Santa Rosa

## Overview Santa Rosa is a private drinking spring located on a working farm near the city of Temuco in southern Chile's Araucanía Region. The property reportedly features up to four natural springs, fed by the water-rich volcanic soils and abundant rainfall characteristic of this part of Chile's Central Valley. Southern Chile's geography contributes to the exceptional quality of its groundwater. Nestled between the Andes Cordillera to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, with the Atacama Desert forming a natural barrier to the north and Antarctic currents influencing the climate from the south, the region benefits from remarkable natural isolation. Chile has long been recognized for its strong phytosanitary and zoosanitary protections — its geographic barriers help shield the country from many of the plant and animal diseases found elsewhere in South America. This isolation, combined with the mineral-rich volcanic geology of the Araucanía Region, creates favorable conditions for high-quality spring water sources. The area around Temuco sits within the ancestral homeland of the Mapuche people, who have inhabited and stewarded these lands for centuries. Natural water sources have historically held deep cultural and spiritual significance in Mapuche tradition, and springs like those at Santa Rosa are part of a landscape with a long history of human connection to the land and its waters. As this is a private spring on an active farm, access is not public. Visitors interested in the springs should seek permission from the landowner before visiting. ## Directions 1. The springs are located on a private farm near Temuco, Chile. 2. GPS coordinates: **-38.718539, -72.424778** — use these in Google Maps or a GPS device to navigate to the approximate location. 3. From central Temuco, head toward the coordinates using local roads. The exact farm access route may require local knowledge or prior arrangement with the property owner. 4. Since this is private property, it is essential to contact the landowner in advance to arrange a visit. ## What to Expect The Santa Rosa springs are situated on a rural farm in the lush, green countryside surrounding Temuco. The Araucanía Region receives significant annual rainfall, which sustains the area's dense native forests, agricultural lands, and underground aquifers. Visitors can expect a pastoral setting with the dramatic backdrop of the Andes visible to the east on clear days. Up to four individual springs have been identified on the property, suggesting a robust underground water source. The volcanic soils of the region are known for natural filtration, and the water from these springs has historically been used as a drinking water source by the farm's residents. Water quality may vary seasonally, and no independent testing data is currently available. Because this is a private property, there are no public facilities, marked trails, or signage. The terrain is typical of a working Chilean farm — expect unpaved paths, pastoral fields, and potentially muddy conditions during the rainy season (May through September). The warmer, drier months from November through March generally offer the most comfortable visiting conditions. Temuco itself is a vibrant regional capital with a rich Mapuche cultural heritage, excellent markets, and easy access to nearby national parks and hot springs — making a visit to the Santa Rosa springs a rewarding addition to a broader exploration of southern Chile.