Cusco’s hot springs are an underused half-day escape from the city — a sitting cluster of thermal pools fed by Andean geothermal flow, the kind of recovery day that pairs well with a Sacred Valley morning.
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.
Lares Hot Springs, 2.5 hours northeast of Cusco in the Lares Valley, is the best-known. The complex has several pools at different temperatures, basic changing rooms and a restaurant. Cocalmayo near Santa Teresa and the Aguas Calientes town pools are the other options.
For travellers who want to combine the springs with a Lares weaving village visit, Peruways runs guided day trips covering transport, entry and context on the Quechua communities in the valley.
Book the Lares hot springs with Peruways when you want a quieter day between the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
