Cocalmayo Hot Springs: medicinal baths in the heart of Cusco

Surely you have heard about the hot springs or already visited, but did you go to the hot springs of Cocalmayo? I tell you that this attraction is an alternative to relax on the outskirts of the city plus if you want to go to Machu Picchu, this route is the best.

The hot springs of Cocalmayo was created on October 11, 1957 in the district of Santa Teresa, La Convención as we said is near the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, is very visited by both domestic and foreign tourists, also its waters are beneficial to health.

Cocalmayo is located on the banks of the Vílcanota River (about 20 min from Santa Teresa-La Convención), geographically located in a tropical area that reaches 1600 m (16,600 ft).

In this article we are going to give you some recommendations to visit the hot springs, what are the benefits, how to get there and what is the best time to visit and have a nice experience.

How to get to Cocalmayo Hot Springs?

To visit this site we have three routes that we can take and all of them start from the city of Cusco:

• Go by bus from Cusco to Santa Teresa: You must go by bus from the city of Cusco to Quillabamba for this you must go to Av. Antonio Lorena in Santiago or for further reference you must go to Almudena, you must get off at Santa Maria (travel time is 5 hours). From there you must take another vehicle that will take you to Santa Teresa (travel time is 1 hour).
• Go by train to Ollantaytambo - Santa Teresa: You take the three from Cusco or from Ollantaytamboto Machu Picchu, but you want to visit Cocalmayo then when you go by train you must get off at the stop Hidroeléctrica, from here you must take a vehicle that will take you to Santa Teresa and visit Cocalmayo (travel time is 20 minutes), or you can go on foot which will take you about 2 to 3 hours.
• On foot from Aguas Calientes to Santa Teresa: From Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Hidroeléctrica it will take us about 2 or 3 hours on foot, during the journey we will pass through tunnels, bridges and all the nature of the jungle, just following the train tracks. From Hidroeléctrica to Santa Teresa it will take you 1 hour and a half and finally you arrive to Cocalmayo.

Health Benefits of Cocalmayo Hot Springs

The thermal baths have four large pools, each varying in temperature from 38° C to 44° C, but we wonder where do their waters come from? They come from a spring from the Uripata lagoon, its waters are crystal clear and it is surrounded by landscape.

These natural pools have medicinal properties, as their waters serve as a treatment for rheumatism, bone pain, arthritis.

Best time to visit the Hot Springs

As you know, the best times to visit the various attractions of Cusco are the dry season, because in these months there is little or no rainfall so travel in the months of April to October will be good.

Because in the rainy season there is the possibility of having accidents, slipping and even overflowing and our trip may not be beautiful, that is why we recommend the dry season is safer and you can enjoy the hot springs without problems.

In addition you can do some adventure sports like canopy, canoeing, rock climbing and more.

Recommendations for visiting Cocalmayo Hot Springs

If you are going to visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, take into account these recommendations:

• Carry mosquito repellent, sunscreen and a hat.
• Zapatilla de trekking si vas a caminar
• Wear light clothing
• Cash
• Water
• Swimwear, sandals, snacks.

Visit Cocalmayo Hot Springs with tour

Salkantay trek tour, takes you to know one of the headline snowy Cusco (Salkantay) then you will trek to Machu Picchu, but before we will go through the hot springs to cool off and rest. If you want to visit these crystal clear waters, do not hesitate to write to our WhatsApp +51 984 550 165 and I will recommend the best tours to do.

Hours of operation and entrance fee

The entrance fee for visitors is 10 soles for foreign tourists and 5 soles for domestic tourists. The entrance hours are every day of the week from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., so you have time to visit these beautiful pools.