This large South American country is loaded with thermal springs, nestled throughout its mountainous landscape. As a Spanish-speaking destination, you’ll hear a number of varieties of the phrase hot springs, including “baños termales”, “agua caliente” and “aguas termales”. Both resorts and primitive soaking options are available in Peru.
Machu Picchu (Agua Calientes) Hot Springs – Peru
Machu Picchu Hot Springs, usually known as Agua Calientes after the town it’s in, or Baños Termales (Machu Picchu), is a day resort in Peru. It’s located a short walk from the town center, welcoming guests year-round. The best part about this hot springs resort is its natural setting surrounded by the lush jungle forest …
List of Thermal Springs in PER
Both the north and south of Peru contain ample hot springs for your bathing pleasure. Whether you’re hiking the famed Inca Trail or another one of its many backpacking expeditions, there’s likely a relaxing place to soak nearby. Even the major Peruvian cities hold relatively close access to soothing mineral springs. Plus, there are miles of shoreline, offering the chance to swim in salty seawater.
Map of Thermal Springs in PER
Guide to Peru’s Natural Thermal Springs
In Peru, hot springs are called “baños termales.” This translates to “thermal baths” which may be more familiar to English speakers, and Peru has an assortment of natural springs to bathe in.
It is believed the Inca used the hot springs, especially those located in Machu Picchu. If you would like to bathe where the ancients once did, the mountain is still open to thermal bathing tourism. You can see the legacy of these people in several names of baños termales like that of Baños del Inca.
Thermal Springs in Northern Peru
Located in the arid desert is Aguas Termales de Hervideros, a murky hot spring with high saline content. For this reason, previous guests recommend bringing a large stock of drinking water with you since you’ll be both sweating and bathing in water that can dehydrate. Little foxes come and go at the waterside, but they tend to not bother bathers.
Toward the center of the country, in the town of Huancahuasi, is the hot springs hotel Baños Termales de Picoy. At the hotel and campground, you can experience the thermal water indoors or outdoors. The hotel is a colorful work of architectural art, located in the mountains, and provides guests with a landscape that has everything from waterfalls to frolicking mountain goats.
Other northern area hot springs include:
- La Poza de Barro
- Chancay Baños
- Aguas Termanles. Cachicadan
- Los Baños del Inca
- Baños Termales de Chimur Por Amparaes
Thermal Springs in Southern Peru
Toward the south-center of the country lies Aguas Termales Ayhuicha, an untouched hot spring hugged by the Peruvian canyons. The narrow road leading to Ayhuicha requires a means of transportation able to handle the rugged terrain. Visiting the hot springs is free, and there are unregulated changing rooms nearby.
Located near the body of water known as Laguna Langui is the Aguas Calientes La Raya. These hot springs (and the hostel attached to them) have something for everyone. There are indoor and outdoor pools, as well as pools on the cooler side along with ones that run quite hot.
Other southern area hot springs locations include:
- Aguas Termales Cocalmayo de Santa Teresa
- Hot Springs – Lares
- Baños Termales de Cconoc
- El Volcancito
- Hot springs of Chucchu
- Baños Termales de Chacapi
- Baños Termales Machu Picchu
- Ausangate Peru Hot Springs
- Upis Hot Springs
- Pacchanta Hot Springs
Visit Peru
Peru has a welcoming climate in spring, summer, and fall. The winters get quite cold, although that certainly doesn’t deter hot springs bathing. With both indoor spas and resorts and outdoor sites catering to hikers, there’s something in the country for everyone.
Learn more about visiting Peru on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.
