Termas de Cauquenes
On the southern banks of the Río Cachapoal about 34 km (21 miles) east of Rancagua, the Termas de Cauquenes spout mineral-rich water that has been revered for its medicinal properties since colonial days. The Spanish discovered the 48°C (118°F) springs in the late 1500s, and basic visitor facilities have existed since the 1700s. José de San Martín, who masterminded the defeat of Spanish forces in Chile, is said to have relaxed here before beginning his campaign. Naturalist Charles Darwin, who visited in 1834, wrote that the springs were situated in "a quiet, solitary spot, with a good deal of wild beauty." Nowadays though, the Gothic-style bathhouse and accommodation are a little run-down and the view is interrupted by pipelines and a road mainly used by trucks heading to the nearby mine. To reach the springs, take Ruta 29 from Rancagua to Coya and then head south for 5 km (3 miles).
