Cocalmayo 1 Day Tour

Introduction

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.

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

Trip Summary

6:00 am hotel pickup in Cusco meet guide
6:30 am train departs to Machu Picchu Pueblo
9:00 am arrive, transfer to Santa Teresa van
10:15 am reach trailhead begin ten-minute walk
10:30 am first hot pool, test water temp
12:30 pm cold creek shower then snack break
1:00 pm last soak, changing rooms available
1:45 pm return hike to van
2:00 pm drive back to Machu Picchu Pueblo
3:30 pm train departs for Cusco
6:00 pm back in Cusco drop-off at hotel

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.

Itinerary

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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

DAY 2 Machu Picchu Discover

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

DAY 3 Aguas Calientes – Cocalmayo – Cusc

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.

Reviews

5.0 4.9 - 462 TripAdvisor Reviews

Discover what fellow travelers have to say about their journeys through Turkey. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, these reviews highlight the unforgettable moments that make each trip truly special.

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★★★★★ 420
★★★★☆ 34
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Oswaldo Luiz C

5.0

A Agencia primou pela qualidade. Tanto nas programações, excelentes guias, qualidade dos transportes, horários e pontualidade.

Ruan N

5.0

A agência Yacana foi perfeita! Organizou nossos passeios no Peru da melhor forma possível, nos deu todo suporte que precisamos, independentemente do horário, nos deu dicas valiosas para os passeios, sugestões, além do acompanhamento de tudo ao longo dos dias....

Sunshine60374635165

5.0

Experiência indescritível! Fomos em 2 casais para o Peru e contratamos absolutamente todos os passeios com a Yacana. Vale Sagrado, Machu Picchu, 7 lagunas, montanha colorida, city tour cusco e islas ballestas e oasis em Lima. Segurança impecável, pontualidade perfeita...

Diego R

5.0

Experiência incrível, passeios todos bem feitos com a Yacana. Guias muitos preparados e prestativos, em especial a Rosa. Recomendo!

Daniele P

5.0

A agência tem um excelente atendimento, faz adaptações e oferece os melhores passeios, além de todo o pós venda que captura os feedbacks de forma atenta e cuidadosa. Recomendo para todos que posso os serviços da Yacana.

Flávia F

5.0

Tivemos ótima experiência com nossos tour! Equipe pontual, muito organizada, guias bem preparados e simpáticos . Empresa de confiança!

Tamara F

5.0

Tivemos uma experiencia maravilhosa com o guia Robert e motorista Hernan no passeio a Wanacancha + Pisac! O Robert é uma simpatia e cheio de cultura - um professor!!! Recomendamos muito!!

Miliani Greco

5.0

Desde o início do atendimento até a execução do que contratamos, foram extremamente atenciosos e pontuais. Não precisávamos nos preocupar com nada, apenas em curtir o Peru e suas belezas.

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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

Updgrades

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 Guide

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.

Faqs

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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