The Lares thermal baths are one of the most popular recreational centers in Cusco. It has three swimming pools whose temperatures vary from 36ºC. (96.8ºF) up to 44ºC. (111.2ºF). Its waters have a yellowish color typical of sodium, chlorides, magnesium, potassium, sulfates, bicarbonates, manganese, iron, zinc, copper and dissolved solids. Most tourists who visit these baths do so as part of the hiking route to Machu Picchu, known as the Lares trek .
Description:
The Lares thermal baths are made up of 3 pools of water of different temperatures . They all have a depth of 1.5 meters high.
The first pool is 5 meters long and 3.50 meters wide and its temperature is 41ºC. (105.8ºF). It is the highest temperature pool.
The second pool has a dimension of 6 meters long and 4 meters wide. Its temperature is 35ºC. (95ºF).
Finally, the third pool has a dimension of 15 meters long and 8 meters wide. It has a temperature of 38ºC. (100.4ºF).
The waters come from a natural spring whose main healing properties help relieve some pain caused by rheumatic, stomach, joint and muscle diseases. This is thanks to the properties of water characterized by the presence of calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorides, sulfates, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, iron, copper and others.
Where are they located?
The town of Lares is located approximately 150 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco . Geographically it is located 3,150 meters above sea level (10,334 feet). It belongs to the province of La Convencion in the Cusco region.
How to get?
To get to the Lares thermal baths, you must first take a trip by public transport from the city of Cusco to the town of Calca (51 kilometers in 1 hour 30 minutes). Next, you must take another transport from Calca to the town of Lares (98 kilometers in 1 hour 30 minutes). Finally, in Lares you must choose between walking (1 kilometer route) or taking a taxi to the town’s thermal baths.
Why go to the thermal baths?
The Lares thermal baths are an excellent option to relax and enjoy the benefits of nature in the Andean towns. It is a great option if you are going to do the famous ‘Lares Trek’.
Price
• Foreign adults : 10 Peruvian soles (approximately 3 US dollars).
• Foreign children : 5 Peruvian soles (approximately 2 US dollars).
• National adults : 4 Peruvian soles.
• National children : 2 Peruvian soles.
• Room : 50 Peruvian soles (approximately 16 US dollars).
• Camping site : 7 Peruvian soles (approximately 2.5 US dollars).
The public service minivans to Calca depart from the “ Puputi ” stop, a few steps from the Historic Center of Cusco. The trip costs 5 Peruvian soles (approximately 2 US dollars). Then, you must take another public transport from Calca to Lares. This trip costs 10 Peruvian soles (approximately 3 US dollars).
Opening Hours
Lares thermal baths as well as the lodging service and camping area are available to the public every day of the year.
When to go?
The best time to visit the Lares thermal baths is during the dry season (April to October) . During these months, rain is less frequent, creating an ideal climate to enjoy hot outdoor baths. Keep in mind that the rainiest months are January, February and March.
Other similar tourist attractions
• Machacancha Thermal Baths (Calca) – These thermal baths are located on the slopes of a mountain outside the town of Calca. The temperatures of its waters reach 40ºC. (104ºF). Admission costs 5 Peruvian soles (approximately 2 US dollars).
• Cocalmayo thermal baths (Santa Teresa) – Cocalmayo is considered the best thermal baths in Cusco. It has up to 4 large swimming pools whose temperatures vary from 38ºC. (100.4ºF) up to 44ºC. (111.2ºF). Its waters are clear and, due to the tropical geography where it is located, it is more pleasant to relax in its pools. The cost of entry is 10 Peruvian soles (approximately 3 US dollars).
• Thermal baths of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) – The famous town of Aguas Calientes owes its name to its thermal baths located in the upper part of the place. The place has up to 2 large pools and other small ones whose temperatures vary from 38ºC. (100.4ºF) up to 46ºC. (114.8ºF). The entrance fee is 20 Peruvian soles (approximately 6 US dollars).
Additional Information
The Lares trek is a route of 4 days and 3 nights that leads to Machu Picchu after walking approximately 33 kilometers . On day 1, tourists relax in the thermal baths and then begin the walk that visits different high Andean towns such as: Wacahuasi , Patacancha, Willoq and others. For this reason, this route is recognized as ‘The cultural route to Machu Picchu’.
The best time to visit the Lares thermal baths is early in the morning or during the night. At those times of the day there are few visitors so you may be almost alone in the place. In the afternoons, however, many people (especially children) visit the thermal baths.
Tips for your visit
The Lares thermal baths are a must-see route if you hire the hiking route known as the ‘ 4-day Lares trek to Machu Picchu’ . If you have to do this route, don’t forget to bring swimwear with you.
The town of Lares is located almost 3 hours from the city of Cusco. That is why a good idea is to stay and camp in the thermal baths and then return to the city of Cusco. Along the way you can visit other Inca towns such as Pisac or Calca.
