The province of Jujuy boasts a geographical diversity that extends far beyond the arid landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. In the southeastern part of the province lies the Yungas rainforest , a very humid forest ecosystem with dense vegetation and a significant altitude. Here, bordering Calilegua National Park, are the Termas del Río Jordán, a series of natural pools with warm, turquoise water .
Visiting this destination requires planning. It's not a traditional thermal resort with spas and urban amenities, but rather a hidden natural spring at the bottom of a jungle canyon . Getting there involves traversing mountain trails and undertaking a physically demanding trek.
Below, we detail the technical, logistical and geographical information necessary to organize the trip, the road conditions for those traveling by private vehicle, the transport options and the access regulations.
And if you plan to visit other attractions in Jujuy, check out our travel guide for information on accommodation, transfers, and tours .
Where are the Jordan River hot springs located in Jujuy?
The hot springs are located in the Valle Grande department, in the southeast of the province . The springs emerge from the bed of the Jordán River itself, a few kilometers from the town of San Francisco . This town, at 1,490 meters above sea level, is home to a community of approximately 700 people and serves as the only authorized access point to the pools.
Located within the Yungas Biosphere Reserve , the hot springs are surrounded by a cloud forest. This means that humidity is constant and temperature fluctuations are less pronounced than in the Puna region. The area forms part of a natural corridor of exceptionally high biodiversity that also connects with the Jaguar Spring, the Tapir Refuge, and the scenic route that continues towards Valle Colorado.
Distance from San Salvador to Termas del Río Jordán in Jujuy: how to get there by car
Those traveling by car should prepare for a journey of fast highways and well-maintained gravel mountain roads . The distance from San Salvador de Jujuy to the Jordan hot springs is [distance missing]. It is about 160 kilometers long. The estimated driving time ranges between three and a half and four hours, due to the complexity of the last stretch.
The driving route is divided into two parts:
1. The paved section (110 kilometers):
The journey begins by leaving San Salvador de Jujuy on National Route 9 heading south , then connecting with National Route 66, and finally taking National Route 34 north. This segment is flat, entirely paved, and ends upon reaching the city of Libertador General San Martín (also known as Ledesma), the last urban point , making it essential to refuel. It is also the ideal stop to check tire pressure and purchase supplies. San Francisco does not have gas stations.
2. The mountain section (50 kilometers):
From Libertador General San Martín, take Provincial Route 83. After a few kilometers, the asphalt ends and a gravel and dirt road begins, leading into Calilegua National Park. The route is a constant zigzag climb, with sharp curves, a ledge, and steep precipices.
To travel Provincial Route 83 safely, you must follow these mountain driving regulations:
- Drive only during daylight hours. The fog settles in the afternoon and nighttime visibility is zero.
- Maintain a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
- Honk your horn before entering blind curves.
- Pay extreme attention to the crossing of native fauna, as it is a transit area for tapirs, roe deer and large birds.
Public transport and excursions to the hot springs of the Jordan River in Jujuy
For those who do not have a vehicle or prefer to avoid the wear and tear of driving on mountain roads, there are two alternative transportation options.
The first option is public transport: cheaper, but takes longer. From the San Salvador de Jujuy bus terminal, you must take a bus to Libertador General San Martín (a journey of almost two hours). Once in Ledesma, local companies operate buses that travel to San Francisco.
The second option is to book guided tours . These tours include round-trip transportation in adapted vehicles, handling all the logistics of the journey and coordinating directly with local guides. This alternative guarantees adherence to the required schedule for starting the hike without depending on bus frequencies.
What is the best time to visit the Jordan River Hot Springs?
The Jordan River Hot Springs have a very distinct seasonal visiting window. The season open for excursions runs from May to the end of November .
This period coincides with the dry season in Northwest Argentina. During winter and spring, rainfall is scarce, the river's flow decreases, and the thermal water that emerges from the riverbed becomes concentrated, acquiring its characteristic turquoise color and warm temperature. Furthermore, the lack of rain keeps the dirt path passable and safe.
Conversely, from December to April, the summer rainy season prevails , and tropical rainfall in the Yungas region is torrential. This causes the Jordan River to swell violently, carrying sediment, turning the water brown, and completely submerging the thermal pools under a dangerous current. These same storms trigger landslides that block Provincial Route 83 , temporarily isolating San Francisco. For safety reasons, the local community and tourism authorities suspend access to the trail during these months.
What is the trail like to the Jordan hot springs in Jujuy?
Access to the hot springs is regulated, so independent entry is not permitted . The only way to enter is by hiring a licensed local guide. This measure not only supports the local economy but also ensures safety in a complex and isolated area. Departure times from the San Francisco office are restricted to between 7:00 and 11:00 a.m. to ensure all groups return during daylight hours.
The trail to the Jordan hot springs in Jujuy is approximately 6 to 7 kilometers long (one way) and has a negative elevation change of almost 700 meters from the town to the river. The total duration of the activity, including time spent in the water, is around 6 to 7 hours.
The descent (first leg):
The first half of the route follows a wide dirt path with a moderate incline. The vegetation is dense and blocks much of the direct sunlight . As you approach the 45-minute mark, the incline becomes steep. The terrain in this final section is uneven, with exposed roots and loose rocks.
If there has been rain in the preceding days, the ground becomes slippery mud, increasing the technical difficulty of the descent. The final stretch requires walking directly along the rocky riverbed of the Jordan River to reach the pools. The entire descent takes about two and a half hours.
The ascent (return):
The return journey follows the same path, but the slope that once made passage easier becomes a constant and strenuous climb . Depending on the visitor's physical condition, the return trip can take between 3 and 4 hours.
Characteristics of the wells and properties of the water
Once past the trail, the riverbed opens up to reveal a series of stepped natural pools . The water springs from underground geological faults and mixes with the flow of the Jordan River.
The water temperature here ranges from 20°C to 30°C . It's not boiling, but rather a warm, pleasant temperature, ideal for relaxing after a hike. The color is a deep, opaque turquoise, a result of the high concentration of suspended minerals. Near the pools, a pungent sulfur smell is noticeable, confirming the mineral purity of the spring.
From a geological and therapeutic perspective, they are classified as sulfate, chloride, and sodium waters . Contact with these minerals promotes blood circulation, relieves mild joint or rheumatic pain, and improves dermatological conditions.
The most photographed and largest pool is known as the "Blue Lagoon," which reaches depths of up to 3 meters in its center . Due to safety regulations and environmental conservation, guides limit swimming time to a maximum of one hour per group.
Services, facilities and what to bring
Unlike other hot spring resorts in Jujuy or the rest of the country, Termas del Jordán lacks any infrastructure. The community of San Francisco offers basic lodging options (family-run guesthouses and campsites) and restaurants serving local dishes.
Spending the night before in the village is the most recommended tactical decision, as it allows you to start the trek early in the morning and avoid the midday heat peak during the ascent.
There are no restrooms, changing rooms, supplies, trash cans, or cell phone service in the pool area . Everything consumed must be carried in your backpack from the trailhead, and everyone must take their own trash back with them.
To safely complete the hike and enjoy the area, the required equipment includes:
- Drinking water: Minimum 2 liters per person. The water from the hot springs and the river is not suitable for consumption.
- Food: Light lunch, fruit, nuts or cereal bars to replenish energy before the ascent.
- Footwear: Boots or trekking shoes with good grip for mud, and a pair of water shoes (like booties) or adjustable sandals for walking in the river and pools, as the bottom is rocky and slippery.
- Environmental protection: Insect repellent (essential in the jungle), sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
- Accessories: Trekking poles, which are very helpful for taking the weight off your knees during the descent and for traction during the ascent.