The cottage hostel "Refugio del Tricahue" is situated at some hundreds meters from the crossing of 4 confluent rivers with the Maule river, which makes this place an ideal site to go to go swimming and for water sports in general.
Maule River. This is the main river of the area that crosses the seventh region of Chile from East to West. In summer, its waters are low and warm. Chileans families appreciate it very much.
Melado River. A bit further, the Melado River was partly divided to supply the Colbun Lake with an electric central. In the summer time, it is supplied, in its part which is closest to the refuge, only with little water falls that go down the mountain. Big pools with delicious waters still remain, where it is a real pleasure to swim in. And this is in a spectacular environment!
Claro River. This river has rebellious and cold waters, but the nature is just splendid.
Tricahue River. This river has its spring in the private park and falls in the Claro river. Waw, having a good bath in a clear water fall, in the middle of a still virgin nature…
Armerillo River. In summer, its famous pool ("poza") is the meeting point of the local youth who gather to swim and chat…
And the area offers more: two places with free access thermal baths:
Medano thermal baths are filled with warm water springs coming up from the earth, at the edge of the Maule river, and are simply delimited with stone circles. There are little caves where the local people enjoy very much having a natural "vapor bath". In summer, it is generally crowded. You can reach the place by bus. It is located at about 30 km of the "Refugio del Tricahue".
Campanario thermal baths, are quieter, with less people coming and its water are hotter but it is further too. It is on the road to go to the Maule's Lagoon, at 60 km of the refuge. Splendid landscapes. Unfortunately, there are no buses that go there.
The organization of a day trip to the thermal bath or to the "Laguna del Maule" is conversable with the refuge's owners.
