{"id":2847,"date":"2019-12-05T17:46:05","date_gmt":"2019-12-05T17:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/?p=2847"},"modified":"2026-01-14T14:37:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T19:37:43","slug":"the-top-hot-springs-to-visit-when-in-cusco-and-how-to-get-there","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/the-top-hot-springs-to-visit-when-in-cusco-and-how-to-get-there\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top Hot Springs to Visit When in Cusco and How to Get There"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Picture yourself getting into a relaxing hot pool after days of trekking. Sounds good, doesn\u2019t it? Well lucky for you, there are few options in Cusco for you to visit while you are here. Today, we\u2019ll discuss which the best 3 to visit are and how to get there. Read on to find out more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Cocalmayo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are\nsome of the most stunning hot springs you will ever come across. You\u2019ll find\nthem in Santa Teresa a little way out of the town. The water is beautifully\nclear and the setting is perfect; in the depths of a valley with mountains all\naround and the river running alongside them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many trekkers stop there on their way to Machu Picchu<\/a><\/strong> and it\u2019s the perfect place for a bit of rest and relaxation for your tired muscles. You can also enjoy snacks and a beer there, too! Doesn\u2019t get much better than that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The waters\nfill up with trekkers later in the day who are often there enjoying sunset with\nmany locals as well. There are 3 pools and the water is a different temperature\nin each, meaning you can choose the right one for you. It\u2019s fresh natural water\nand has some very calming properties.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Cocalmayo
Cocalmayo. Photo by: @jeorgecarrasco<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How to Get There From Cusco<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There are a\nfew ways you can get to the springs themselves if you are leaving from Cusco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trekking \u2013 <\/em>There are a few routes that pass through the area to visit the hot springs; Salkantay<\/a><\/strong> and Inca Jungle <\/strong>are two that should guarantee you a visit to these gorgeous baths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Bus or Car From Cusco to Santa Teresa \u2013 <\/em>A cheaper option and one that many\nopt for is to go in a bus or shared car from Cusco. It won\u2019t take you right to\nthe springs but will get you to Santa Teresa. From there it is easy to get\nlocal transport to take you to the baths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Train \u2013 <\/em>You can catch a train from Ollantaytambo that\nwill get you to the station known as \u2018Hidroelectrica\u2019. From there you will need\nto get a car to take you to Santa Teresa and\/or the hot springs.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Trek
The hike to Colcalmayo has beautiful views. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

2. Lares<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our second\nchoice for great hot springs are those at Lares. These Incan baths are full of\nnatural hot water from the surrounding hills. The colour is a murky yellow, but\nthis due to all the minerals they contain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are said to be amazing for healing properties. In particular, they recommend them for those with arthritis or other joint pains. These are again of varying temperatures and are surrounding by the perfect backdrop of the Andean hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure\nthat if you go here on a day trip to take some food with you. There are locals\nselling small meals outside but it\u2019s pretty basic. You will certainly need\nsomething if you have any allergies or dietary preferences as they won\u2019t cater\nfor those. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Great
Hot springs at Lares.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How to Get There From Cusco<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To get here\nthere are 2 primary ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trekking \u2013 <\/em>There are specific Lares treks<\/strong> that end up in Machu Picchu. These will stop at the springs on the way to help you rest up to your muscles and give them some TLC before the hard work begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Car \u2013 <\/em>From Cusco you can take a car to Calca. From\nthere, you will need to find another shared vehicle that takes you for another\n3 hours to the small town. From there it is a short walk to the hot springs.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Lares
Lares trek that ends up in Machu Picchu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

3. Aguas Calientes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the easiest to make sure you visit! This is because they are in the town at the base of Machu Picchu<\/a><\/strong>, and if you are visiting Cusco, it\u2019s very likely that you\u2019ll be going to the world wonder!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are a short walk up from the town center and well signed. There are a few pools at varying temperatures and they are beautifully positioned in the middle of luscious green mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also a bar at the top where you can wave to and ask them to bring you down a pisco sour while you chill in the water. It\u2019s an excellent way to spend the last evening of a trek or to relax in after you\u2019ve spent the morning at Machu Picchu<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Aguas
Hot springs at Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu. Photo by: benjhu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How to Get There From Cusco<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Please note\nthat there are no roads that lead to the town of Aguas Calientes, but there are\nstill other ways!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trekking \u2013 <\/em>Again you can get here through various treks. There are so many that end up in Machu Picchu<\/strong>, so it won\u2019t be difficult. You will likely have time to visit the baths the evening before you go up to the archaeological site or after you come down on the last day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Train \u2013 <\/em>You can also find trains from Cusco, Poroy, or\nOllantaytambo that will get you to the Aguas Calientes train station. This is\nthe best option if you only want to do a one or two day trip and visit the\nsprings as well as Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Trek
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Take a Dip When in Town<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that you visit at least one of these super relaxing spots when you come to Cusco. These are our favorite three, but there are a few other smaller ones. These are the easiest to get to and you are sure to have a wonderful time in them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few\nthings to keep in mind before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n