Cocalmayo Hot Springs

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Cocalmayo Hot Springs

Spring

Cocalmayo Hot Springs is a thermal-bath complex in the Santa Teresa district of Cusco, Peru, set in the high Andean cloud forest. Travelers come to soak in natural hot pools after trekking or to relax amid riverine scenery.

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Cocalmayo Hot Springs essentials

Address: Cocalmayo, Santa Teresa district, Cusco, Peru

Cocalmayo is a cluster of natural hot springs and pool facilities located in the eastern Andes within the cloud-forest zone of the Southern Sierra. The site sits beside a small river and is reached via the valley roads that run below the high mountain passes into the Vilcabamba foothills.

The springs are fed by geothermal water and have been used locally for generations; today they form a simple thermal-bath complex with several soaking pools and basic visitor facilities. The site is a convenient soak for people walking or finishing longer treks in the area and for visitors sightseeing in the nearby archaeological and natural attractions such as the Salkantay Trek route and Machu Picchu area.

Visiting Cocalmayo feels informal and relaxed rather than resort-like: expect warm pools, river walks and surrounding vegetation of the cloud forest. Facilities and services are modest and locally run, so plan for a practical, outdoorsy experience rather than luxury spa amenities.

  • Thermal pools: Several natural and built pools of varying temperatures offer soaking spots beside the river.
  • River gorge and small waterfalls: The adjacent river cuts a shallow gorge with little cascades that are pleasant to explore between soaks.
  • Cloud-forest setting: Thick vegetation and birdlife of the cloud forest surround the pools and paths.
  • Trail access: Short walking trails lead upriver and link with the valley roads used by trekkers and local visitors.
  • Sunset and light on the hills: Late-afternoon light on the surrounding slopes makes for attractive views from the pools.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cocalmayo Hot Springs#

Cocalmayo sits in a highland, subtropical climate with a distinct wet season and a dry season; accessibility and trail conditions are the main factors when choosing when to visit.

Dry season (best)
May - September · 13°C - 28°C (55°F - 82°F)
The driest months bring more reliable road and trail conditions and clearer skies, making access easier and walks around the pools less muddy.
Shoulder seasons
April, October · 14°C - 29°C (57°F - 84°F)
These months can offer a mix of dry and wet days and are less crowded than the peak dry months; be prepared for occasional showers.
Wet season (rainy)
November - March · 14°C - 28°C (57°F - 82°F)
Frequent heavy rain can make valley roads and trails slippery or impassable at times and may affect river levels, so expect muddier approaches and check local conditions.

Weather & Climate near Cocalmayo Hot Springs#

Climate

Cocalmayo Hot Springs's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 13°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1620 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 62 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 14° - 27° 20° 272 mm overcast 86% 1.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.7h
February Good 14° - 27° 21° 288 mm overcast 87% 1.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.4h
March Good 14° - 27° 21° 242 mm overcast 87% 1.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 14° - 28° 21° 143 mm partly cloudy 85% 1.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
May Excellent 13° - 27° 20° 50 mm some cloud 82% 1.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.4h
June Excellent 13° - 27° 20° 22 mm some cloud 78% 1.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.2h
July Ideal 13° - 27° 20° 28 mm mostly sunny 75% 1.3 m/s 1.9 very high 11.3h
August Excellent 13° - 28° 21° 44 mm some cloud 70% 1.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.6h
September Excellent 14° - 28° 21° 70 mm partly cloudy 72% 1.7 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
October Very Good 14° - 29° 22° 111 mm partly cloudy 76% 1.7 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.3h
November Very Good 14° - 28° 21° 135 mm partly cloudy 78% 1.7 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.6h
December Good 14° - 27° 21° 215 mm overcast 84% 1.6 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cocalmayo Hot Springs#

The nearest major city is Cusco, which is the regional hub for flights and long-distance buses; Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport serves Cusco. For rail access to the general Machu Picchu area the main railhead is at Ollantaytambo, from where road travel continues into the valleys.

From Cusco most visitors travel by road into the Urubamba and Vilcabamba valleys to reach the town of Santa Teresa and the Cocalmayo area; the final stretch is covered by local vehicles, taxis or on foot from nearby trailheads. Trekkers often reach the springs as a short detour or recovery stop after multi-day walks, so check local transport options and trail conditions before you go.

Tips for Visiting Cocalmayo Hot Springs#

  • Bring swimwear, a towel and modest footwear suitable for wet, uneven rocks.
  • Water temperatures can vary between pools; always test the water before entering.
  • Paths and approaches can be muddy after rain, so waterproof shoes and a change of clothes help.
  • Facilities are basic and locally run - carry any personal items you need, and check services locally.
  • If arriving after a long trek, allow time to rest before soaking if you have any health concerns.