Cusco’s thermal springs are an underused half-day escape from the city. Sitting in a cluster of hot pools fed by Andean geothermal flow is a convincing reward after a day at Sacsayhuamán or an acclimatisation hike.
The water is mineral-rich (sulphur, iron, calcium carbonate) and locally believed to help muscle recovery. Whether or not you buy the claims, the pools are warm, the air is thin, and the view is of 5,000-metre peaks.
The best-known springs are at Lares, 2.5 hours northeast of Cusco. The complex has several pools at different temperatures, changing rooms and a basic restaurant. Cocalmayo (near Santa Teresa, on the back route to Machu Picchu) and Aguas Calientes’ town pools are the other options.
For visitors who want to pair the springs with Lares village and its weavers, Peruways runs guided day trips that cover transport, entry and an interpretation of the Quechua communities in the valley.
Book the Lares hot springs with Peruways when you want a quieter day in the Andes.
