The Cusco region certainly offers many excursions; like the «Inca Trail», the «Inca Jungle» or the «Salkantay Trail», all with the same objective «Machu Picchu». And the hot springs play a part, as it’s Mother Nature’s way of soothing tired bodies after long hikes. But one spa can never be the same as another, the difference is always there, and in this blog we are going to show you some differences between the spas in the city of Machu Picchu, better known as Aguas Calientes, and Cocalmayo in Santa Teresa . .
Differences between hot water thermal baths.
| Thermal baths of Cocalmayo (Santa Teresa) | Aguas Calientes Hot Springs (Machu Picchu Pueblo) | |
| Position | The thermal baths of Cocalmayo are located in the valley of the Urubamba River (Vilcanota). You are 20 minutes from the town of Santa Teresa in the province of Convención, in Cusco – Peru; exactly at kilometer 135 of the railway between Cusco and Quillabamba. | The town of Aguas Calientes is very small, as are the thermal bath. They are less than a kilometer (15 minutes walk) from the town square, in the middle of the mountain. |
| elevation | at 1600m altitude | It is located at 2,040 meters above sea level. |
| Temperature | varies between 38ºC and 46ºC | varies between 40ºC and 44ºC |
| bowl | The thermal complex has three pools of different sizes and depths, which differ from other hot springs in Peru mainly because of its crystal clear water. | There are two pools upstairs and down a flight of stairs there are three other smaller pools. In the upper part, the second one is the hottest and generally the preferred one, while the pools in the lower part are less hot but are chosen by couples or groups because they are more intimate and smaller. |
| Advantage | Its water is rich in essential minerals such as sodium, magnesium, bicarbonate, calcium, sulfate and others that have healing properties for the skin, bones, muscles and joints. | These come from underground and have a healing effect on rheumatism, kidney and joint diseases. |
| attention time | The wellness center is open every day of the week from 05:00 to 23:00. | The hot springs are open from Monday to Sunday from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sundays are the busiest days. |
| spa fees | Foreigners ………………… S/ 1 0.00
National ………………… S/ 5.00 |
Foreigners …………………… S/ 10.00 Citizens ……………… …… S/ 5.00 Regionals ……………… …… S/ 3.00 |
Thermal baths of Aguas Calientes
These hot springs not only provide medicinal benefits, but also provide a wonderful experience, making them the most popular in the Cusco region. Visiting this beautiful city is a real adventure, are you ready? At Kuskandes Trek, our goal is to provide you with quality service during your stay in this wonderful region, with all the professionalism to accompany you at every stage of your trip.
