When you think of Peru, the things that come to mind are probably Machu Picchu, Incan ruins, the Amazon jungles, beaches, and the cuisine. Hot springs certainly weren’t high on my radar for Peru, but it turns out they have lots and they’re so worth checking out! I made it to a handful of different ones during my time in Peru and can honestly say I’d recommend all of them – but my top choice for hot springs around the city of Cusco is the hot springs in Lares! If you’re around Lima, I highly recommend visiting the small town of Churin which actually has many different hot springs in and around the town.
All the natural hot springs (or baños termales as they’re called in Spanish) I visited in Peru boast of having medicinal waters. They are said to help with joint pain, muscle pain, skin problems, blood circulation, and more. Throughout the various hot springs in Peru, you can find different temperatures ranging from mildly cold to warm waters all the way to almost boiling hot water, as well as both indoor and outdoor pools.
From my experiences visiting hot springs in Peru and chatting with both locals and tourists, it seems to be more popular with the locals than a tourist activity (except maybe in the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town). Therefore, it can be a great opportunity to get off the beaten path a bit and experience a popular pass time of the locals! So without further ado, let’s get into my recommendations for hot springs in Peru.
Hot Springs Around Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Hot Springs in the Lares Valley
In the small town of Lares, you will find some of the best hot springs in the Cusco area, and a popular choice among local hot springs seekers. With four hot pools along the top level (with varying degrees of *very hot* water temperature), a large swimming pool of warm water, a small, clear, pool of cool water, and some private rooms with indoor pools, Lares has lots to offer. The outdoor pools have absolutely stunning views of the Lares Valley and Andes Mountains. The water in the hot pool is brown from all the minerals, but don’t let this be off-putting!
How to get there
To get to Lares from using public transit, you first need to take a collectivo to Calca. Collectivos are a very popular type of transportation in Peru. They don’t operate on a schedule but rather leave whenever they are full. You can find the collectivos on Calle Puputi. They cost about 7-10 soles per person and take approximately 1.5 hours. If you walk down the street you should hear them yelling “calca, calca, calca, calca.”
Then, when you arrive in calca you need to get another collectivo to Lares. You will probably be dropped off in the main square, which is nice to walk around, and then can find collectives in the bus terminal. They cost around 12-15 soles per person and take another 1.5 hours or so. When you arrive in Lares you will have to walk about a km to get to the hot springs. It’s a nice walk up a dirt road on the outskirts of town, along a beautiful river.
Price and opening hours
12 soles entrance
Open 24 hours a day
Where to Stay
There are hotels right in the hot springs complex which is super convenient and gives you the option of coming and going from the pools as often as you like. If they are sold out, like they were when I went, there are also a few options just outside the complex, which still gives you a short walk between your hotel and the thermal waters. I stayed in one of these places and had great views from my hotel window. There are also options to camp. And if all else fails, there’s lots of options in the town of Lares too. While possible, I wouldn’t really recommend doing it as a day trip from Cusco. It’s a far drive, plus it’s a really nice place to spend a night!
La Raya Thermal Springs
Le Raya Hotsprings might be the least popular option on this list for tourists, but it’s really nice! There are a few other things out in the same direction from Cusco you can pair it with. It is located to the south of Cusco, in the same direction as Rainbow Mountain, Q’eswachaka bridge (a suspension bridge built by Incas), and many beautiful hikes and lakes (including my personal favourite the waqrapukara hike). Or you can carry on from here to Puno.
The complex of thermal springs here is made up of many pools of different sizes and temperatures, both inside and outside, and connected by pretty walkways. You can also see boiling hot water flowing in streams between the pools and pathways. The outdoor pools are surrounded by beautiful scenery and mountain views, while inside there are many small private hot springs with closing doors.
How to get there
These public baths are located close to the town of Sicuani, about 3 hours from the city of Cusco. You can get a bus directly there, which is the simplest, or one to Urcos and then another to Sicuani if you want to break up the drive. From Sicuani you can get a taxi to the hot springs. To get back to sicuani afterwards, you will take another taxi which are usually parked on the side of the road waiting for people. However, as it gets late they leave so you will want to be careful if you are staying late but not spending the night. Alternatively, this could be a good route to rent a car for if you want to pair it with a few other things like the Q’eswachaka bridge or rainbow mountain over a couple of days.
Price
A small entrance fee of 6-8 soles (sorry, I can’t remember exactly!)
Where to Stay
There is a hotel right with the complex that is by far the most convenient option in this case, especially if you want to enjoy the hot thermal baths in the evening. Otherwise there are tons of options for cheap hospedajes in Sicuani.
Thermal Baths of Aguas Calientes
Of course this is the most popular hot springs for tourists on the list, as it is in the Machu Picchu town. If you’re heading to Machu Picchu and you have the time, why not relax in a hot bath of medicinal waters before or after exploring the ancient wonder? Especially if you did the Inca Trail or Salkantay trek, what could feel better after a long trek than putting your muscle pain at ease in hot spring water?
How to get there
Pair with your visit to Machu Picchu as you can walk there from any accommodation in the Machu Picchu town (called Aguas Calientes) or from the train station.
Price and opening hours
20 soles entrance for foreigners
Open 5am to 8pm
Where to Stay
Staying in Aguas Calientes is probably the most expensive place you will stay on your trip to Peru, but if you are going to Machu Picchu spending a night here is a great way to not feel rushed. I would recommend staying the day before you visit Machu Picchu. There are lots of hotels, but book early as it is obviously a popular location! Depending when you arrive, if you have time, you can make a trip to the hot springs!
Other Hot Springs Near Cusco
Some other hot springs that look awesome and are next on my list to check out are: the thermal baths of Cocalmayo in the Town of Santa Teresa, which could also be a great stop on your way to Quillabamba, the Santo Tomas Hot Springs in Abancay, and the Cconoc Hot Springs on the way there. Let me know what you think if you check out any of these!
Hot Springs in the Lima Area
While the rest of the hot springs on this list are based in the Cusco area or around the Sacred Valley, I also went to a really cool place a few hours from Lima that I want to recommend!
Multiple Springs Around the Town of Churin
The small town of Churin is the ideal place for a hot springs lovers! This is because it’s not just home to one hot springs, but many. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful complex with many different types of pools – including with waterfalls, fountains and caves to enjoy on a hot summer’s day (here the water is only lukewarm).
Or you’re looking for something hotter, perfect for a cool evening, you can find it here. There is even a special little room here with fast flowing hot water, perfect for giving you a massage!
And there are more options too! Plus, there are lots of cute stores and restaurants around the town. And you need to try the natural yogurt while you’re here, it’s so good!
How to get there
You can take a bus from Lima. You can find lots of options online with RedBus, but I recommend just using this to see the times and bus terminals and then going in person to buy a ticket if you want to save a bit of money. The price is around 25 soles there or 45 soles round trip.
Price and opening hours
Depends on which one you go to, but in general they seemed to have a 10 soles entrance fee.
Where to Stay
There are lots of hospedajes in the town of Churin to choose from, just walk around and ask for prices. Also ask to see the room before you commit!
Hot Springs Near Arequipa
Colca Canyon
An honorable mention to the Colca Canyon hot springs, which I am a bit sad I missed out on during my trip to Colca Canyon. I can say from personal experience that Colca Canyon is incredibly beautiful and worth visiting! And I can imagine getting to soak in some hot springs while you’re there could only make the experience even better. And from the pictures I’ve seen, the pools look lovely. On my trek I did stay in a hotel in the canyon with a pool and even that was so great after hiking all day!
Let me know!
I hope you found this helpful! If you go to any of the hot springs mentioned on this list, let me know about your experience. Or if you go to a different one, also let me know so I can check it out too 🙂
