14 Wonderful Peru Hot Springs You Have To Experience
From the volcanic high desert region to the towering altitude of the Andes Valleys, scattered around some of the most powerful mountains, these are just a few locations of some of the best Peru hot springs. Peru is so incredibly diverse and hot springs in Peru can be found from the under-appreciated north to the southern stretches of the country.
Whether planning for a trek to Machu Picchu, or exploring the second deepest canyon in the world, the Colca Canyon, make sure to soak in and relax in at least one of these Peru hot springs!
Table of Contents
- Peru Hot Springs | Travel Tips & Packing List
- Hot Springs in North Peru
- Hot Springs near Cusco Peru
- Machu Picchu Hot Springs Options
- Ausangate Peru Hot Springs
- Hot Springs Colca Canyon Peru
- Final Thoughts | Best Peru Hot Springs
✈ More Peru Travel Resources | 32 Landmarks in Peru You Need to Visit
Peru Hot Springs | Travel Tips & Packing List
It’s important to note that many of these Peru hot springs are extremely rustic and offer a no-frills local experience. The Aguas termales in Peru are often the main bathing source for many of the communities. When visiting the following Peru hot springs, the best thing to pack is an open mind. On top of that, the following items will come in handy to make the most of your time in these hot springs of Peru.
- Toilet Paper – The facilities are basic and oftentimes toilet paper is not stocked in the bathroom.
- Natural Soap – There are usually showers in the open that drain into river. I love packing a natural soap like Dr. Bronner’s to reduce my impact on the environment.
- Personal Combination Lock – In many of the hot spring facilities are lockers, but bring a simple combination lock for reassured security of your personal belongings.
- Towel – A towel is never included, so make sure to bring pack one. I love a quick-dry small travel towel.
- Snacks & Plenty of Drinking Water – There are sometimes tiendas onsite, but I love packing a picnic and making sure that I have tons of fresh drinking in a non-plastic reusable water bottle. These natural pools are hot! It also helps cut down on my plastic waste. Bonus, if you have a water filter you can fill up from a sink.
- Sandals – For hygiene and peace of mind, pack a pair of sandals to walk around the hot spring facilities. The floor can also get really slippery from all the natural minerals.
Hot Springs in North Peru
Only a few miles out of town from Cajamarca are the public baths of Los Baños del Inca. These simple pools are more than just Peru hot springs, these baths played a major role in the history of Peru. Supposedly in 1533, the Inca emperor Atahualpa was enjoying a soak when the Spanish army showed up.
Today, public baths are a favorite among local Peruvian tourists. Some of the best things to do in Cajamarca are to explore the peculiar site of the Cumbemayo rock forest and visit the Ventanillas de Otuzco tombs. Of course, many visitors simply come to relax in the curative waters of Los Baños de Inca District.
✈ Travel Planning | 5 Incredible Places to Add to a North Peru Itinerary
Highlights of the Los Baños de Inca District include renting a private room to soak in a massive tub of hot water. These thermal waters are said to be of volcanic origin and can induce total relaxation. Also, there’s a simple sauna filled with fresh eucalyptus leaves. Massages are available Onsite, find private rooms for rent.
Many people also use these pools and baths as their actual bathing facilities. The Baños del Inca facilities are clean, basic, and busy.
Baños del Inca District Logistics | Find them here: Atahualpa, Baños del Inca | Hours: 5:00 – 19:00 | Private Baths start at 6 PEN for 30 minutes | Add-Ons Available, like massages, sauna, and lodging options | Official Website
Where to Sleep in Cajamarca
House Chakra is a laid-back hostel with nice common spaces that feels more like a guesthouse than a hostel. For those looking for a little splurge, try Hotel & Spa Laguna Seca, which boasts its own thermal water pools and is actually located in the nearby Baños del Inca District.
➜ More places to sleep in Cajamarca Peru
Hot Springs near Cusco Peru
✈ Cusco Itinerary Planning | The Perfect Week in Cusco & the Sacred Valley | 5 Unique & Awesome Cusco Itineraries
Head out of the Imperial City of Cusco, past the village of Calca in Peru’s Sacred Valley, and into the Lares Valley Peru. The road from Calca to the village of Lares is visually stunning and is littered with Inca ruins, like the hilltop ruins of Ancasmarca. Along the road, there are a few opportunities to soak in some sizzling Peru hot springs.
The main draw may be the hot springs, but the Lares Valley Peru is a trekking haven and sees fewer visitors than its popular neighbor: the Sacred Valley. There are multiple treks and circuit trails that twist through the mountains and into tiny communities, which are known for their incredible weavers. The trails have stunning alpine lakes, waterfalls, alpacas roaming freely, and are quite untouched.
How to hike Huilquijasa Pass, the perfect day hike in Lares Valley
Lares Hot Springs | Baños Termales de Lares
The Baños Termales de Lares may be some of the hottest and best hot springs in Peru! These scenic pools come in a variety of different temperatures (98.6° F, 100.4° F, 111.2° F, 118.4° F ) and are tucked in the beautiful Andes Mountains next to a beautiful river and at an altitude of almost 10,600 feet! Besides the hot spring pools, there are public showers. Again, many locals use the Lares hot springs as their community bathhouse.
The brown almost yellow water may appear dirty, but in fact, it is packed full of rich minerals. On top of the sizzling hot springs, there are a few nice observation viewpoints that look down over the pools. There is a large green space to enjoy a picnic lunch or set up a tent. The landscaping here is fantastic, so don’t miss a chance to wander through the garden, or next to the river.
It’s possible to rent a simple room, as the Baños Termales de Lares is open 24 hours! The Lares hot springs are basic but clean, and extra hot, surrounded by incredible scenery!
Lares Hot Springs Logistics | Cost: 12 PEN ($3.25) | Hours: Open 24 hours | Find them here
Sleep in Lares
If there is no room available at the Lares hot springs, or you don’t have a tent, there are a few simple guest houses in Lares. The best way to find a guesthouse is to knock on the door, see the room, and negotiate a price.
Baños Termales de Chimur Por Amparaes
The Chimur hot springs are a lot more off the beaten path, which makes it a little hard to reach without a car. Public transportation options are limited and tricky, but without a car reaching the Chimur hot springs requires some hiking. Don’t worry, the views will be worth it.
These are extremely local hot springs that are found not in the Lares Valley, but closer to the Mapacho River Valley. Chimur is located close to the border of Manu National Park, so the climate here is different, more like stepping on the edges of the jungle.
There are a few different pools that again sit next to a rushing river. The facilities are extremely basic, so if you want to sleep here bring a tent. If driving, it’s possible to drive up almost directly to the gate.
Chimur Hot Springs Logistics | Cost: 5 PEN for the hot springs, 10 PEN for a tent | Public Transportation Suggestions: try the collectivos from Calca to Ampares and look for an early bus to Chimur or hire a taxi | Find the Chimur hot springs out of the village here
Machu Picchu Hot Springs Options
After an intensive trek to Machu Picchu, soak those tired legs in the Baños de Aguas Caliente. There’s also the popular Aguas Termales Cocalmayo de Santa Teresa, which is found on the road between Machu Picchu and the unmissable Sacred Valley.
☛ Travel Tip | There are so many more Inca Sites in Peru than Machu Picchu. Travel deeper with these 35+ Inca ruins
Baños Termales Machu Picchu | Machu Picchu Hot Springs
The basic Baños Termales Machu Picchu can be found nestled at the base of the mountains in the hamlet of Aguas Calientes. Since the village is the gateway to the “lost city,” it is also referred to as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Don’t expect luxury.
The Aguas Calientes hot springs are simple pools of varying temperatures. They are the local “village bath” and are oftentimes enjoyed by backpackers that have just completed their grueling multi-day trek to Machu Picchu. Appreciate a relaxing few hours soaking in these simple pools with incredible views that are encircled by the lush, almost jungle-like mountains.
🥾 Off-the-Beaten-Path Machu Picchu Trek Itinerary | Choquequirao Ruins to Machu Picchu Intrepid 9 Day Trek | Download the Free Map here
Locals say the curative water is the perfect medicine for sore and aching muscles. The water can appear “dirty,” but again, the brownish water is the result of the healing sediments found in the hot waters.
➯ Travel Tip | Didn’t pack your suit or towel for your trek to Machu Picchu? There are a few tiendas right in front of the hot springs entrance where you can rent or purchase towels. Swimsuits are available for purchase.
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs Logistics | Cost: 20 PEN for foreigners | Hours: 5:00 – 20:30, last admission at 19:30 from | Drink services available poolside | Find them here: Avenida Hermanos Ayar, Aguas Calientes
Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes
Supertramp Hostel is a nice budget option that offers early shuttles to Machu Picchu; however, there are limitless options for any budget when deciding where to sleep in this major tourist town.
➜ Find the perfect place to stay in Aguas Calientes
Aguas Termales Cocalmayo de Santa Teresa | Santa Teresa Hot Springs
Another incredible Peru hot spring that is located close to Machuu Picchu is the Aguas Termales Cocalmayo de Santa Teresa. These hot springs are a popular stop on the way to Machu Picchu, but more ideal on the way back to Cusco via the Sacred Valley.
The collectivos that depart from the famous Hydroelectric Station of Machu Picchu will stop in Santa Teresa and more than likely you may need to transfer for another collectivo here. Instead, hop-out here and take the enjoyable 5 km trek (or swift taxi ride) along the Urubamba River to the Aguas Termales Cocalmayo.
These simple pools are again used by locals and tourists alike. Soak in the curative waters with those views that are somewhere between the mountains and the jungle. The pools are different temperatures, but the water doesn’t seem to be as warm as some of the other Peru hot springs.
A highlight here is camping on the terraces and enjoying the pools when the day trippers head home. There are basic changing rooms and a few places to purchase food and drinks.
Aguas Termales Cocalmayo Logistics | Cost: 10 PEN entrance fee, 10 PEN to camp | Hours: early morning hours vary – 23:00 | Food, drink, and changing room services available | Find them here: Calle Union b6, Santa Teresa, Peru | Facebook Page
Other Lodging Options close to Santa Teresa
If you don’t want to camp at the Cocalmayo hot springs, in the village of Santa Teresa is the highly-rated Eco Quchua Lodge. Another comfortable lodging option farther from the village is Eco Hacienda Roman.
Ausangate Peru Hot Springs
The Ausangate trek is becoming one of the world’s top treks and with good reason. This high-altitude trek never dips below 14,000 feet and winds through some of the Andes Mountains’ most jaw-dropping scenery. The 6 day Ausangate circuit trek passes by stunning alpine lakes, goes through some towering mountain passes and even includes a stop at the famous Vinicunca Mountain (Rainbow Mountain).
Ausangate Trek Entrance Fee: 10 PEN per person ($2.75) | Collection usually happens at the entrance of Upis, but if no one is collecting you may be asked to pay later during the actual trek
But did you know there are two hot springs located en route of the Ausangate trek? Either way, you start the Ausangate Peru trek, from Upis or Pacchanta, you will be rewarded with some of the most untouched Peru hot springs.
🥾 Peru Trekking Guide | Ausangate Peru & Rainbow Mountains Trek Without a Tour | Download the Free Map here
Upis Hot Springs
In Upis, there is a small and modest hot spring that has incredible views of Apu Ausangate. Most trekkers start the Ausangate trek from Upis, so it’s possible to soak here for an hour or so to appreciate the tranquility of this tiny hamlet with stunning mountain views. There are a few guest house options with places to set up a tent.
There are two no-frills concrete pools and a makeshift changing room. These hot springs in Peru are pretty unkept, but there’s a high chance you won’t see anyone here. Not many people use these springs, so sometimes you may need to wait while the pools are being filled. A local from the community may help quickly clean and set up the pools. Some people say there is no charge for the springs, but oftentimes the community charges a small entrance fee.
Upis Hot Springs | Entrance Fee: 5 PEN ($1.50) | Super primal Peru hot springs
Trekkers who are continuing on the route should take caution to not sit too long in the hot springs. The Ausangate trek is demanding and you don’t want to relax your muscles too much. The first pass of the Ausangate trek is just down the road at 14,927 feet, Abra Arapa Pass.
Pacchanta Hot Springs
Pacchanta is usually the tiny hamlet that marks the end of the incredible Ausangate trek. However, many people also use Pacchanta as a home base to explore this region and do day hikes.
This small village has a few guesthouses, restaurants, and of course some hot springs. There are a few different pools and many locals use these hot springs as their bathing facilities. Onsite there is a small changing room, lockers, and sweeping mountain views. Again, these baths are simple concrete pools, but the people are welcoming, and the water sizzling hot. The Pacchanta hot springs are the perfect ending to the Ausangate trek.
Pacchanta Hot Springs | Entrance Fee: 5 PEN ($1.50) | Basic facilities with changing rooms and lockers | Reach Pacchanta via taxi from Tinki
Hot Springs Colca Canyon Peru
Surrounded by towering volcanoes, there’s no shortage of hot springs in Colca Canyon Peru, and the nearby charming villages. Many travelers take a long day trip from Peru’s white city of Arequipa to gaze out at the second deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon. Highlights include scanning the skies for condors, incredible viewpoints, and of course soaking in some boiling hot springs in Peru.
✔ More Arequipa Travel Resources | 10 Typical Arequipa Dishes You Have to Try | Where to Eat in Arequipa | 3 Must-Visit Districts in Arequipa
While many people opt for the Colca Canyon one-day tour, adventurous travelers can plan a Colca Canyon trek. The standard Colca Canyon trek is 2 – 3 days; however, there are many small villages to sleep in and set-up a ten, and more hot springs to soak in!
🥾 Peru Hike Guide | Colca Canyon trek without a guide, 4 day itinerary
This region offers hot springs in the main gateway hub village of Chivay, in the unmissable village of Yanque (one of my favorites in all of Peru), and some hot springs along the Colca Canyon trek route.
Chivay Hot Springs
Chivay is where all the buses from Arequipa stop for a quick layover before continuing onto the Colca Canyon. Many Colca Canyon tours stop here in Chivay to visit one of the two hot springs. Both of the Chivay hot springs are about an hour’s walk outside of the village, a 4 km walk along the Colca River. Or, flag a moto taxi from town to the hot springs.
Aguas Termales La Calera | La Calera Hot Spring
Cross the river and arrive at La Calera hot springs that are reaping the hot waters of Cotallaulli volcano. There are a few simple pools at different temperatures. Onsite, there are changing rooms, bathrooms, and lockers.
The La Calera hot springs are open early, so wake up and start your day enjoying the healing waters of these pools
La Calera Hot Springs Logistics | Entrance Fee: 30 PEN ($) | Hours: Daily, 4:00 – 19:00 | Find them here: outside of Chivay | Facebook Page
AguaVerde
Just before La Calera, find the AguaVerde hot spring. This is just one simple pool that has green water. The green water is rich with minerals and supposedly helps with healing those people with arthritis. Aguas Termales AguaVerde is a rustic facility found right next to the river.
AguaVerde Hot Springs Logistics | Hours: Daily, 8:00 – 22:00 | Find them here: outside of Chivay
Yanque Peru Hot Springs
A quick 15 minute collectivo ride from Chivay is the lovely village of Yanque. Seriously, this village should be on any traveler’s radar, as it sits just before the ticketed area of Colca Canyon. There are multiple hot springs here, both public baths and private lodging.
There are so many awesome things to do in Yanque. It really is the gateway to some of the best day hikes in the Colca Canyon. Did I mention these hikes are free since they are outside the controlled checkpoint? However, it’s close enough to explore the highlights of the Colca Canyon. Yanque itself has a nice day hike to Coporaque and the Uyo-Uyo ruins. Adventure-seekers should visit the underrated Chimba fortress from the village of Lari.
Here are a few different Peru hot springs that are found 15 minutes walk from Yanque!
➯ Detailed Guide | Soak in the Hot Springs of Yanque
Baños Termales de Chacapi | Chacapi Hot Springs
Chacapi hot springs may be the most picturesque hot springs in Peru. There are three newer pools that overlook the scenic Colca River, offering some seriously epic views of the Colca River. These three pools are also the warmest and can be accessed after crossing a swinging bridge. In addition to the three scenic pools, there are a few older, simpler, and cooler pools on the other side of the river.
Chacapi boasts a fresh cold water pool, which is the perfect escape from the extreme afternoon heat. These Peru hot springs offer basic facilities, like changing rooms, bathrooms, and lockers.
Because of their beauty, the Chacapi hot springs can be extremely busy midday from Colca Canyon tours heading back to Arequipa. To avoid the day-tripping crowds, arrive after 16:30 or to find the termales mostly empty. In the early morning, these hot springs are where the locals come to bathe. The swimming pool is also busiest in the afternoon.
Chacapi Hot Springs Logistics | Entrance Fee: 15 PEN ($) | Hours: Daily, 6:00 – 18:00 | Find them here: outside of Yanque in the direction of Colca Canyon | Facebook Page
Baños Termales de Puye | Puye Hot Springs
The Baños Termales de Puye is a truly rustic hot spring in Yanque, and still feels like a hidden treasure. These hot springs are just before the popular Chacapi Termales. Puye has a more local vibe where the people in the village come to bathe in super hot water.
The pools are no-frills. They even control the temperatures by moving rocks throughout the natural water canals! However, this place is less busy, has tons of room to stretch out, and has some really incredible views of the river. Many of the baths have shaded tarps, which come in handy when trying to escape the hot sun.
To experience the Puye hot springs without the crowds, come in the morning hours between the hours of 7:30 – 10:30 . Locals usually bathe here before 8:00, whereas tour buses pack in tourists after 11:00. In the early evening hours the pools are usually empty.
The facilities here are again basic, with changing rooms, bathrooms, and lockers. There is a small tienda here to purchase snacks and beverages.
Puye Hot Springs Logistics | Entrance Fee: 15 PEN ($) | Hours: Daily, 5:00 – 18:00 | Find them here: just before Chacapi on the righthand side, they aren’t on google maps yet!
Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (Private)
The Colca Lodge Spa is the best luxury option to experience the very best of the Yanque 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.
➜ Click here to book a splurge experience at Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs
Where to Stay in Yanque Peru
While Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs is the ultimate extravagant experience, Yanque has many cute lodging options within this inviting village. The family that runs Casa Bella Flor is so sweet and the husband offers multiple tours. The garden here is beautiful, there’s a kitchen, and campers can set up just down the road at their other property.
I highly suggest sleeping in Yanque when visiting the Colca Canyon, since there are a wealth of things to do nearby, and sees far fewer tourists.
➜ Find the perfect place to sleep in Yanque Peru
Hot Springs Colca Canyon Trek
Believe it or not, there are two hot springs to soak in while hiking in the Colca Canyon! These two lodges are located in the village Llahuar. The small village is usually not included in a standard Colca Canyon tour.
The village of Llahuar is included in the ticketed area of the Colca Canyon. You will be asked to purchase and show your ticket just after the village of Pinchollo to the village of Cabanaconde. The most popular spot to have the ticket “checked’ is at the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor. Make sure that you hold onto your ticket! It is common to be asked to show it along the Colca Canyon route, either via hiking or while on the road.
Colca Canyon Logistics | Entrance Fee: 70 PEN ($18.25) & valid for 5 days | Official Ticket Control: Just after Pinchollo village | Tickets are checked frequently, if you don’t have one be prepared to purchase it. If you lose it, be ready to buy another!
Llahuar
The tiny village of Llahuar is the perfect way to end a Colca Canyon trek! Spend the night at the following lodges to truly relax.
Llahuar has a “bus stop” to catch an early morning daily bus that takes hikers back to Cabanaconde!
Llahuar Lodge
Located on the actual Colca River, find the Llahuar Lodge. This popular lodge offers simple accommodation with three pools, including one next to the river. There are a few places to pitch a tent and a restaurant onsite. Book here.
Casa de Virginia
Casa de Virginia is a small family-run lodge with simple rooms, a restaurant, and places to pitch a tent! There are only two small natural spring pools, but the family is in the process of adding a few more. What makes this place amazing is the garden property. It sits just above Llahuar Lodge, so you have great views of the canyon. âžœBook here.
Final Thoughts | Best Peru Hot Springs
The healing waters of the Peru hot springs can be found in every corner of this diverse country. These hot springs are the perfect way to relax, but in all reality, these warm pools are utilized by locals every day as community baths.
Curative waters can be found in the north of Peru in villages like Cajamarca. There are many hot springs near Cusco and can be reached via the picturesque Lares Valley. After hiking to Machu Picchu, relax in the hot waters in Aguas Calientes, or head just a few miles down the road to Santa Theresa. Some of the best hikes in Peru like Ausangate and Colca Canyon provide multiple thermal baths to soak in!
No matter which Peru hot spring you choose, take the time to relax and enjoy just one (or two, or three, or more 🙂).
Have you soaked in any of these Peru hot springs? Which one of these hot springs in Peru was your favorite? Did you enjoy another aguas termales in Peru that isn’t on this list? I’d love to know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
What an amazing place to explore. Thanks for great tips & photos.
Thanks Terri!!
Wishing I could transport myself to Peru right now! These hot springs are calling my name. Gorgeous pictures, you’ve transported me!
Thank you so much Elena!
I had no idea there were so many unique hot springs in Peru! Peru has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’ll definitely add a coupe of these to my itinerary when I go.
Peru is so magical and diverse! Hope you get to soak in at least one!
These put the Icelandic hot springs to shame – so amazing. I love the look of Chacapi Hot Springs – so dreamy!
These 14 only scratch the surface of the diversity of hot springs in Peru… there are so many more that I have not visited! I have not been to Iceland yet, but the springs there look super otherworldly and so different. 🤗