Local tour operator in Cusco, Peru
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Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour

Relax at Cocalmayo: Crystal-clear thermal baths surrounded by lush Andean jungle.

Santa Teresa Valley, Cocalmayo Thermal Baths
1 Day 5.0 329 Reviews
From: $135.00USD
Destinations: Santa Teresa, Cocalmayo Hot Springs

Overview

journey that blends ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and pure relaxation. This three-day adventure takes you deep into the heart of Peru’s most iconic destinations—from the majestic Sacred Valley to the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu, and finally to the hidden gem of Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where nature’s healing waters await.

Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, scenic beauty, or a moment of peace beneath the Andean sky, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of exploration and rejuvenation. With private guides, seamless transportation, and curated experiences, you’ll enjoy every moment without the stress—just the wonder.

Let the Andes welcome you with open arms. Your unforgettable escape begins here.

Meals:
1 Lunch included
Transport:
Private Transport
Accommodation:
None (Day Tour)
Days:
1 Day
Group size:
Min 2 - Max 12 Persons
Ages:
All ages
Theme:
Wellness & Nature
Style:
Relaxing & Scenic
Physical rating:
Easy

Trip Details

  • Duration: 1 Day / 0 Nights
  • Activities: Hiking, Culture, Relaxation
  • Average Group Size: Up to 16
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Accommodation: None
  • Tour Language: English, Spanish
  • Hiking Distance: Approximately 2 km / 1.2 mi
  • Starts/Ends: Machu Picchu Pueblo / Machu Picchu Pueblo
  • Minimum Altitude: Approximately 5,250 ft
  • Maximum Altitude: Approximately 5,250 ft
  • Age Recommended: Min 6 Years Old
  • Is Necessary Acclimatization: No
  • Tickets to entrance: Is Necessary buy in advance
Travel Advisor
Juan Carlos
Local Travel Advisor
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Itinerary

DAY 1 Sacred Valley Exploratio

Begin your journey through the heart of the Andes with a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, home to ancient Inca sites, vibrant markets, and dramatic landscapes.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes

Spend the day exploring the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu with a private guide. Learn about its architecture, astronomical alignments, and spiritual significance.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we’ll head to the train station in Aguas Calientes for a scenic 45-minute ride to the Hydroelectric Station. From there, a private vehicle will take us on a winding drive through lush cloud forest to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, located near the town of Santa Teresa.

These natural thermal baths are nestled between the Urubamba River and a forested mountain slope, offering a tranquil setting surrounded by tropical vegetation. The complex features three pools of varying depths and temperatures, ranging from 38°C to 44°C, with crystal-clear waters rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and bicarbonate—known for their therapeutic effects on joints, muscles, and skin.

You’ll have approximately 3 hours to relax in the pools, enjoy the contrast of warm waters and cool mountain air, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding valley. Afterward, we’ll visit Santa Teresa, a small town known for its coffee plantations and laid-back vibe, where you’ll have free time for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to collect your belongings and board the train back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

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About this tour

You wake at 4:30 am in Cusco, groggy but ready. Guide waits outside your hotel then you hop in a taxi to Poroy station. You Buy your train ticket and grab a coffee, might spill a bit on your sleeve.

Train leaves at 6:30 am, two hours of chatter among travelers, snap a few photos out the window. At Aguas Calientes you switch to a shared van bound for Santa Teresa, wheels bouncing on a dusty track. After about an hour you reach the turnoff for Cocalmayo, drop off the van, sling your daypack on. A narrow trail lined with passion fruit vines leads you down to three pools carved into the riverbank at about 5,250 ft. First pool is shallow, water clear.

I wonder if the deeper pools are hotter. Some folks slide in with sandals on. Water temps here range roughly from 38 to 44 °C and locals say the minerals ease muscle aches. You move between the pools, test each one, then step under a cold spring shower fed by Uripata Creek—ouch, that chill wakes you up. A small shed offers lockers and changing areas; you pay around US$15 in cash. Lunch wait is short at a stand up the path—chicken soup or rice plate. Then another quick dip before you head back to the van.

Train departs Aguas Calientes at 3:30 pm, arrives Cusco at 6 pm.

You collapse in your room, still half wondering if one visit can fix days of soreness.

Why you'll love this tour

  • You get to soak in three pools that range from mildly warm to intensely hot, each offering a different mineral mix and temperature so you can switch if one feels too strong or too mild, and experience relief in a setting far from crowded Inca City tours.
  • The short trail through coffee and fruit plantations feels authentic, a chance to see local growers tending passion fruit and avocado before you reach clear mineral water that locals claim eases rheumatism and muscle aches better than any pill travelers carry.
  • Facilities are simple but effective: changing rooms for men and women, cold spring showers for quick cool-downs, lockers if you pay a small fee, and a snack stand offering soups and rice dishes made by Quechua families who cook over wood stoves just above the pools.
  • Small groups mean personal space in the water; no rush, no noise of dozens of travelers. You’ll chat softly with your guide about local legends, test water in each pool, then step under a natural shower fed by a creek that feels like a reset button after hot soaks.
  • Timing works for day trippers from Machu Picchu Pueblo: train up early, soak mid-morning into early afternoon, lunch in town, then catch the train back with enough daylight to unwind in your Cusco hotel or hit a local market for souvenirs.
Traveler Experiences

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Discover what fellow travelers have to say about their journeys through Peru with Yacana Peru.

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5.0 / 5.0 Rating
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Included

  • Private guided tour to Cocalmayo
  • Train ticket: Aguas Calientes → Hydroelectric Station
  • Private transport: Hydroelectric Station → Cocalmayo
  • Entrance ticket to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
  • Private transport: Cocalmayo → Hydroelectric Station
  • Train ticket: Hydroelectric Station → Aguas Calientes
  • Professional bilingual guide throughout the day

Not Included

What to Bring

  • Passport – Check at train station, must match ticket name
  • Swimsuit – Quick-dry fabric, thin strap for easy movement in pools
  • Towel – Compact microfiber folds small, dries fast
  • Water shoes – Protect feet from algae on pool floors and rocks on trail
  • Lightweight rain jacket – Sudden showers common around 1 pm
  • Water bottle (1 L min) – Free refills at snack stand or ask guide
  • Snacks – Energy bars or bananas, snack stand opens midday only
  • Sunscreen SPF 50 – Reapply before entering pools, water makes it wash off
  • Sunglasses – Floaters can’t stay on under natural showers
  • Daypack – Holds wet towel, phone in waterproof pouch, extra cash
  • Cash small bills – Entry fee, locker rental, lunch, tips

Is this trip right for you?

  • You want a break from steep stone paths and tight schedules at Inca City tours, preferring a low-impact day where you walk only one to two kilometers total, mostly on flat ground, then spend the bulk of the time chilling in mineral-rich water that locals swear by.
  • Early starts don’t scare you; you can handle a pickup around five thirty in the morning, a pre-dawn transfer to the train station, and still feel fresh enough to test water that reaches about forty-four degrees Celsius without complaints about groggy eyes or stiff knees.
  • You travel light, carrying a small daypack with swimwear, towel, sun protection and cash, and you’re fine paying on the spot for entry, lunch, gear rental or a quick massage after soaking; you don’t need an all-inclusive package with meal plans and bus schedules at every turn.
  • You appreciate simple comforts over luxury resorts: wooden changing stalls, basic lockers, tin-roofed snack huts where soup bowls steam in the morning air, and local quechua hosts who share tips on coffee growing and mineral springs chemistry.
  • You plan to stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo or Cusco both before and after your soak and you’re OK juggling train times, van pickups and a short hike; you’re not looking for a fully guided trek or camping setup, just a one-day side trip to rest your legs and reset.

Pricing


Upgrades

  • Private van transfer from Machu Picchu Pueblo – US$40 round-trip – avoids waiting for shared vehicles and gives you a direct ride to trailhead at your chosen time
  • Locker rental on site – US$5 per locker – keeps wallet, phone and clothes secure so you can soak without worry
  • Massage service – US$25 per 30 minutes – local therapist uses volcanic stones and oils for muscle recovery after hot pools
  • Buffet-style lunch at snack hut – US$12 – adds fresh fruit salad, local herbal tea and an extra soup course if you want more than basic rice plate
  • Water shoe rental – US$3 – for those who forgot gear or want a spare pair for creek shower sections

Travel information

Recommendations

Arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo by 24h before your soak to get used to lower humidity and avoid rushing from high-altitude hikes.

Climate

Subtropical zone, early mornings cool, midday warm, rain most likely between 12 pm and 2 pm, year-round average 21 °C.

Recommended Season

April to October brings fewer storms; November to March sees more rain but smaller crowds, trail stays open all year.

How to Dress

Layer a quick-dry t-shirt over swimsuit; add a light shell for rain; wear water shoes; cap or bandana for sun protection.

How to Prepare Physically

Short walks around Cusco’s Plaza de Armas or local trails build leg strength and test water shoes before the real one.

Local People

Quechua women and men run snack stand and manage baths, speak basic English; they’ll tell you to try the hottest pool last.

Who Should Join

Families with kids six and older, solo travelers needing a rest day, active seniors who want low-impact exploration.

Food on Route

The snack hut near the springs serves chicken or vegetable soup, rice with local herbs, fresh fruit in season. Portions are generous; plan US$8–12 per person.

What is the entry fee?

Approximately US$15 in cash; includes access to pools and showers, paid at the on-site ticket booth.

Are changing rooms available?

Yes separate stalls for men and women, metal lockers if you pay US$5, benches outside for gear.

What temperatures do the pools reach?

Temperatures range between about 38 °C to 44 °C; the hottest pool is best at the end of your visit.

Are there showers near the pools?

Cold freshwater showers from Uripata Creek sit beside the changing rooms for quick cooldowns.

What food options exist on site?

A snack hut offers chicken soup rice vegetable dishes and seasonal fruit, open from around noon.

Can I rent towels or shoes?

Yes towel rental is US$3, water shoes US$3 for those who forgot their own.

Is tipping staff expected?

Not required but appreciated; 5 to 10 % of entry fee is common for booth attendants and massage therapists.

What’s the best time to arrive?

Between 10 am and 11 am when pools are warm but not overcrowded; mornings are quieter.

How long do people usually stay?

Most visitors soak for about two to three hours including lunch break at the snack hut.

Will I need acclimatization?

No, Cocalmayo sits at roughly 1,600 m above sea level, significantly lower than Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo.

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Peru > Machu Picchu Tours > Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour
Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour
Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour
Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour
Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour
Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour
Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour
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Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour

Start: Cusco / Santa Teresa
End: Cusco / Santa Teresa
Duration
1 Day
Group size
Min 2 - Max 12 Persons
Minimum age
All ages
Style
Relaxing & Scenic
Theme
Wellness & Nature
Physical rating
Easy
From USD $168
Year-round departures
USD $135
Add to wishlist Trip code: YAC-239

Relax at Cocalmayo: Crystal-clear thermal baths surrounded by lush Andean jungle.

journey that blends ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and pure relaxation. This three-day adventure takes you deep into the heart of Peru’s most iconic destinations—from the majestic Sacred Valley to the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu, and finally to the hidden gem of Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where nature’s healing waters await.

Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, scenic beauty, or a moment of peace beneath the Andean sky, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of exploration and rejuvenation. With private guides, seamless transportation, and curated experiences, you’ll enjoy every moment without the stress—just the wonder.

Let the Andes welcome you with open arms. Your unforgettable escape begins here.

Why you'll love this trip

  • You get to soak in three pools that range from mildly warm to intensely hot, each offering a different mineral mix and temperature so you can switch if one feels too strong or too mild, and experience relief in a setting far from crowded Inca City tours.
  • The short trail through coffee and fruit plantations feels authentic, a chance to see local growers tending passion fruit and avocado before you reach clear mineral water that locals claim eases rheumatism and muscle aches better than any pill travelers carry.
  • Facilities are simple but effective: changing rooms for men and women, cold spring showers for quick cool-downs, lockers if you pay a small fee, and a snack stand offering soups and rice dishes made by Quechua families who cook over wood stoves just above the pools.
  • Small groups mean personal space in the water; no rush, no noise of dozens of travelers. You’ll chat softly with your guide about local legends, test water in each pool, then step under a natural shower fed by a creek that feels like a reset button after hot soaks.
  • Timing works for day trippers from Machu Picchu Pueblo: train up early, soak mid-morning into early afternoon, lunch in town, then catch the train back with enough daylight to unwind in your Cusco hotel or hit a local market for souvenirs.

Itinerary

Begin your journey through the heart of the Andes with a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, home to ancient Inca sites, vibrant markets, and dramatic landscapes.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes

Spend the day exploring the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu with a private guide. Learn about its architecture, astronomical alignments, and spiritual significance.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we’ll head to the train station in Aguas Calientes for a scenic 45-minute ride to the Hydroelectric Station. From there, a private vehicle will take us on a winding drive through lush cloud forest to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, located near the town of Santa Teresa.

These natural thermal baths are nestled between the Urubamba River and a forested mountain slope, offering a tranquil setting surrounded by tropical vegetation. The complex features three pools of varying depths and temperatures, ranging from 38°C to 44°C, with crystal-clear waters rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and bicarbonate—known for their therapeutic effects on joints, muscles, and skin.

You’ll have approximately 3 hours to relax in the pools, enjoy the contrast of warm waters and cool mountain air, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding valley. Afterward, we’ll visit Santa Teresa, a small town known for its coffee plantations and laid-back vibe, where you’ll have free time for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to collect your belongings and board the train back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

Inclusions and activities

Destinations Santa Teresa, Cocalmayo Hot Springs
Meals 1 Lunch included
Transport Private Transport
Accommodation None (Day Tour)

Included activities

  • Private guided tour to Cocalmayo
  • Train ticket: Aguas Calientes → Hydroelectric Station
  • Private transport: Hydroelectric Station → Cocalmayo
  • Entrance ticket to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
  • Private transport: Cocalmayo → Hydroelectric Station
  • Train ticket: Hydroelectric Station → Aguas Calientes
  • Professional bilingual guide throughout the day

What to bring

  • Passport – Check at train station, must match ticket name
  • Swimsuit – Quick-dry fabric, thin strap for easy movement in pools
  • Towel – Compact microfiber folds small, dries fast
  • Water shoes – Protect feet from algae on pool floors and rocks on trail
  • Lightweight rain jacket – Sudden showers common around 1 pm
  • Water bottle (1 L min) – Free refills at snack stand or ask guide
  • Snacks – Energy bars or bananas, snack stand opens midday only
  • Sunscreen SPF 50 – Reapply before entering pools, water makes it wash off
  • Sunglasses – Floaters can’t stay on under natural showers
  • Daypack – Holds wet towel, phone in waterproof pouch, extra cash
  • Cash small bills – Entry fee, locker rental, lunch, tips

Before you book you should know

  • You want a break from steep stone paths and tight schedules at Inca City tours, preferring a low-impact day where you walk only one to two kilometers total, mostly on flat ground, then spend the bulk of the time chilling in mineral-rich water that locals swear by.
  • Early starts don’t scare you; you can handle a pickup around five thirty in the morning, a pre-dawn transfer to the train station, and still feel fresh enough to test water that reaches about forty-four degrees Celsius without complaints about groggy eyes or stiff knees.
  • You travel light, carrying a small daypack with swimwear, towel, sun protection and cash, and you’re fine paying on the spot for entry, lunch, gear rental or a quick massage after soaking; you don’t need an all-inclusive package with meal plans and bus schedules at every turn.
  • You appreciate simple comforts over luxury resorts: wooden changing stalls, basic lockers, tin-roofed snack huts where soup bowls steam in the morning air, and local quechua hosts who share tips on coffee growing and mineral springs chemistry.
  • You plan to stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo or Cusco both before and after your soak and you’re OK juggling train times, van pickups and a short hike; you’re not looking for a fully guided trek or camping setup, just a one-day side trip to rest your legs and reset.

Recommendations

Arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo by 24h before your soak to get used to lower humidity and avoid rushing from high-altitude hikes.

Climate

Subtropical zone, early mornings cool, midday warm, rain most likely between 12 pm and 2 pm, year-round average 21 °C.

Recommended Season

April to October brings fewer storms; November to March sees more rain but smaller crowds, trail stays open all year.

How to Dress

Layer a quick-dry t-shirt over swimsuit; add a light shell for rain; wear water shoes; cap or bandana for sun protection.

How to Prepare Physically

Short walks around Cusco’s Plaza de Armas or local trails build leg strength and test water shoes before the real one.

Local People

Quechua women and men run snack stand and manage baths, speak basic English; they’ll tell you to try the hottest pool last.

Who Should Join

Families with kids six and older, solo travelers needing a rest day, active seniors who want low-impact exploration.

Food on Route

The snack hut near the springs serves chicken or vegetable soup, rice with local herbs, fresh fruit in season. Portions are generous; plan US$8–12 per person.

Travelers to Peru require a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. Most nationalities (USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Brazil) do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high altitude is strongly recommended.

Hotel nights feature comfortable 3-star boutique hotels in private en-suite rooms. On mountain treks, we provide premium 4-season Eureka tents (2 persons in a 4-person tent), foam sleeping mattresses, spacious dining tents with tables and chairs, and clean portable toilet facilities.

Your tour begins in Cusco, Peru. We include airport arrival transfer to your hotel. An informative briefing with your professional trekking guide takes place at your Cusco hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before your tour begins.

Dates and prices

Lock in your trip with a $100 flexible deposit. Free date changes up to 30 days prior.
Sun 3 Apr 2026
SALE LAST MINUTE
USD $168
USD $135
Sun 10 May 2026
GUARANTEED
USD $135
Sun 17 Jun 2026
SALE LAST MINUTE
USD $168
USD $135
Sun 24 Jul 2026
GUARANTEED
USD $135
Sun 3 Aug 2026
SALE LAST MINUTE
USD $168
USD $135

Reviews

5.0 · 329 reviews
5 Star
324
4 Star
5
3 Star
0
Various tours – city tour, Machu Picchu, Pisac, llama farm, San Blas Verified
Traveled 2025/2026
★★★★★

We had great tours with them! Rosa Guide very good and with a lot of information!

An excellent experience Verified
Traveled 2025/2026
★★★★★

We had an incredible experience with the tours! Everything was very well organized, from the schedules to the support during the trips. The guides were very attentive, helpful, and gave us a lot of interesting...

Safety and convenience Verified
Traveled 2025/2026
★★★★★

A wonderful experience, very punctual, capricious, service at all times, no doubt was the best choice, me and my friends felt very safe.

Best Agency Verified
Traveled 2025/2026
★★★★★

The Yacana was our best choice of trip. Always inquisitive and ready to serve us. Super we indicate!

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