The Cocalmayo Hot Springs are one of the great “hidden rewards” of the Salkantay Trek. After days of steep climbs, high-altitude cold, and long descents, soaking in natural hot pools surrounded by green mountains feels incredibly restorative.
They’re located near the town of Santa Teresa, an area with a much warmer climate that contrasts completely with the icy heights of Abra Salkantay.
If your itinerary passes through Santa Teresa (as happens on several 4- or 5-day Salkantay versions and on the Inca Jungle Trek), visiting Cocalmayo can make a real difference in your physical recovery.
📍 Where Are They & How Do You Get There?
The hot springs are a few kilometers from central Santa Teresa, surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains.
Common ways to get there:
🚐 Short ride from town (approx. 10–20 minutes)
🥾 Light walk if your accommodation is nearby
🚶♂️ Included as an optional activity in many organized tours
On Salkantay itineraries that pass through Santa Teresa, the visit usually happens:
- Afternoon of Day 2 or Day 3
- After an intense trekking day
♨️ What Are the Pools Like?
Cocalmayo isn’t just one pool — it’s a natural complex of several tiered pools.
Main features:
- Large open-air pools
- Clear thermal water
- Different temperature levels
- Natural setting with mountain views and a nearby river 🌿
Unlike more urban thermal complexes, Cocalmayo maintains a very open and natural atmosphere.
🌡️ Water Temperature & Benefits
Pools usually vary in temperature:
- Warm pools: around 35–38°C (95–100°F)
- Hotter pools: can exceed 40°C (104°F+)
You can choose according to your comfort level.
Common sensations after trekking:
- Deep relaxation in legs and back
- Reduced muscle stiffness
- Relief from knee impact
- Better sleep that night
It’s not a medical treatment — but it definitely helps after long, demanding days.
🥾 Why They’re Especially Recommended on Salkantay
The Salkantay route combines:
- A tough climb to Abra Salkantay (high altitude + cold)
- Long descents that strain knees
- Humid or warm jungle sections
Your body accumulates muscular fatigue and tension.
Hot water immersion helps:
- Improve circulation
- Relax overworked muscles
- Reduce accumulated fatigue
Many travelers say they sleep noticeably better after visiting Cocalmayo.
🌄 Best Time to Visit
🌅 Late Afternoon / Sunset (Recommended)
- Softer light
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Pleasant outside temperature
🌙 Night
- Very peaceful experience
- Strong contrast between cool air and hot water
⏰ Peak Hours
- Pools can get crowded when multiple trekking groups arrive at once.
- If you want total tranquility, go outside peak times.
🎒 What to Bring During the Trek
Plan ahead — you may not have access to your main luggage.
Essentials:
- Swimsuit 👙🩳
- Lightweight quick-dry towel
- Sandals
- Bag for wet clothes
- Cash (for entrance or transport if not included)
Some tours do not include the entrance fee — confirm in advance.
⚠️ Health & Safety Tips
Even though it’s relaxing, keep this in mind:
- Don’t enter if you feel dizzy from altitude or dehydration.
- Avoid staying too long in very hot water (especially if exhausted).
- Hydrate before and after soaking.
- Avoid sudden extreme changes (very hot → very cold water immediately).
- Keep personal belongings monitored.
If you have low blood pressure or feel weak, limit your time in the hot pools.
🧳 Are They Included in All Salkantay Tours?
Not always.
Some classic Salkantay versions skip Santa Teresa and head directly toward Hydroelectric via another variant.
Others include Santa Teresa and offer Cocalmayo as:
- Optional activity
- Included activity
Always confirm before booking.
📊 Quick Comparison: Is It Worth It?
| Aspect | Without Cocalmayo | With Cocalmayo |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle recovery | Night rest only | Deep relaxation |
| Extra experience | Traditional trek | Trek + thermal experience |
| Comfort level | Medium | Higher |
| Cost | Lower | May increase slightly |
For many travelers, it becomes one of the most memorable moments of the journey.
🏔️ Conclusion
The Cocalmayo Hot Springs are more than just an optional stop — they’re a true physical and mental reset in the middle of the Salkantay adventure.
The contrast between demanding trekking and peaceful thermal pools creates a perfectly balanced experience: adventure + recovery.
