How to Visit & Soak in the 3 Unique Yanque Hot Springs

Yanque is a charming village in Peru that sits between Chivay and the popular gateway village of the Colca Canyon, Cabanaconde. Yanque Peru is authentic, beautiful, and boasts two incredible Yanque hot springs. This small village packs a lot of punch and is a tiny off the beaten path gem to explore the very best of Peru’s Colca Canyon.

Yanque can make a great alternative village outside of the popular canyon to base. Enjoy peaceful and Colca Canyon day hikes, ancient ruins, and the public Yanque hot springs that lie just on the outskirts of the village. Yanque is found in the free region of the Colca Canyon where an entrance ticket in not required. Alternatively, you may wish to soak in the Yanque hot springs after an incredible multi-day Colca Canyon trek.

There are two main public Yanque hot springs, or natural thermal pools, Baños Termales de Puye and Baños Termales de Chacapi. There are also some private hot springs in Yanque, the most popular being the luxury hotel of Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs. Each facility has its perks. In general, the public Yanque hot springs are a budget friendly activity to enjoy while visiting the Colca Canyon.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to relax and soak in the Yanque hot springs.

Table of Contents

• How to Get to Yanque Peru
• How to Visit Yanque Hot Springs
• Basics About the Yanque Hot Springs
• Public Yanque Hot Springs
• Private Yanque Hot Springs
• More Hot Springs Near Yanque & Colca Canyon
• How to Soak in the Hot Springs in Yanque Peru

How To Get To Yanque Peru

Yanque Peru is found between the Colca Canyon transportation hub of Chivay and the ticketed area of the Colca Canyon. Most travelers will visit Yanque from the “white city” of Arequipa, or after hiking in the Colca Canyon.

➯ More Arequipa Travel Guides | 10 Typical Dishes in Arequipa You Must Try | Where to Eat in Arequipa | 3 Must Visit Districts in Arequipa Peru

Arequipa to Yanque Peru

Multiple bus companies depart from the Arequipa Terminal Terreste, found here, to Chivay and into the depths of the Colca Canyon. The bus schedules are constantly changing, so always verify departure times the day before.

🚌 Arequipa to Chivay Bus Logistics | Don’t forget to pay the regional exit tax of 1.50 PEN (40¢) | Average Ticket Cost: 15 PEN ($3.75 USD) | Duration: 4 hours

Alternatively, small mini vans, or collectivos, depart frequently from Arequipa. The two most popular companies are Transportes Caminos del Inca and Tuti Tours Colca express.

Once in Chivay, it’s easy to visit Yanque Peru.

🚐 Chivay to Yanque Collectivos | Cost: 1.30 PEN (30¢) | Depart when full, three blocks from the Chivay Plaza de Armas near here | Duration: 10 minutes

Colca Canyon to Yanque

Most people depart Colca Canyon from the village of Cabanaconde. Three bus companies run daily buses from the Plaza de Armas of Cabanaconde and back to Arequipa. When boarding the bus, simply ask the bus driver to stop at Yanque.

🚌 Cabanaconde to Yanque Bus | Average Cost: 16 PEN ($4 USD) | Duration: 1.5 hours | Buses don’t enter Yanque village, but drop on the main road. Walk 5 minutes into town

How to Visit Yanque Hot Springs

So once you get to the cute little village of Yanque, how do you visit the curative aguas termales? Easy!

➜ Psst… Sleep in Yanque & Book at the best Yanque Hotels & Guesthouses

Via Walking

From the Yanque Plaza de Armas, it’s only a 15-20 minute walk on the main road to reach the main Yanque hot springs. Walk out of town towards the hot springs using Ave Chacapi. All of the Yanque hot springs, both private and public sit along the Colca River.

By Car or Taxi

By car or taxi the Yanque hot springs are only a 5 minute drive. Parking is available. Taxis are relatively expensive for this short ride. Expect to pay 15 PEN ($3.75 USD) for each way!

Basics About the Yanque Hot Springs

It’s important to note that the public thermal pools are very much used by the local communities, especially in the early morning before work. 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). At the public Yanque hot springs, don’t expect an overly luxurious termales, but an authentic place to soak in curative waters straight from the volcanic springs.

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. The recommended bathing time is 40 minutes, but it’s possible to break up the time by dipping in the river or finding a bench to sprawl out on.

So, Which Hot Spring Should You Visit in Yanque?

No matter which healing pools you decided to soak in, appreciate spectacular volcanic views along the Colca River.

Both of the public Yanque hot springs have their pros and cons. Overall, it’s impossible to go wrong with either thermal pool! Both facilities are the same price, almost found at the same location, use the same mineral water, and have basic facilities. Of course, if looking for a luxury experience, splurge on the private pools included with the rooms at Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs.

For the public aguas termales in Yauque Peru, if looking for a more local experience with warmer pools, visit Baños Termales de Puye. Personally, I really enjoyed my time here and could appreciate the tranquility of this place in the wee hours of the morning. If seeking those incredible views and “instagram worthy shots,” head over to Baños Termales de Chacapi. The water or service wasn’t nearly as warm, but those views were incredible. The cold pool is a plus if looking to cool off from a day of hiking and exploring.

Public Yanque Hot Springs

The two public yanque hot springs are the Baños Termales de Puye and Baños Termales de Chacapi.

Baños Termales de Puye | Puye Hot Springs

The Baños Termales de Puye feel like a hidden gem, like they are not even marked on Google Maps. They can be found across the street from the popular Chacapi Termales. The Puye hot springs feels like a super local option.

The pools are nothing special, but they are spacious and overlook the river. The water is naturally controlled by trenches which wind through the park, making it easier to control the temperatures. The pools are shaded by tarps, so there is protection from the hot desert sun.

Upon arrival, don’t worry about purchasing a ticket, rather head straight for the pools. The girls working at the pools will come by to sell a ticket, or simply pay on the way out. A modest convenience store sells snacks, drinks, shower supplies, and luckily, toilet paper.

If you ask nicely, the ladies will more than happily help heat up the pool temperatures by moving rocks and stones that plug the water from the natural source.

Baños Termales de Puye | Hours: Daily, 5:00-18:00 | Standard Admission Cost: 15 PEN ($3.75 USD) | Onsite: Lockers, Changing Rooms & Showers | Beat the Crowds: Come between the hours of 7:30-10:30 to have the pools to yourself. Local residents use the pools before 8:00, while tour buses pack in tourists after 11:00

Baños Termales de Chacapi | Chacapi Hot Springs

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.

The new pools are the warmest and are accessible after crossing a wobbly swinging bridge. It just adds to the constant feeling of adventure in the Colca Canyon! The three scenic new hot pools boasts the best views and the hottest waters. There is also a pathway that leads down to the river.

Chacapi aguas termales also offers a cold swimming pool, which is usually filled with young local boys playing games and escaping the afternoon heat. There are some older termales located on the other side of the swinging bridge as well. These pools are more simple and not as warm as the newest termales.

Baños Termales de Chacapi | Hours: Daily, 6:00-18:00 | Standard Admission Cost: 15 PEN ($3.75 USD) | Onsite: Lockers, Changing Rooms & Showers | Beat the Crowds: Arrive around 16:30 to find most of the termales quiet. The swimming pool was busy in the afternoon leaving the hot springs baths mostly deserted | Baños Termales de Chacapi Facebook Page

Private Yanque Hot Springs

The Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs 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. However, these Yanque hot springs come at a pretty penny and are quite expensive. Sleeping at the Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs is the perfect splurge for after hiking the Colca Canyon.

➜ Click here to book a splurge experience at Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs

More Hot Springs Near Yanque & Colca Canyon

There are more hot springs close to Yanque Peru. Just down the road, Chivay offers a few simple aguas termales. Also, in the ticketed area of the Colca Canyon, find hot springs in the village of Llahuar. Casa de Virginia and Llahuar Lodge are the two most popular hot springs in the Colca Canyon Peru.  Remember, the Colca Canyon ticket costs 70 PEN ($18.50 USD) and is valid for 5 days.

🥾 Peru Hike Guide | 4 Day Colca Canyon Trek Without a Tour

How to Soak in the Hot Springs in Yanque Peru

In conclusion, the Yanque hot springs in are a great way to relax before or after a hike or multi-day trek in the Colca Canyon. The hot springs in Yanque are not as famous as its popular next-door neighbor, Chivay, but provides the same healing waters with less crowds! Let’s not forget about the incredible views of active volcanoes and the unique landscape.

The two popular public hot springs include the Puye aguas termales and the Chacapi hot springs. Of course, for a splurge, relax and sleep at the Colca Lodge Spa.

Yanque Peru can make a great alternative for those looking to explore the famous Colca Canyon, but feels a little more authentic and is more off-the-beaten-path. There’s definitely more to this little hamlet than hot springs. Take some intrepid day hikes, appreciate the tranquility, and explore nearby villages.

Have you visited the Termales in Yanque? Which Yanque hot springs did you visit? Is there one that you preferred more? Let me know in the comments below!

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