7 Hot Springs in Peru You Should Soak In
Peru, a land where ancient Incan whispers brush against snow-capped Andes and turquoise waters kiss golden sands, hides within its embrace a captivating treasure – its natural hot springs. These geothermal havens, kissed by fiery lava and cradled by diverse landscapes, offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and immersion in a rich history.
For millennia, Peru's indigenous communities have revered hot springs as sacred places of healing and purification. The Incas believed the geothermal waters possessed mystical powers, building temples and bathhouses around them. These whispers of the past echo in the tranquil pools, inviting you to connect with the legacy of these fascinating cultures.
Best Times to Visit Peru’s Hot Springs
Each season offers its own unique charm at Peru's natural hot springs:
Dry Season (May-October): Enjoy bright skies, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds. Perfect for exploring the surrounding nature and soaking in the warm embrace of the springs.
Green Season (November-April): Witness the lush landscapes come alive with vibrant greenery. Be prepared for occasional rain showers and slightly higher temperatures, ideal for cooling off in the springs.
Festival Season (February-March): Experience the vibrant culture of Peru during various festivals. Some hot springs host special events and celebrations during this time.
Health Benefits of Peru’s Hot Springs
Peru's natural hot springs are as diverse in their mineral content as they are in their settings. Here's a glimpse into the magic of their waters:
Sulfur: Found in springs like Santa Teresa and Yanque, sulfur is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" present in springs like Vitivinchi and Pomacocha can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Calcium: Trace amounts of calcium found in springs like Baños del Inca can be beneficial for bone health and skin health.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Santa Teresa comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Baños del Inca
This complex of hot springs is located in the Baños del Inca district, province of Cajamarca, department of Cajamarca, in the Peruvian Andes.
This place offers thermal baths with medicinal properties, where the temperature of the water reaches 70°C. You can choose between a public, private and family pool to enjoy these hot springs. There is usually a lot of people, so you could have to wait between half an hour and an hour to access some of the pools.
Bring a change of clothes, a towel, soap and shampoo, otherwise there are people who sell them at the gate of the enclosure.
Stay in town at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Cajamarca and use up your points while being at the center of town on Cajamarca’s Plaza de Armas Square while enjoying their pool and gym.
Legend has it that when the Inca Atahualpa arrived from his long battles in the city of Cajamarca, in eastern Peru, he always visited the Baths of the Inca, where he relaxed and regained strength to continue with his exploits.
In addition, near the Inca Baths, in Callacpuma, are the archaeological remains of the ancient inhabitants of the area, where you can see cave paintings of everyday scenes dating back 3000 years.
If you visit Cajamarca, you cannot miss out on its delicious typical dishes such as Chicharrón con mote, Spicy potato with fried guinea pig, Caldo verde and traditional corn humitas.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean pools with historical charm, slight sulfur scent adds to the atmosphere.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Paved road access, short walk to pools, well-maintained facilities.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, especially during peak season, but secluded pools available.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, multiple pools with slight variations.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Noticeable mineral presence, potential benefits for skin and joint issues.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Restaurants, shops, and lodging options within walking distance in Aguas Calientes.
Cocalmayo Hot Springs
Cocalmayo Hot Springs, also known as the medicinal baths of Santa Teresa, are a popular destination near Machu Picchu, offering relaxation and potential therapeutic benefits.
The town of Santa Teresa is located in the valley of the Urubamba river, in the district of the same name, province of La Convención, department of Cusco. It is located approximately 14 kilometers from Machu Picchu town and 220 kilometers from the city of Cusco.
Stay at the beautiful Eco Quechua Lodge built with types of native wood and features recycling and reforestation programs or enjoy canopy, coffee, water falls, hot springs and hiking excursions.
There are 4 large pools for you to choose from. Officially temperatures range from 38°C (100°F) to 44°C (111°F). For some people this doesn’t really qualify as “hot” springs, more “warm” springs. It does feel like you’re getting in a giant bath.
The hot springs in Cocalmayo are rich in calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and sulfate.
The entrance fee for foreign visitors is S/.10 soles, while the cost for national visitors is S/5. The opening hours for the public are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Probably the only notable flaw with the hot springs is that there are no lockers. This means that you will need to leave your stuff on the side of the pool.
The complex has changing rooms for both men and women, showers, camping areas, soccer fields, restaurants, bars, swimwear rental stalls, and parking lots.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean pools amidst rainforest, distinct but not unpleasant sulfur scent.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Requires a moderate hike through coffee plantations, but scenic journey.
Ability to Be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded location, minimal crowds due to the hike, peaceful atmosphere.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, natural variations add to the adventure.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Noticeable mineral presence, potential benefits for muscle recovery and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Limited options near the springs, bring essentials, accommodation further away.
Laguna Churup
Laguna Churup in Peru is a beautiful, clear blue mountain lagoon located in the Huascarán National Park, roughly 20 km east of Huaraz. Stay nearby at Hotel el Patio de Monterrey to prep for the hike,
The lake is known for its stunning turquoise waters and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
The road is all dirt and the initial part of your hike will take you past small villages and mud homes. Once you pass all the villages the road becomes narrower and more like a trail. Chances are you will at some point be walking with lambs, or bulls or dogs. The local Quechua ladies often move livestock between villages using the main dirt road.
If you are in good shape and already acclimatized to the altitude it will take you between 3 to 3.5 hours from the small village of Llupa where the collectivo drops you off, to Lake Churup.
There are not hot springs right here but if you're looking for hot springs in the Huaraz area, you can visit the Monterrey or Chancos Hot Springs, both located within 45 minutes of Huaraz.
Water Quality: 5 stars - Crystal-clear crater lake with minimal sediment, stunning vistas.
Ease of Access: 2 stars - Requires a challenging hike or horseback ride, not suitable for everyone.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, particularly on weekends, but vast space around the lake offers solitude.
Water Temperature: 3 stars - Variable temperatures depending on location, some areas can be hot.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Noticeable mineral presence, potential benefits for joint pain and skin health.
Nearby Amenities: 1 star - Remote location, bring essentials, no accommodation options nearby.
Pozas Termales de Yanque
Yanque is a charming village in Peru that sits between Chivay and the popular gateway village of the Colca Canyon, Cabanaconde.
There are two main public Yanque hot springs, or natural thermal pools, Baños Termales de Puye and Baños Termales de Chacapi. Chacapi hot springs may have the most picturesque Yanque hot springs. With their new pools overlooking the River Colca, it’s a great place to relax and savor the views.
Both of the public Yanque hot springs facilities come with simple outdoor lockers (bring your own locks), basic showers (bring your own supplies and towel), and minimalist toilets (yes, even bring your own toilet paper).
They can be found across the street from the popular Chacapi Termales. The pools are shaded by tarps, so there is protection from the hot desert sun. The new pools are the warmest and are accessible after crossing a wobbly swinging bridge.
There are also some private hot springs in Yanque, the most popular being the luxury hotel of Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs. This high-end lodge boasts some well-maintained pools in a magical garden setting. The grand suites even have private thermal baths on the patio.
All the Yanque aguas termales contain water that is rich with minerals from: lithium, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and high alkalinity from the surrounding volcanoes. Pools temperature range from 90-100° F.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Clean pools with a strong sulfur smell, rustic setting within the Colca Canyon.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Paved road access to Chivay, then short hike to the pools.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, especially during peak season, but secluded pools available.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, natural variations add to the adventure.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Noticeable mineral presence, potential benefits for muscle recovery and skin issues.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Restaurants and basic lodging options in Chivay, limited options near the springs.
El Fraile Hot Springs
Fraile Hot Springs, also known as Aguas Termales de Lares Hot Springs - Lares, offers a mountainous locale with thermal pools, hiking trails, and camping areas in the Lares region of Peru. These scenic pools are nestled in the mountains at an altitude of almost 10,600 feet!
The Lares hot springs are simple, yet basic, and have a chill local vibe. Located next to a mighty river and the epic backdrop of those luscious green mountains, plan for a day of total relaxation. There are four hot spring pools with temperatures of 98.6° F, 100.4° F, 111.2° F, and a sizzling 118.4° F.
Below the hot pools are two cold pools. All of the pools are surrounded by lovely gardens and green spaces. There is a river rushing nearby, and it’s possible to climb to a small mirador which over looks the lovely termales.
The springs are equipped with changing rooms, showers, and lockers (bring your own lock).
Be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness when visiting the area. Acclimatizing in Cusco before heading to Lares is recommended.
Lares is becoming more and more popular since it’s en-route on the “up and coming” Lares trek. This trek, also known as the “Weaver’s Way” is a great alternative multi-day trek to Machu Picchu.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Clean pools with a slight sulfur smell, unique volcanic landscape.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Paved road access, moderate hike through volcanic craters and waterfalls.
Ability to Be Alone: 4 stars - Secluded location, minimal crowds due to the hike, peaceful atmosphere.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, multiple pools with slight variations.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral presence, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Limited options near the springs, bring essentials, accommodation further away.
Baños Termales de Huancahuasi and Picoy
Huancahuasi is a town centre in Lima, Peru. Located 240 km from the city of Lima (5-6h approx.). It is a beautiful and incredibly relaxing place in the Lima region. Stay in Churin at the La Rinconada de Churin with city views, a restaurant and free toiletries if you forget yours.
In Huancahuasi you can find typical Peruvian food such as the pachamanca and fried trout.
Picoy's Thermal Baths have a beautiful color of shades ranging from reddish, from where a notorious smell of sulphur emanates, by minerals. The waters of Picoy's thermal baths have a temperature that can reach more than 60o C; however, this is previously cooled to an average of 34 degrees Celsius at 38 degrees Celsius so that visitors can bathe
The Huancahuasi complex is run by a cooperative and is located, despite being in charge of Picoy, belonging to the community of the same name, in the district of Pachangara, Oyón province of the Lima region.
The water content, therefore, is very rich in iron, cobalt, sulphur, chloride, sulphate and magnesium so it is advised to patients suffering from diseases such as rheumatism, skin diseases, arthritis, liver conditions, among others.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Clean pools with a distinct sulfur smell, rustic atmosphere.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Paved road access, short walk to pools, well-maintained facilities.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, especially on weekends, but designated quiet zones available.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, multiple pools with slight variations.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Noticeable mineral presence, potential benefits for skin and muscle issues.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Restaurants and basic lodging options nearby.
