Cocalmayo Hot Springs
also known as Santa Teresa hot springs, are the perfect place to unwind after an exciting adventure at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which will likely leave your body tired and in need of some relaxation.
Location
The town of Santa Teresa is located in the Urubamba River valley, in the district of the same name, La Convención province, Cusco department. It is approximately 14 kilometers from Machu Picchu town and 220 kilometers from Cusco city.
Climate
The Santa Teresa thermal baths are set in a beautiful subtropical jungle landscape, with an average annual temperature of 21°C. The rainy season, as in the rest of Cusco department, starts between November and December and usually ends in April. It is characterized by torrential rains that can occasionally cause landslides and road closures. During the summer – or winter – season, the weather is normally dry, and temperatures can drop to 11°C at night. This season is between May and October, which are the best months to travel.
Elevation and Population
The Santa Teresa district is situated at an altitude of 1,511 meters above sea level and has a population of 5,972 inhabitants according to the latest 2017 population and housing census.
History
Established on October 11, 1957, Santa Teresa is one of the thirteen districts of the La Convención province. It is known regionally and nationally for its production of fruits, coffee, coca leaves, and many other products that grow abundantly in this area due to the temperate and humid climate.
In 1998, the town was devastated by a massive landslide of stones, mud, and trees from the Aobamba River, which nearly destroyed both the urban area and the thermal baths. The town was subsequently relocated 50 kilometers upstream.
How to Get to Cocalmayo
There are several ways to reach this paradise, depending on the traveler’s budget, physical condition, and willingness to walk. Here are the options:
- By Bus from Cusco
You need to take a bus from the ‘Almudena’ stop in the Santiago district of Cusco, and after about a 5-hour journey by road, you will reach the town of Santa María. From here, take a bus or taxi to Santa Teresa, which takes about an hour along a dirt road to finally arrive at this picturesque town. The heated pools are about a 10-minute drive from Santa Teresa or a 1-hour walk (4 kilometers).
The cost varies depending on the type of transportation chosen (bus, private taxi service, minivan) but usually costs between S/.70 and S/.100 for a one-way trip.
- From Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
The Cocalmayo medicinal baths are only 14 kilometers from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. There are two alternatives to get to Cocalmayo from Aguas Calientes. The first is a 3-hour walk along the train tracks from the station known as ‘Hidroeléctrica’ to the town of Santa Teresa, through lush tropical scenery with abundant vegetation and heat. Once there, you need to walk an additional hour to reach the heated pools. The second option is to take the train to the mentioned station, which takes about 20 minutes. From there, you can continue by walking or driving.
The train fare for this short 14-kilometer route is S/.5.00 for Peruvians and USD31 for foreign visitors.
Hotels in Cocalmayo
In the town of Santa Teresa, you can find a range of accommodations from budget hostels, with prices around S/.50.00, to lodges offering more luxurious services, with prices reaching up to S/.200.00. It is important to note that there are no 5-star hotels in Santa Teresa, but in Machu Picchu town, you can find a wide variety of 5-star hotel options.
Cocalmayo Hot Springs Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for foreign visitors is S/.10 soles, while for national visitors, it is S/.5. The opening hours are from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Characteristics of Cocalmayo Medicinal Waters
The hot springs feature three large pools with crystal-clear and transparent waters sourced from underground. The water temperature ranges from 38°C to 45°C. The complex includes changing rooms for both men and women, showers, camping areas, football fields, restaurants, bars, swimwear rental booths, and parking lots. These medicinal waters are believed to have healing properties for skin problems, rheumatism, or joint pain, and they also offer natural hydro-massage and relaxation. If you wish to cool off, you can access the icy waterfalls of the Uripata lagoon, located next to the hot springs.
Cocalmayo at Night
Entering the Cocalmayo hot springs at night is an unforgettable experience, as most of the animals and insects that inhabit the jungle come out at this time, creating an environment filled with the sounds of cicadas and other noises. This creates a very special atmosphere that invites relaxation and enjoyment of the hot water while forgetting everything else. An important tip for travelers exploring this beautiful place is to bring mosquito repellent, as the area is a jungle with a high presence of insects.
Other Activities During Your Trip to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
During your visit to Santa Teresa and the Cocalmayo hot springs, you can engage in the following activities:
- Adventure Sports in Santa Teresa – The town offers suitable geography for adventure sports such as zip-lining, kayaking, or rock climbing. These activities can be done with a professional agency on-site.
- Hidroeléctrica Walk – The walk from the Hidroeléctrica Central to the town of Aguas Calientes is an entertaining adventure with beautiful scenery over a 10-kilometer route. The path is easy and safe. Follow the train tracks parallel to the Vilcanota River. This adventure is free.
- Visit to Machu Picchu – Visiting Machu Picchu is the best option to do before or after visiting the Cocalmayo hot springs. The two sites are about 20 kilometers apart and can be reached on foot or by train. Machu Picchu is open every day of the year from 6 AM to 5 PM.
- Visit to Quillabamba – The Cocalmayo hot springs are 49 kilometers from the city of Quillabamba. There, visitors can relax in waterfalls, pools, and green landscapes. Quillabamba is known as ‘The City of Eternal Summer’ due to its warm climate.
