The town of Aguas Calientes is named that for a reason. Before it became the mandatory access point to Machu Picchu, it was already known for its natural hot springs that emerge from underground channels in the mountain. Today, the hot springs are the town’s second most visited attraction after the Inca citadel, and the place where most travelers end their day after exploring the ruins. A soak in hot mineral water after hours of hiking at more than 2,400 meters above sea level is hard to beat as the perfect way to end the day.
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Where they are and how to get there
The hot springs are located on Hermanos Ayar Avenue, about 900 meters from the town’s main square. The route is entirely on foot and takes between 10 and 15 minutes from the center. You simply follow the main avenue in a straight line, heading against the flow of the river and gradually uphill along the edge of town. The path is well marked, and any local resident can point you in the right direction if needed. There is no transportation to the hot springs: access is exclusively on foot.
Hours
The hot springs are open every day of the year, Monday through Sunday. Hours are from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with no exceptions for holidays. The first hours of the morning, between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m., are the least crowded, and the water is especially clean. Peak hours are between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m., when groups return from visiting Machu Picchu. If you are looking for a quieter experience, the best option is to go early before heading up to the citadel, or at sunset after 6:00 p.m., when most visitors are already in restaurants and the atmosphere becomes more peaceful.
Prices
The entrance fee varies depending on the visitor’s nationality. Foreign tourists pay 20 soles per person. Peruvian citizens pay 10 soles. Local visitors from the region pay a reduced rate of 5 soles. Payment is made directly at the ticket office of the complex, either in cash or by card. There is no need to buy tickets in advance because there is no reservation system for the hot springs. The allowed length of stay inside the complex is one hour and a half per time slot.
The Pools: temperature and features
The complex has between five and six outdoor pools of different sizes. Temperatures range from 38 to 46 degrees Celsius depending on the pool. The hottest ones go above 42 degrees and are the favorites after physically demanding days such as the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek. The milder ones, around 38 degrees, are more accessible for those who are not used to very hot water or for visitors traveling with children.
The water has a characteristic cloudy yellowish color caused by the presence of sulfur, one of the main minerals in the spring’s chemical composition. Other minerals present include calcium, magnesium, sodium, silica, potassium, and iron. That mineral composition is what gives the water its therapeutic properties, especially for relieving muscle fatigue, improving circulation, and reducing joint inflammation.
Facilities
The complex has gender-separated changing rooms with lockers where you can leave your belongings during your visit. Showers are available before entering the pools, and their use is mandatory according to the site’s rules. Restrooms are located inside the complex. There is also a bar where you can buy hot and cold drinks, including alcoholic beverages, to enjoy from the pools or in the rest areas around the complex. The infrastructure is basic and functional: this is not a luxury spa, but a public hot springs complex with everything needed to enjoy a comfortable soak.
Rules of use
The hot springs have clear rules that are enforced strictly. You are not allowed to enter the pools wearing a T-shirt or street clothes: swimwear only. Entry is not allowed for people with open wounds or skin conditions. Spitting, urinating in the pools, smoking inside the complex, or making excessive noise are all prohibited. Large luggage is not allowed inside: only essentials that fit in a locker. Cameras and phones may be brought in, but with caution, since humidity and steam from the hot water can affect electronic devices.
What to bring
A swimsuit, a towel, sandals for the shower and changing room area, water to stay hydrated before and after the soak, cash or a card for the entrance fee and bar, and a warm layer to put on afterward, since the temperature difference with the outside air can be noticeable, especially at night.
When it is best to go
During the dry season, between May and September, the surroundings of the hot springs are especially clean and the nights are cool, which makes the contrast between the hot water and the cold air especially pleasant. During the rainy season, between November and March, there is something particularly striking about sitting in a hot-water pool while heavy rain falls over the mountains: it is an experience many describe as one of the most memorable parts of their trip through the region.
The best time of day depends on your goal. For solitude and cleaner water: between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. For a lively and social atmosphere: between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. For the most relaxed and photogenic setting: between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., when the lights of the complex come on and the steam rises visibly against the backdrop of the dark mountains.
Cocalmayo hot springs: The lesser-known alternative
About 8 kilometers from Aguas Calientes, in the direction of the town of Santa Teresa, are the Cocalmayo hot springs, considered by many to be the best in the entire region. They are larger, more modern, and located beside the Vilcanota River, which gives them a completely different atmosphere from the town’s hot springs. They can be reached in a short ride from Aguas Calientes. They are an interesting option for travelers looking for a more exclusive thermal experience, or simply one that is different from the town’s main complex.
Peru Sites: Include the hot springs in your itinerary
At Peru Sites, we coordinate your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes before or after your visit to Machu Picchu, and we can include a visit to the hot springs as part of your day’s itinerary. If you arrive after the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, the hot springs are the perfect complement to your first real rest after days on the trail.
