The baths or hot springs of Cocalmayo are a great alternative for a day of relaxation on the outskirts of the city of Cusco. It is a wonderful resource of medicinal turquoise waters, located in the district of Santa Teresa. If you are going to take a Tour to Machu Picchu, you can give yourself some time to connect with nature, escape from routine for a moment and make a stop in Santa Teresa; The hot springs are ideal for relaxing the body and curing certain muscle or joint pain in general.
Would you like to know a little more about the hot springs of Cocalmayo? Keep reading this article and find out the perfect place to take a hot bath around an impressive landscape of vegetation next to the river. Are you ready to connect with nature?
Location
The town of Santa Teresa is located in the valley of the Urubamba river, in the district of the same name, province of La Convención, department of Cusco. It is located approximately 14 kilometers from Machu Picchu town and 220 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The hot springs are located at an approximate altitude of 1,600 - 1,800 meters above sea level, which explains their warm and humid climate, very different from the Cusco.
About the Cocalmayo hot springs
Enjoying a relaxing afternoon at the Cocalmayo hot springs is a fantastic experience during your trip to Cusco. Since, as its name shows, it is a set of pools that get hot water from a natural spring located in the upper part of the Uripata lagoon.
It is located between a fast river and a small mountain. In Cocalmayo, swimmers can enjoy outdoor pools fed by natural hot springs, built between a small mountain full of plants and the Urubamba river. There you will find four pools of different sizes and depths. The water temperature ranges between 38ºC and 44ºC. Unlike most hot springs in Peru, these are crystal clear.
The complex usually opens early, around 5:00 - 6:00 a.m., and closes at night, near 10:00 - 11:00 p.m., every day of the week. Very close to the pools there are cold water showers; snacks and drinks are also sold. Also, visitors can ask for lodging at the inn located next to the hot springs.
Besides the lodge, another option is to camp near the hot springs. The approximate cost is 10 soles per tent, although you must bring your own camping gear, since the place does not rent tents. This choice is ideal for those who prefer an experience closer to nature or are looking for a different kind of night after the hot bath.
Weather
The thermo-medicinal baths of Santa Teresa are found in the middle of a beautiful landscape of sub-tropical jungle, with an average annual temperature of 21°. The rainy season, as in the entire department of Cusco, begins between the months of November and December, usually ending in April, and is characterized by torrential rains that can in some cases cause landslides and roadblocks. During the summer season -or winter- the climate is normally dry and at night the temperature can drop to 11°. This season is between the months of May and October, these being the best months to travel.
How to get to Cocalmayo thermal baths?
To visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs you can take any of the following routes that start from the city of Cusco:
- By bus from Cusco to Santa Teresa – Take a bus from the city of Cusco to Quillabamba (the company Turismo Ampay on Avenida Antonio Lorena). Get off in the town of Santa María. The trip lasts approximately 5 hours. They are 221 km by paved track. The next destination is Santa Teresa, which is 25 kilometers from Santa María. From here you must take another vehicle to travel for 1 hour until you reach Santa Teresa.
- By train from Ollantaytambo to Santa Teresa – If you already took your train from Ollantaytambo and you are on your way to Machu Picchu, you can take the train and get off at the “Hidroeléctrica” bus stop. From this point you can take a vehicle that will take you to Santa Teresa in 20 minutes. Or, if you want, you can walk. The walk will take between 2 and 3 hours to Santa Teresa.
- On foot from Aguas Calientes to Santa Teresa – After having visited Machu Picchu Peru you can make plans to visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. There are two ways to get to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs from Aguas Calientes: by train and by bus. The trip on foot will take around 20 minutes and costs S/. 5.00 for nationals and 31 dollars for foreigners. Later, in Hidroeléctrica, you must continue to Santa Teresa by car or on foot. The stretch on foot to Hidroeléctrica takes 2 hours. Then continue by car to Santa Teresa.
The pools and the temperature
- The Cocalmayo hot springs have four pools with waters that have temperatures changing between 38ºC and 44ºC.
- All the pools are big enough to hold twenty people or more.
- One of the pools does not have hot spring water, but water at room temperature.
- This last pool, with less depth and lower temperature, is perfect for children and older adults. Even so, it is recommended not to stay for more than 30 minutes in a row in the highest temperature pools, and to always keep adult supervision when there are children in the water.
Other activities on the trip to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo
During your visit to Santa Teresa and the thermal baths of Cocalmayo you can do the following activities:
- Adventure sports in Santa Teresa – The town of Santa Teresa offers a suitable geography for practicing adventure sports such as ziplining, canoeing or rock climbing. These sports can be practiced with a professional agency in the same place.
- Hidroeléctrica Hike – The hike from the Hydroelectric station to the town of Aguas Calientes is an entertaining adventure full of beautiful landscapes along 10 kilometers. The route is easy and safe. Follow the train tracks parallel to the Vilcanota River. The adventure is free.
- Visit to Machu Picchu – The visit to Machu Picchu is the best option to do before or after the visit to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. Both sites are approximately 20 kilometers apart. It can be reached on foot or by train. Machu Picchu is open every day of the year from 6 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.
- Visit to Quillabamba – The Cocalmayo Hot Springs are 49 kilometers from the city of Quillabamba. There the visitor can relax in waterfalls, pools and green landscapes. Quillabamba is known as 'The city of eternal summer' for its hot climate.
How much does the entrance ticket to Cocalmayo cost?
The ticket prices for the Cocalmayo hot springs change depending on the nationality and origin of the visitor, these are the current ticket prices for the Santa Teresa hot springs:
| Type of visitor | Entrance price |
| Foreign tourists | S/ 10.00 |
| National tourists (Peruvians) | S/ 5.00 |
| Local tourists (from Cusco) | S/ 2.50 |
These prices have stayed stable for several years, but since they can be updated without prior notice, we recommend confirming them upon arrival or with your local operator before the trip.
What to bring to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs
To fully enjoy this relaxing natural destination, make sure you pack everything you need. Here is a practical list for your visit:
- Mosquito repellent
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen and a sun hat
- Sandals or light footwear
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
- Extra money for snacks, floatie rentals, taxis, or small expenses
With these items, you'll be ready to dive into the warm waters of Cocalmayo and enjoy a relaxing experience in the middle of Andean nature.
Frequently asked questions about the Cocalmayo hot springs
- Do I need to book a ticket in advance?
It is not mandatory. You pay for the ticket directly at the place. However, in high season (June to September) it is recommended to arrive early, since the capacity can fill up during the busiest hours. - Are the Cocalmayo hot springs open all year?
Yes, the complex welcomes visitors every day of the year. During the rainy season (November to March) some access routes can be affected by landslides, so it is a good idea to check the condition of the roads before traveling. - Is it a good place for children?
Yes. One of the pools is less deep and has a lower temperature, ideal for the little ones, although always under adult supervision and without staying more than 30 minutes at a time in the hotter pools. - How long does it take to get there from Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes?
It depends on the chosen route. By car, the trip can take about an hour from Hydroelectric; on foot, the walk to Hydroelectric takes between 2 and 3 hours, and from there you continue by vehicle to Santa Teresa. - What should I bring to the Cocalmayo hot springs?
Swimsuit, towel, sandals, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and some cash for extra expenses like float rentals or local transport.
Other activities to do in Santa Teresa
If you travel to Santa Teresa to enjoy the relaxing hot springs of Cocalmayo, take advantage of your visit to discover everything this destination has to offer. The area is ideal for those looking for adventure, nature, and a local touch outside of the most common tourist routes.
Best Trekking and Tours to Machu Picchu
There are many routes that lead to Machu Picchu, but none like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying into Lima, the capital of Peru, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for several days along a route through forests and cloud forest, ancient stone steps, and Inca ruins, with views of the Andes the entire way.
INCA TRAIL
- Inca Trail Tour 2026
- 4 Day Inca Trail Hiking Tour
- Short Inca Trail (2 Days)
- 3 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 5 Day Inca Trail Hike
- Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain Tour
TOURS TO MACHU PICCHU
- Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
- 2 Day Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
- Lima to Machu Picchu
- Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Combo Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Luxury Tour
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend booking your Machu Picchu ticket in advance so you can enjoy your trip without any issues.
