 One of the oldest health resorts in North America, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs
is the only natural hot springs in the world with the remarkable combination of
four geothermal mineral waters. Once considered sacred by the ancestors of
today’s Tewa tribes, these ancient peoples built their Pueblo overlooking the
springs. Posi or Poseuinge, “village at the place of the green bubbling hot
springs” was home to thousands of people. Today, Ojo Caliente offers a peaceful,
unpretentious atmosphere. Step out of the stresses of everyday life and discover
the healing nature that has made these waters legendary.
Through the years, Ojo Caliente has been
steeped in myth and legend. Long before the Spaniards described the "hot eye” of
a subterranean volcanic aquifer and even before the early native peoples
gathered at these ancient springs, the waters have been steadily flowing to the
surface. These ancient people, believed to be the ancestors of today’s Tewa
tribes, built large pueblos and terraced gardens overlooking the springs. Posi
or Poseuinge, “village at the place of the green bubbling hot springs” was home
to thousands of people.
The Spaniards, in their quest for gold and the
fountain of youth also discovered the Springs. In 1535, explorer Cabeza de Vaca
wrote” The greatest treasure that I found these strange people to possess are
some hot springs which burst out at the foot of a mountain... so powerful are
the chemicals contained in this water that the inhabitants have a belief that
they were given to them by their gods. These springs, I have named Ojo
Caliente.”
Explorer Zebulon Pike, while under arrest in 1807 for
exploring New Spain without permission, was marched to Santa Fe and passing
through Ojo Caliente he observed “the greatest natural curiosity is the warm
springs.”
Many structures at Ojo span the decades. The round adobe barn and
the hotel are now on the National Register of Historic Places. Step back in time
at Ojo and enjoy the mystical, soothing waters that continue to draw people to
this ancient mecca.
Ojo Caliente
50 Los Baños Drive
Ojo Caliente NM 87549
1-800-222-9162
505-583-2233.
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The Water Connoisseur
