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The Cocalmayo hot springs are open-air thermal pools on the bank of the Urubamba river, about 4 km from the town of Santa Teresa, in the La Convención province of Cusco. They are a favorite stop on the Inca Jungle and Salkantay routes to Machu Picchu: after a day of biking or hiking, you soak in warm water surrounded by green mountains, at only about 1,500 m above sea level.
Cocalmayo hot springs at a glance#
| Location | About 4 km from Santa Teresa town, La Convención, Cusco |
| Altitude | About 1,500 m (4,921 ft) |
| Pools | Four open-air pools, between about 32 °C and 44 °C depending on the pool |
| Entrance fee | S/ 10 for foreign visitors and S/ 5 for Peruvians (2022 prices) |
| Opening hours | Every day; in 2022, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Managed by | The district municipality of Santa Teresa |
| Getting there | About 10 minutes by taxi from Santa Teresa, or 30 minutes on foot |
Prices and hours are set by the municipality and can change, so check them locally before you go.
Where are the Cocalmayo hot springs?#
Cocalmayo is in the district of Santa Teresa, on the jungle side of the Andes, northwest of Machu Picchu. The springs are about 4 km from Santa Teresa town, beside the Urubamba river. Shared taxis and colectivos take about 10 minutes from the town (around S/ 3 per person in 2022), or you can walk there in about 30 minutes. The town of Santa Teresa itself sits at about 1,550 m, so the warm, humid climate is very different from Cusco.
The pools#
The complex has four open-air pools of different sizes, filled with water from natural hot springs. Published temperatures range from about 32 °C to 44 °C, so you can move between warmer and cooler pools. There are changing rooms, toilets and showers, and small food stalls near the entrance. A visit usually takes about an hour and a half.
How to get to Cocalmayo#
From Cusco by road
The road from Cusco crosses the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo, climbs to Abra Málaga (4,300 m) and descends into the jungle to Santa María; from there a side road continues to Santa Teresa. By public bus and colectivo the trip takes about 6 to 7 hours in total. From Santa Teresa, a taxi takes you to the hot springs.
From Aguas Calientes
From Aguas Calientes, walk about 10 km along the railway to Hidroeléctrica (about 3 hours) or take the short train, and then a taxi or minibus to Santa Teresa, about 25 minutes. This is the route many travelers use to reach Machu Picchu on a budget; see our guide on how to get to Machu Picchu.
On the Inca Jungle trek
The easiest way is to visit as part of a tour. On our Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days you sleep in Santa Teresa after the hiking day and have the option to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs in the evening. The Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days also spends its first night in Santa Teresa.
When to visit#
The springs are open all year. The dry season, from May to October, is the easiest time to travel on the road from Cusco. In the rainy season, from November to March, landslides can close or slow the road, so allow extra time and check conditions before you go.
Other things to do in Santa Teresa#
Santa Teresa is a base for adventure activities: the zipline over the valley, rafting on the Urubamba river, and walks through coffee and fruit farms. The town has hostels and simple hotels, restaurants and small shops, and many travelers spend a night here on the way to Machu Picchu.
What to bring#
- Swimsuit, towel and sandals
- A dry bag for your clothes and phone
- Insect repellent: there are many mosquitoes around Santa Teresa
- Cash in soles for the entrance, taxis and snacks
- Drinking water
Frequently asked questions about Cocalmayo#
How much does Cocalmayo cost?
In 2022 the entrance was S/ 10 for foreign visitors and S/ 5 for Peruvians. Prices are set by the municipality of Santa Teresa and can change.
How far is Cocalmayo from Santa Teresa?
About 4 km: around 10 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes on foot.
Are the Cocalmayo hot springs open at night?
In 2022 they were open every day until 10:00 p.m., so you can visit after a day on the trail. Check the current hours locally.
Is Cocalmayo the same as the Aguas Calientes hot springs?
No. Cocalmayo is near Santa Teresa, on the other side of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, has its own thermal baths; see our Aguas Calientes guide.
Written by Joel Cárdenas Gonzales
Founder & CEOFounder and CEO of Southern Peru Explorers since 2009. Born in Cusco and trained as an official tour guide at Instituto Khipu. About the author
