The Lares Hot Springs | All You Need to Know

The Lares hot springs are sizzling hot and perfectly nestled in the picturesque Lares Valley. With its close proximity to the lush Sacred Valley, it’s easy to independently visit these authentic public baths as a day trip. It’s possible to visit from Cusco, but it can make for a super long day trip.

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.

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. Whether visiting the hot pools as part of a trek, or just to relax in the fiery springs, don’t miss the chance to soak in the awesome Lares hot springs.

Here’s all you need to know to independently visit the Lares hot springs.

Table of Contents

• How to Reach the Lares Hot Springs
• What to Bring to the Lares Hot Springs
• Visiting the Lares Hot Springs
• Departure Information
• The Lares Trek & Hiking to the Hot Springs
• The Lares Hot Springs | All You Need to Know

✈ Travel Planning | 14 Peru Hot Springs You Have to Experience

How to Reach the Lares Hot Springs

Lares can be reached from Calca in the Sacred Valley and can be reached via public transportation. The bus ride is epic and winds through the stunning Lares Valley. Pass by stunning mountains with glacial peaks. Appreciate the alpaca and llamas grazing lazily on the hillside. Look out the window to see multiple sacred Inca sites, one of the best being the interesting Ankasmarca ruins.

During the rainy season, waterfalls can be seen raging down the mountains, some of them flooding out onto the dirt road. The drive here is gorgeous, and is as fabulous as the hot springs themselves. Grab a window seat, the views on this ride are an adventure in themselves.

Psst… Lares is a totally adorable hamlet in the mountains. Get serious wanderlust by some more hidden gem villages of the Andes Mountains.

Calca Terminal

Travel Tip | There are TWO bus terminals in Calca. The principle terminal is on the main road and connects Calca with the entire Sacred Valley. The bus terminal for Lares is located next to the stadium. However, due to COVID, ALL buses are departing for the principle terminal.

From the terminal, look for the collectivos to Lares. There will be plenty of people shouting out their final destination.

Collectivos Logistics | Calca to Lares | Cost: 13 PEN ($3.50) | Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes | Collectivos depart when full | Buses run from 6:00-18:00 | Last bus from Lares to Calca is 18:00!

More Bus Info | How to Reach Calca

Need more information on how to reach Calca? One of the best villages to explore the Sacred Valley is Urubamba Peru. Many travelers choose to stay in this authentic village and make day trips to discover all the best things to do in the Sacred Valley Peru. It’s still possible to visit Lares from Cusco, but’s a very LONG day trip

☛ Browse 5 Unique Cusco Itineraries & Useful Cusco Travel Tips

Urubamba to Calca

Bus Logistics | Calca to Urubamba | Cost: 2 PEN (55¢ USD) | Duration: 45 minutes

Cusco to Calca

In Cusco, collectivos depart from Puputi Street, near the roundabout memorial of Garcilaso. There are tons of companies to choose from on this street. Walk the street to get the best price. From Cusco, these buses pass first through Pisac and continue on to Calca.

Bus Logistics | Cusco to Calca | Cost: 6 PEN ($1.75) | Duration: 1 hour | Collectivos depart when full

What to Bring to the Lares Hot Springs

The Lares hot springs are very basic. Pack the following to make the most of your day!

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Toilet Paper, there are none in the bathrooms.
• Soap, for the public showers and for the bathrooms.
• Small lock for public lockers
• Sandals
• Fresh, dry clothes for afterwards.
• Snacks or a Picnic
• A open-mind with an understanding that these are not luxury thermal pools.

Visiting the Lares Hot Springs

The Lares hot springs are some of the best termales that I had the pleasure to visit in my entire time in Peru. These scenic pools are nestled in the mountains at an altitude of almost 10,600 feet!

Lares Hot Springs | Cost: 12 PEN ($3.25) | Hours: Open 24 hours | Sleeping Options Available | Find them here

There are four hot spring pools with temperatures of 98.6° F, 100.4° F, 111.2° F, and a sizzling 118.4° F. The pools are warm, so soak with caution. The hot temperatures can sneak up on you, especially on warm days when the sun is shinning down at such a high altitude. Visiting on a cold and rainy day, actually help regulate the soaking experience.

The water is full of rich minerals, resulting in the water having a brownish tint. The water is not dirty, just filled with healing properties. There is not a terrible sulfur smell, which is usually prevalent at most hot springs. With the healing benefits of these pools, my skin was feeling extra fresh.

The hot springs are basic, but clean, and extra hot.

Cool Pools & Other Features

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 showers are public, and flow from small fountains, which blend in with the natural surroundings.

There are lots of awesome facilities which add to the charm of the Lares hot springs. Onsite, find an area to grill and a small place to have a bonfire. Many families brought their own stoves and were grilling out. There are luscious gardens, so bring a picnic or a small camping stove to enjoy all of the green space!

Sleep at the Lares Hot Springs

Enjoying the Lares hot springs so much you want to sleep there? There is a lodge on-site and plenty of places of spaces to pitch a tent.

Camping at Lares Hot Springs

The wonderful gardens of the Lares hot springs act as a layered terrace to pitch a tent. There are designated camping zones, bonfire pits, and simple bathrooms. There are covered sheltered areas where tents can be placed during the rainy season.

Cost: 7 PEN ($2) | Camping Tip: There is only a small covered section. At most, three tents can fit under the sheltered area, so arrive early if planning to camp during the rainy season.

Lodge

There are basic rooms in the main lodge house and other rooms scattered along the property. It’s possible to book a room upon arrival if any are available, online booking is not possible yet.

Departure Information

Although most collectivos drop at the hot springs, they do not depart from there. Take a small moto to the Plaza, or walk the easy 10 minute stroll into the village. Besides collectivos, there are also smaller cars that seat 6 that depart for Calca. The prices are the same. The small cars are faster, but not as roomy.

Bus Logistics | Lares to Calca | Cost: 10 PEN ($2.75) | Departure Location: Lares Plaza de Armas | Departure Times: 3:30 – 18:00, when full | Cars and Collectivos rotate with departures, but cost the same

The Lares Trek & Hiking to the Hot Springs

Many people come to Lares to take a dip in the baths before they start the new “up and coming” Lares Trek. This trek usually runs 3 days, with the most common route being the “Weaver’s Way.” It is named this, due to the fact that it passes many traditional villages which are know for their handmade scarves, blankets, and other beautiful and very time consuming handicrafts. This trail is a great alternative for hikers who are looking for something different than the standard Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu.

The Lares trek goes through a stunning valley with little communities that are still very much authentic. With the popularity and buzz around the Lares hot springs, this route is gaining popularity.

Do this trek before the tourists come in masses.

Hike to the Lares Hot Springs

Looking for a one day trek to the Lares hot springs? One of the best options is to exit 5 miles before Lares village at the community of Quiswarni. From here, walk to the tiny village. In the distance, gaze off at the waterfall, and take the Huilquijasa Pass to the community of Cuncani. Exit the village towards the right and walk a few miles along the gravel road which leads right to the Lares hot springs. This is an all day hike and is best suited for adventure seekers who have acclimated properly.

The Lares Hot Springs | All You Need to Know

The Lares hot springs are basic, lovely and are worth the effort to visit. They are easy to reach from the Sacred Valley, making a soak in the public baths an excellent day trip option.

These curative waters are therapeutic and hot! Enjoy the lovely gardens at the termales with a picnic. Climb to the little mirador and watch the mighty river rush through the property. To experience these facilities at night, book a room, or bring a tent. The hot springs are the perfect way to start the “up and coming” Lares trek.

Have you been to the Lares hot springs? Did you take a dip in them? What did you think? Did your Peru bucket-list grown a little longer? Let me know in the comments below!

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