Are There Hot Springs

Hot Springs in Peru

Hot springs in Peru, called aguas termales, are mostly simple public pools in the Andes, often at the end of a trek: below Machu Picchu, in the Lares Valley, in the Colca Canyon and near Cajamarca. We list 11, on a map, with what each is like.

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Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Santa Teresa, Cusco
Photo: TMbux, CC BY-SA 3.0

Are there hot springs in Peru?

Yes, mostly in the Andes. Peru's best-known hot springs are the public pools at Aguas Calientes below Machu Picchu, Cocalmayo near Santa Teresa, Lares in the Cusco region, La Calera in the Colca Canyon and the Baños del Inca near Cajamarca.

Most are simple concrete or stone pools run by the local community, cheap to enter and busiest at the end of trekking days. Many sit above 3,000 m, so a soak comes with cold air and big mountain views.

The water is often cloudy or tinted by minerals, which is natural.

Quick facts about hot springs in Peru

Peru's hot springs are rustic, cheap and high: most are community-run pools at 2,000 to 4,000 m, where trekkers soak after long days in the Andes.

Typical cost
A few soles; bring cash
In this guide
11 hot springs in 7 regions
Altitude
Many are above 3,000 m
Hot spots
Cusco region, Colca Canyon, Cajamarca
Local words
Aguas termales, baños termales
Best season
Dry season, May to September
Swimwear
Required

Hot springs in Peru map

All 11 hot springs we list in Peru, shaped by type. Open the larger map to zoom in.

Natural Resort Public pools

Best hot springs in Peru

The hot springs most visitors fit into an Andes trip.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales de Aguas Calientes

    Machu Picchu Pueblo, Cusco

    Hot pools at the top of the town below Machu Picchu, a classic soak after visiting the ruins.

  • Public pools

    Cocalmayo Hot Springs

    Santa Teresa, Cusco

    Warm pools beside the Urubamba River, a favourite on the Salkantay trek.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales de Lares

    Calca, Cusco

    Mineral pools at about 3,150 m at the end of the Lares Trek, also reached by road from Calca.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales La Calera

    Chivay, Arequipa

    Municipal hot pools just outside Chivay, the gateway to the Colca Canyon.

  • Public baths

    Baños del Inca

    Cajamarca

    Historic hot spring baths where the Inca ruler Atahualpa was staying when the Spanish arrived in 1532.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales de Monterrey

    Huaraz, Áncash

    Mineral pools and private soaking rooms a short ride from Huaraz in the Cordillera Blanca.

  • Rustic pools

    Pacchanta Hot Springs

    Pacchanta, Cusco

    Simple hot pools at about 4,200 m in view of Ausangate's glaciers.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales de Cconoc

    Curahuasi, Apurímac

    Warm mineral pools near the Apurímac canyon on the road from Cusco.

Famous hot springs in Peru

All 11 hot springs we list in Peru, A to Z, from Machu Picchu to the Colca Canyon.

  • Public baths

    Baños del Inca, Peru

    Hot spring baths near Cajamarca, where the Inca ruler Atahualpa was staying when the Spanish arrived in 1532.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales de Aguas Calientes, Peru

    Hot spring pools at the top of the town below Machu Picchu, with lockers and drinks service.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales de Calientes, Peru

    Hot spring baths in the valley above Tacna, near the Chilean border.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales de Cconoc, Peru

    Warm mineral pools at about 1,780 m near the Apurímac canyon, on the road from Cusco.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales de Lares, Peru

    Mineral pools at about 3,150 m in the Lares Valley, at the end of the Lares Trek.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales de Monterrey, Peru

    Dark mineral pools and private soaking rooms at about 2,700 m, 7 km from Huaraz.

  • Public pools

    Baños Termales La Calera, Peru

    Municipal hot pools at about 3,600 m, 3 km from Chivay at the head of the Colca Canyon.

  • Public pools

    Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Peru

    Warm pools beside the Urubamba River near Santa Teresa, a favourite stop on the Salkantay trek.

  • Rustic pools

    Pacchanta Hot Springs, Peru

    Simple hot pools in a herding village at about 4,200 m, facing the glaciers of Ausangate.

  • Public pools

    San Mateo Hot Springs, Peru

    Warm pools in the forest just outside Moyobamba, in Peru's high jungle.

  • Public pools

    Yura Hot Springs, Peru

    Mineral hot springs in a small town about 30 km from Arequipa.

Hot spring safety and etiquette in Peru

Peruvian hot springs are informal; a few habits help.

  • Bring cash in small notesEntry, lockers and snacks are usually paid in soles.
  • Expect cloudy waterMinerals tint the water; it's natural, not dirty.
  • Go easy at altitudeHot water and thin air together can make you dizzy; take breaks and drink water.
  • Wear a swimsuitSwimwear is required in public pools.
  • Keep an eye on your thingsUse lockers where available.
  • Shower before you get inMany pools ask you to shower first.

When to go and how to reach hot springs in Peru

Best time to visit

The dry season, from May to September, has clear days and the easiest roads. The rainy season, from about December to March, brings landslides on mountain roads. At any time of year, high-altitude nights are cold.

Prices and fees

Public pools usually cost a few soles, and foreign visitors sometimes pay a higher rate. Carry cash, as cards are rarely accepted. Lockers and towel rental are sometimes available.

How to get there

The Aguas Calientes pools are a short walk uphill in the town below Machu Picchu. Cocalmayo is a short taxi ride from Santa Teresa, La Calera is 3 km from Chivay, Monterrey is about 7 km from Huaraz and the Baños del Inca are a few kilometres from Cajamarca.

Common questions about hot springs in Peru

Are there hot springs at Machu Picchu?

Yes, in the town below it. The Aguas Calientes hot springs are public pools a short walk up from the main square.

What are the best hot springs near Cusco?

Lares, Cocalmayo near Santa Teresa and Pacchanta near Ausangate are the most popular, usually combined with treks.

Are there hot springs in the Colca Canyon?

Yes. La Calera is 3 km from Chivay, at the head of the canyon.

How much do hot springs in Peru cost?

Usually a few soles. Bring cash, as cards are rarely accepted.

What is the history of the Baños del Inca?

The Inca ruler Atahualpa was staying at these hot springs near Cajamarca when Francisco Pizarro arrived in 1532.

When is the best time to visit Peru's hot springs?

The dry season, from May to September, when roads are easiest and skies are clear.

Pictures of hot springs in Peru

Photos of Cocalmayo Hot Springs and Baños del Inca, all hot springs in this guide. We only use photos whose license allows reuse and credit the photographer under each one. The full credits are on our photo credits page.

Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Santa Teresa, Cusco
Cocalmayo Hot SpringsPhoto: TMbux, CC BY-SA 3.0
Aguas sulforicas termales - Baños del Inca
Aguas sulforicas termales - Baños del IncaPhoto: José Manuel Pacuri Sullón, CC BY-SA 4.0
Aguas termales privadas - Baños del Inca
Aguas termales privadas - Baños del IncaPhoto: José Manuel Pacuri Sullón, CC BY-SA 4.0
Estàtua d'Atahualpa a la plaça de los Baños del Inca
Estàtua d'Atahualpa a la plaça de los Baños del IncaPhoto: Pitxiquin, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sources and verification

We last checked this page on , using the sources below.

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