Upis hot springs: a hidden gem in the Ausangate region

What are the Upis hot springs?

The Upis hot springs are a collection of natural mineral thermal pools located in the community of Upis, Ocongate district, Quispicanchi province, Cusco department. They sit at approximately 4,100 meters above sea level, forming part of the thermal circuit surrounding the majestic Ausangate snow-capped mountain. They are recognized as one of the least explored yet equally spectacular relaxation and wellness destinations in the region, offering an authentic experience of Andean community tourism in a pristine high-altitude environment.

What does Upis mean?

The name “Upis” comes from Quechua and refers to the abundance of water that characterizes this area. In Andean cosmology, Upis is associated with life and purification, being considered a sacred place where waters spring from the depths of Pachamama (Mother Earth) as a gift for the healing and well-being of people. The name reflects the spiritual importance that local communities attribute to these thermal springs as a source of renewing energy.

Where are they located?

They are located in the community of Upis, Ocongate district, Quispicanchi province, Cusco department. The hot springs are approximately 120 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco and about 15 kilometers from the community of Pacchanta. They are situated on the eastern slopes of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, in the Vilcanota mountain range, forming part of the traditional Ausangate Trek route and connecting with other thermal points in the region such as Pacchanta and Pampacancha.

How to get to the Upis hot springs?

Main access from Cusco

Access is mainly by land following the Southern Interoceanic Highway. The complete journey from Cusco takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, combining paved roads and mountain tracks.

Detailed access route

First stage: From Cusco, take the Southern Interoceanic Highway towards Ocongate, passing through Urcos and Ccatca (2.5 hours on paved road, 85 km). Second stage: From Ocongate, continue to Tinke via a mountain track (45 minutes, 25 km). Third stage: From Tinke, take a detour to the community of Upis via a mountain path (30-45 additional minutes, 10 km). The last stage may require a 4×4 vehicle or walking depending on weather conditions.

Public transport

• Bus Cusco-Ocongate: From the Casa de la Juventud stop (12-15 soles, 2.5 hours)
• Transport Ocongate-Tinke: Local collectives (8-10 soles, 45 minutes)
• Tinke-Upis: Community transport or walking (15-20 soles for vehicle, 1 hour on foot)
• Organized tours from Cusco: 80-150 soles per person (includes transport, guide, and meals)

What are the characteristics of the hot springs?

Physical characteristics

The Upis hot springs feature several natural pools of varying sizes, from small pools for 2-4 people to medium-sized pools that can accommodate up to 15 people. The waters spring naturally from underground sources fed by the geothermal activity of the Vilcanota mountain range. The infrastructure is basic but functional, maintained by the community through tourism improvement projects. The surroundings are filled with high Andean grasslands, rock formations, and panoramic views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.

Climate

The area belongs to the puna or high mountain ecological zone, with climatic characteristics of Andean tundra. The average ambient temperature ranges from -5°C during the nights to 15°C during the day. The hot springs maintain constant temperatures between 35°C and 42°C year-round. There are two well-defined seasons: dry (April-October) with clear skies and starry nights, and wet (November-March) with frequent precipitation that can hinder access via mountain routes.

What fauna and flora can be observed?

The surrounding grasslands are abundant with high Andean grasses or ichu, cold-resistant cushion plants like yareta, and various species of medicinal plants traditionally used by local communities. During the wet season, vibrant wildflowers appear, contrasting with the arid mountain landscape.

In terms of fauna, it’s common to see llamas and alpacas grazing nearby, vicuñas in the higher areas, and occasionally tarucas (Andean deer). Among the birds, condors soar over the area, along with Andean caracaras, kestrels, and various species of small birds adapted to the altitude. At night, it’s possible to spot Andean foxes and chinchillas. The area is part of the habitat of the spectacled bear, although sightings are very rare.

What activities can be done?

Main activities

Therapeutic thermal baths: The central activity, immersing in mineral waters ranging from 35°C to 42°C, ideal for relieving muscle pain, rheumatic issues, and altitude fatigue.

Acclimatization for trekking: Upis serves as an acclimatization point for expeditions to Ausangate, allowing the body to gradually adapt to extreme altitude.

Astronomical observation: Clear nights and the absence of light pollution provide exceptional conditions for observing Andean constellations and celestial phenomena.

Scenic walks: Short trails around the community offer panoramic views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain and surrounding glaciers.

Cultural tourism: Interaction with local families to learn about Andean traditions, herding techniques, and traditional medicine using high-altitude plants.

High-altitude photography: Spectacular landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset when the snow-capped mountains are painted in golden and pink hues.

Traditional ceremonies

Local communities perform ancestral ceremonies to thank Apu Ausangate and Pachamama for the gift of the hot springs. Upis is considered a sacred place where purification and spiritual renewal rituals are practiced. Local healers or hampiq conduct healing ceremonies using the medicinal properties of the waters combined with sacred plants from the region. During patron saint festivals and important ceremonial dates, offerings to the earth and gratitude rituals for nature’s blessings are carried out.

What is the best time to visit?

The best time is between May and September, during the dry season, when access is in better condition and the weather is more stable. The months of June to August offer optimal conditions with completely clear skies and sharp views of Ausangate. It is not recommended to visit during January, February, and March due to heavy snowfall and rain that can make access roads impassable. The dry season also coincides with trekking season, allowing you to combine a visit to the hot springs with longer expeditions.

What to bring for the visit?

Recommended gear

Specialized clothing: Layered thermal clothing, down or synthetic jacket, waterproof pants, mountain footwear with good grip, wool hat, gloves, thermal socks.

High-altitude equipment: Swimsuit, quick-dry towel, altitude sickness medication (soroche), sunscreen SPF 50+, UV protection sunglasses, headlamp with extra batteries.

Survival items: Energy foods, sufficient water, thermos with hot drinks, personal first aid kit, waterproof bags, sleeping bag (if planning to camp).

Optional gear: Cold-resistant camera, binoculars for wildlife observation, GPS or offline map app.

Important tips

• Acclimatize in Cusco at least 2-3 days before the visit
• Check weather and access conditions before the trip
• Inform family about the route and estimated return time
• Respect the traditions and sacred spaces of the community
• Bring cash for community contributions

Connection routes from Upis

From the Upis hot springs, various connection routes are available: Route to Pacchanta (15 km, 3-4 hour walk to the more developed hot springs), Ausangate Trek circuit (Upis is part of the classic 5-6 day route around the highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco), connection to Laguna Pumacocha (2-hour walk to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the circuit), route to Rainbow Mountain (less crowded alternative access), trail to glacier viewpoints (panoramic views of Ausangate and hanging glaciers), and connection to Pampacancha (another set of hot springs under tourism development).

Is there an entrance fee?

Voluntary community contribution. There is no fixed entrance fee, but a financial contribution is requested for the maintenance of the facilities and community development. The suggested amount is: foreign visitors 10-15 soles, Peruvians 5-10 soles, students with ID 5 soles. Additional costs include: basic family lodging (20-30 soles per night), traditional meals (15-25 soles per meal), local guide (50-80 soles per day), community transport (variable depending on distance), and additional activities such as guided walks (30-50 soles).

Conservation status

The hot springs are maintained in their natural state thanks to the care of the Upis community and tourism improvement programs implemented by Plan COPESCO. Basic facilities are being gradually improved to enhance the visitor experience without compromising the authentic character of the place. The thermal water flows naturally and is constantly renewed, maintaining its original purity. The community has established conservation rules that visitors must respect to preserve this natural heritage.

Cultural and tourism importance

Cultural value

As part of the sacred territory of Apu Ausangate, the Upis hot springs represent a fundamental element in the local Andean worldview. They are culturally important to communities as spaces for physical and spiritual healing, where ancestral purification rituals are practiced. The site is part of the network of sacred sites surrounding the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, considered one of the most powerful Apus in the Cusco region.

Economic impact

Thermal tourism is generating new economic opportunities for the Upis community, traditionally dedicated to high-altitude livestock and Andean crops. The development of community tourism provides additional income to local families through lodging, food, guiding services, and the sale of artisanal products. Improvement projects have created temporary jobs and training in tourism services.

Connection with other attractions

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

Ausangate Trek circuit: Integration as a rest and recovery point on the 5-6 day trekking routes around the highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Less crowded alternative access that allows you to visit this iconic destination with greater tranquility.

Pacchanta hot springs: Thermal circuit connecting different relaxation points in the same mountain system.

Ausangate lagoons: Visit to the 7 sacred lagoons of the circuit: Azul Cocha, Puca Cocha, Q’omercocha, and other glacial formations.

Traditional communities: Experiential tourism experiences in villages that maintain ancestral herding and high-altitude agriculture traditions.

Natural observatories: Prime spots for appreciating glaciers, geological formations, and high mountain natural phenomena.

The hot springs represent a unique experience that combines thermal wellness, high-altitude tourism, authentic cultural immersion, and mountain adventure, making it the perfect destination for travelers seeking a deep connection with Andean nature and experiencing the genuine hospitality of high-altitude communities in one of the most spectacular and best-preserved environments in the Peruvian Andes.

Tours recommendations in Ausangate and its lagoons