After crossing the Salkantay Pass and descending for hours into the cloud forest, your legs will be begging for a break. The Cocalmayo hot springs, just minutes from Santa Teresa, are the stop many travelers look forward to from day one. Hot pools at the foot of the mountains, beside the river, as night falls over the valley. Here is when to visit them during the trek, how to get there, what you will find, and what precautions to take to enjoy them without any hassle.
What are the Cocalmayo hot springs?
Cocalmayo is a complex of pools fed by hot water springs that emerge from the base of the mountain, on the banks of the Urubamba River. It is located a few kilometers from Santa Teresa and is managed by the district municipality.
It is not a spa or a luxury resort. It is a simple place, with outdoor pools surrounded by vegetation and rock walls, used by both travelers and local families. That simplicity is part of its charm.
Which day of the trek are they visited?
On most five-day itineraries, Cocalmayo is visited on the afternoon of the third day, after arriving in the La Playa or Santa Teresa area. It is the ideal time: you have already completed the most demanding part of the route, and there are still two days of hiking ahead.
On four-day versions or routes that do not pass through Santa Teresa, the visit may not be included in the itinerary. Ask your agency whether it is included and whether transportation to the hot springs is covered by them or by you.
How to get there from Santa Teresa
The hot springs are about ten to fifteen minutes by vehicle from the center of Santa Teresa. If your agency does not include the transfer, there are taxis and local vehicles in town that make the round trip.
Arrange your return time with the driver before going in. At night, it is harder to find transportation at the entrance to the hot springs, especially outside the high season.
You can also walk there, but the route follows the road and has no lighting. It is not recommended at night.
The pools and facilities
The complex has several pools at different temperatures, from warm to quite hot. It is best to start with the warmest pool and move to the hotter ones once your body has adjusted.
There are changing rooms, restrooms, and showers to use before entering the water, which is mandatory. There are also small stalls selling drinks and snacks.
The facilities are basic. Do not expect secure lockers in every case or towels available to rent.
Opening hours and admission
The hot springs are open from early morning until night, every day. Admission is paid at the entrance, in cash and soles, with different rates for domestic and international visitors.
Hours and prices may change, so confirm them with your guide before you go. If admission is not included in your tour, add it to your budget for expenses along the route.
What to bring to the hot springs
Since you will be coming from several days of trekking, it is a good idea to set aside a small bag with the essentials in the morning:
- Swimwear.
- A quick-drying towel.
- Sandals for walking around the pool edges and showers.
- Insect repellent for leaving at sunset.
- A change of dry clothes and a light warm layer for the return trip.
- Cash in small bills for admission, transportation, and a drink.
- A waterproof bag for your phone and documents.
Leave everything you do not need at the campsite or hotel. Taking your passport to the hot springs only increases the risk of losing it or getting it wet.
Afternoon or night: when is the best time to go?
By late afternoon, the sun is no longer beating down on the pools and the hot water is more enjoyable. This is when most Salkantay groups arrive.
At night, with the pools lit up and the open sky above the valley, the experience changes completely. There are usually fewer people after the first groups leave.
In the morning, the hot springs are almost empty, but on most itineraries that time is already reserved for the next day’s hike.
Health precautions
The hot water relaxes your muscles, but it also puts demands on your body, especially after days of physical exertion.
- Do not stay in the hottest pools for too long at a time. Alternate with breaks outside the water.
- Drink water before and after. The heat of the water can dehydrate you even if you do not notice it.
- Avoid alcohol while you are in the pools.
- If you have high blood pressure, a heart condition, or are pregnant, consult your doctor beforehand and use only the warm pools.
- If you feel dizzy, get out of the water immediately and sit in the shade.
Mosquitoes at sunset
Cocalmayo is right in the cloud forest, beside the river, and mosquitoes and small biting insects appear at sunset. Their bites can be bothersome for several days.
Apply insect repellent before leaving the pools and wear long sleeves for the return trip. It is the detail people forget most often and regret the most the next day.
To find out what other services are available in this part of the route, such as cell phone signal, internet, or medical care, check the services available during the Salkantay Trek.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Cocalmayo hot springs included in the Salkantay Trek?
It depends on the agency. Some include transportation and admission, others include only transportation, and some include neither. Ask when booking so you know how much cash to bring.
How much time do you spend at the hot springs?
Between one and two hours is typical on group itineraries. It is enough time to try several pools and rest without making it too late for dinner.
Does Cocalmayo water have medicinal properties?
Many local people attribute benefits to the thermal water. What is certain is that the heat helps relax your muscles after several days of hiking.
Can children go to the hot springs?
Yes, as long as they are accompanied and use the warm pools. Monitor how long they spend in hot water, as children dehydrate and become dizzy more easily.
Are there other hot springs along the Salkantay route?
Cocalmayo is the most visited along the route. At the end of the trek, in Aguas Calientes, there are also thermal baths, although most travelers arrive with little time before visiting Machu Picchu.