying, has a gorgeous one. Perfect for soothing the muscles after seven days of discovering Osaka, Kyoto and bamboo forests, and enough to reinvigorate you ahead of a cruise on Lake Ashi and three nights in Tokyo.

From US$3966.75 Next available from 5th Dec 2024 Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT Osaka, Japan

ENDS AT Tokyo, Japan

DURATION 12

GROUP SIZE 16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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This is an updated version of an article originally written by Joel Rabinowitz.

About the author

Gethin Morgan

Content Editor

Gethin Morgan has developed an exciting portfolio across a series of roles at Culture Trip. With a keen interest in food and drink, Gethin is also particularly interested in niche or alternative travel which, in his case, usually involves following the Wales national soccer team to Europe's most obscure cities.