Thermal Baths in Cusco

The City of Cusco has an Andean geography characterized by the presence of several thermal baths in Cusco. There the visitor can relax after visiting various tourist attractions such as the Inca Trail Trek, Salkantay Hike the Mountain of 7 Colors, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the snow-capped Ausangate and even Machu Picchu.

Natural hot waters are beneficial for muscle and joint pain. Hot Springs help minimize various ailments and help combat stress due to the mineralization of the water and its temperature.

Cocalmayo Thermal Baths

Cocalmayo Thermal Baths These thermal baths are considered the best in Cusco. Because it is surrounded by a lush landscape of high jungle in the town of Santa Teresa, the place has 4 swimming pools whose temperatures vary from 25ºC. up to 40ºC. The waters come from a natural source in Uripata.

How to get there from Cusco

There are a few ways to get to the hot springs if you start in Cusco.

Trekking: There are routes that pass through the area to visit the hot springs such as; Salkantay Hike and Inca Jungle are two that should guarantee you a visit to these magnificent baths, both with a final destination in Machu Picchu.
By Bus or Car From Cusco to Santa Teresa: A cheaper option that many choose is to go by bus or shared car from Cusco. It won’t take you directly to the hot springs, but rather it will take you to Santa Teresa. From there it is easy to get local transportation to take you to the baths.
By Train: You can take a train from Ollantaytambo that will take you to the station known as “Hidroeléctrica”. From there you will need to take a car to take you to Santa Teresa and/or the hot springs.

Pacchanta Thermal Baths

Pacchanta Thermal Baths These baths are known for being located at the foot of the imposing snow-capped Ausangate, the highest in Cusco with an altitude of 6,384msnm. That is, the place is surrounded by high mountains and Andean geography with temperatures that can drop to -0ºC. However, its seven pools have temperatures that vary from 34ºC. up to 40ºC, which effectively combats low outdoor temperatures.

The thermal baths are located in the community of Pacchanta (4,200msnm), in the Ocongate district, about 126 kilometers from the city of Cusco. This destination is part of the famous Ausangate hike, which also includes a visit to the Mountain of 7 Colors. The place has a very simple infrastructure, but with landscapes that are worth it. It is open every day and at all hours.

How to get there from Cusco

There are a few ways to get to the hot springs if you start in Cusco.

Trekking: There is a route that passes through the area to visit the hot springs such as the Ausangate Hike that guarantees a visit to these magnificent baths.
By Bus or Car From Cusco to Pacchanta: A cheaper option that many choose is to go by bus or car from Cusco. Which will take you directly to the hot springs.

Aguas Calientes Thermal Baths

The Aguas Calientes thermal baths are one of the most popular in Cusco, due to its proximity to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (only 10 kilometers away). It is located in the town of Aguas Calientes, in the jungle of Cusco, at an altitude of 2,040 meters above sea level. Therefore, the pools are surrounded by green mountains, beautiful vegetation, as well as waterfalls. The baths are visited by both Peruvians and foreigners.

It has five small pools and three large ones with temperatures that vary from 35ºC. up to 42ºC. Its somewhat yellowish waters have minerals such as sulfur. They are ideal for relaxing your muscles after visiting Machu Picchu and its mountains.

How to get there from Cusco

Keep in mind that there are no roads that lead to the town of Aguas Calientes, but there are other options to visit this place.

Trekking: Again it can be reached through several walks. There are so many who end up in Machu Picchu, so it won’t be difficult. You will probably have time to visit the baths the night before going up to the archaeological site or after coming down on the last day.
By Train: You can also find trains from Cusco, Poroy or Ollantaytambo that will take you to the Aguas Calientes train station. This is the best option if you only want to take a one or two day trip and visit the thermal baths and Machu Picchu.

Lares Thermal Baths

The thermal baths of Lares are filled with natural water from the surrounding hills. The color is a cloudy yellow, but this is due to all the minerals they contain.

They are said to be incredible for their healing properties. In particular, they recommend them for those who suffer from arthritis or other joint pain. These also have variable temperatures and are surrounded by the perfect backdrop of the Andean hills.

If you go here on a day trip, be sure to bring some food with you. There are locals selling small meals outside, but it’s pretty basic. You’ll probably need something if you have any allergies or dietary preferences, as you won’t find them.

How to get there from Cusco
To get here there are 2 main ways:

Trekking: There are different hikes in Lares that end in Machu Picchu. These will stop at springs along the way to help you rest your muscles and give them some TLC before the hard work begins.
By Car: From Cusco you can take a car to Calca. From there, you will have to find another shared vehicle that will take you another 3 hours to the small town. From there it is a short walk to the hot springs.

Now you know that Cusco has many magical and mystical places to visit. If you want to enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable moment, do not hesitate to contact one of our sales agents.