Santa Teresa hot springs oasis in Cusco

What are the Santa Teresa hot springs?

The Santa Teresa hot springs, also known as Cocalmayo hot springs, are a spectacular complex of natural hot spring pools located in the Urubamba River valley, in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, department of Cusco. They are situated at 1,600 meters above sea level, featuring three large pools of crystal-clear, transparent water sourced from the underground, with temperatures ranging from 38°C to 45°C. They are considered the best hot springs in the Cusco region and the ideal destination to relax after an adventure at Machu Picchu.

What does Santa Teresa mean?

The name “Santa Teresa” honors Saint Teresa of Ávila, a Catholic saint venerated in Christian tradition. The town was founded with this religious name, as was common during the colonial era. The locality has become synonymous with relaxation and well-being due to its famous hot springs that naturally spring from the Uripata lagoon, located in the surrounding mountains, creating a thermal oasis amidst the lush landscape of the region.

Where are they located?

They are located in the Urubamba River valley (Vilcanota), in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, department of Cusco. The hot springs are approximately 14 kilometers from Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes), 220 kilometers from the city of Cusco, and just 4 kilometers from the town of Santa Teresa. They are precisely situated at kilometer 135 of the former Cusco-Quillabamba railway line, surrounded by beautiful subtropical jungle scenery filled with abundant vegetation.

How to get to the Santa Teresa hot springs?

Main access from Cusco

Access is primarily by land with multiple transportation options. The complete journey from Cusco can take between 5 and 7 hours depending on the chosen route, combining land transport and optionally rail transport.

Detailed access route

Option 1 – Via Santa María: From Cusco, take a bus from the Turismo Ampay company (Avenida Antonio Lorena) heading to Quillabamba. Get off in the town of Santa María after a 5-hour trip on paved roads (221 km). From Santa María, take another vehicle to Santa Teresa (25 km, 1 hour on a dirt road). Option 2 – Via Ollantaytambo: Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and get off at the Hidroeléctrica station. From there, continue 20 minutes by vehicle or 2-3 hours walking to Santa Teresa. Option 3 – From Aguas Calientes: After visiting Machu Picchu, walk 2 hours to Hidroeléctrica following the train tracks, then continue 20 minutes by car to Santa Teresa.

Public transport

• Bus Cusco-Santa María: 70-100 soles per person (5 hours)
• Transport Santa María-Santa Teresa: 15-25 soles per person (1 hour)
• Taxi Santa Teresa-Cocalmayo: 4 soles per person (20 minutes)
• Train option: Ollantaytambo-Hidroeléctrica: 5 soles for nationals, 31 USD for foreigners
• Complete tours from Cusco: 150-250 soles per person (includes transport and guide)

What are the characteristics of the hot springs?

Physical characteristics

It consists of three large main pools of crystal-clear, transparent water, each capable of accommodating more than 20 people, in addition to a fourth pool with ambient temperature water for cooling off. The hot spring water naturally springs from the underground, fed by a spring originating from the Uripata lagoon located in the upper mountains. The pools are built between a small mountain filled with vegetation and the rushing Urubamba River, creating a unique natural spa environment. The complex features separate changing rooms for men and women, hot and cold showers, camping areas, soccer fields, restaurants, bars, swimsuit rental booths, and parking spaces.

Climate

It belongs to the subtropical jungle ecological floor (rupa rupa), characterized by warm and humid climatic conditions. The average ambient temperature is 21°C, with a range varying from a minimum of 10°C to a maximum of 26°C. The hot spring waters maintain constant temperatures between 38°C and 45°C year-round. It has two well-defined seasons: dry (April-October) with less precipitation and wet (November-March) with torrential rains that can cause landslides and road blockages.

What fauna and flora can be observed?

In the lush surrounding vegetation, there are abundant high jungle species such as giant ferns, bromeliads, wild orchids, native bamboos, and a wide variety of medicinal plants traditionally used by local communities. The large trees create a natural canopy that provides shade and coolness to the thermal environment.

As for fauna, it is common to see colorful butterflies, various species of hummingbirds, small parrots, tropical insects (especially at night), and occasionally small mammals like squirrels and some harmless reptiles. At night, the environment fills with characteristic jungle sounds: cicadas, crickets, and other nocturnal insects creating a very special natural symphony. It is important to bring mosquito repellent due to the abundant presence of insects typical of the tropical climate.

What activities can be done?

Main activities

Relaxing hot springs: The main activity, with immersion in medicinal waters from 38°C to 45°C ideal for relaxing muscles after hikes at Machu Picchu and relieving rheumatic and joint pain.

Natural hydro massages: The mineral properties of the water provide beneficial natural therapeutic effects for skin problems, rheumatism, and blood circulation.

Adventure sports: The town of Santa Teresa offers activities such as ziplining, rafting on the Urubamba River, rock climbing, and rappelling on natural formations.

Cold water waterfalls: Next to the hot pools, you can access refreshing cold waterfalls coming from the mountains to contrast temperatures.

Nocturnal experience: The hot springs are open until 11:00 pm, offering a unique experience under the stars with the natural sounds of the jungle.

Hike to Hidroeléctrica: A 10-kilometer route following the train tracks parallel to the Vilcanota River, with beautiful jungle landscapes.

Traditional ceremonies

The local communities occasionally perform ceremonies of gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and purification rituals in the hot springs. Santa Teresa holds special significance for Andean populations as a place of healing and spiritual renewal. The hot spring waters are considered sacred for their healing properties, and blessing ceremonies are held especially during the town’s patron festivals. Locals attribute mystical properties to the waters, considering them a gift from the Apus (mountain spirits) for the well-being of people.

What is the best time to visit?

The best time is between April and October, during the dry season, when the roads are in better condition and the weather is more stable. The months of May to September offer optimal conditions with a lower risk of torrential rains and landslides. It is not recommended to visit during January, February, and March due to intense rains that can cause road blockages and dangerous situations. The hot springs are open every day of the year from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, but accessibility during the wet season may be compromised.

What to bring for the visit?

Recommended gear

Clothing: Swimsuit, change of clothes, personal towel, non-slip sandals, lightweight clothing for warm weather, light jacket for the evenings.

Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, mosquito repellent (essential), hat or cap, sunglasses.

Personal items: Personal hygiene items, personal medications, drinking water, energy snacks, cash for additional services.

Equipment: Camera in a waterproof bag, headlamp for nighttime activities, plastic bags for wet clothes.

Important tips

• Bring plenty of mosquito repellent due to the jungle environment
• Avoid visiting during the intense rainy season (January-March)
• Check road conditions before traveling
• Book accommodation in advance during high season
• Respect the rules of the thermal complex and care for the environment

Connection routes from Santa Teresa

From the Santa Teresa hot springs, various tourist connection routes are distributed: Route to Machu Picchu (2-hour hike to Hidroeléctrica, then 2 more hours to Aguas Calientes), Salkantay Trek circuit (Santa Teresa is a stop on day 3 of the trek), Inca Jungle tour (includes ziplining, mountain biking, and rafting), route to Quillabamba (coffee and tropical fruit producing city), connection with the Sacred Valley (via Ollantaytambo by train), and local adventure sports (ziplining, rafting, and climbing in the same area).

Is there an entrance fee?

Entrance fee applies. Current prices are: foreigners 10 soles, national Peruvians 5 soles, local Cusqueños 2.50 soles. Students and children under 5 years receive special discounts. The complex is open every day from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. Additional costs include: swimsuit rental (5-10 soles), towels (5 soles), secure lockers (3-5 soles), meals at local restaurants (20-40 soles), accommodation in Santa Teresa (50-200 soles per night depending on category), and adventure activities (ziplining 50-80 soles, rafting 60-100 soles).

State of conservation

The hot springs are maintained in excellent condition thanks to the joint management between the Santa Teresa municipality and private tour operators. The thermal water flows naturally and is constantly renewed, maintaining its purity and ideal temperature. The facilities receive regular maintenance to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors. The complex was completely rebuilt after the 1998 flood that destroyed the original facilities, relocating to a safer area upstream.

Cultural and tourist importance

Cultural value

As part of the tourist corridor connecting to Machu Picchu, the Santa Teresa hot springs represent a wellness tourism experience that perfectly complements the archaeological adventure. They are culturally important for local communities as a source of economic income and a social gathering space. The hot springs have been used ancestrally by indigenous populations for their medicinal properties.

Economic impact

Thermal tourism generates significant direct and indirect jobs for Santa Teresa and surrounding communities. It provides income to transporters, local guides, restaurants, accommodations, craft vendors, and adventure sports operators. Many local families have developed tourism-related businesses linked to thermal services, contributing to the sustainable economic development of the region.

Connection with other attractions

The Santa Teresa hot springs can be perfectly combined with visits to other attractions in the region:

Machu Picchu circuit: Ideal combination with a visit to the Inca citadel, either as a relaxation point before or after the archaeological adventure.

Trekking routes: Integration with the Salkantay Trek, Inca Jungle Trail, and alternative hikes to Machu Picchu that include adventure sports.

Sacred Valley: Connection by train from Ollantaytambo to Hidroeléctrica, allowing visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and other archaeological sites.

Quillabamba: City producing coffee, cacao, and tropical fruits, ideal for experiential and gastronomic tourism.

Choquequirao: Base for expeditions to the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu,” a less-visited but equally impressive archaeological complex.

The hot springs represent a unique experience that combines thermal relaxation, natural medicine, adventure tourism, and connection with the jungle nature, being the perfect complement for those seeking physical and spiritual well-being after the intense emotions of exploring the archaeological treasures of the ancient Inca empire in one of the most biodiverse and well-preserved ecosystems of the Peruvian Amazon.