Lares thermal baths
The thermal baths of Lares is one of the most popular recreational centers in Cusco. It has three swimming pools whose temperatures vary from 36ºC. (96.8 ° F) to 44 ° C. (111.2 ° F). 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 trekking route to Machu Picchu, known as the Lares trek.
All about the thermal baths of Lares
Description
The thermal baths of Lares are made up of 3 pools of water of different temperatures. All have a depth of 1.5 meters high.
The first pool has a dimension of 5 meters long and 3.50 meters wide and its temperature is 41ºC. (105.8 ° F). It is the pool with the highest temperature.
The second pool has a dimension of 6 meters long and 4 meters wide. Its temperature is 35ºC. (95 ° F).
Finally, the third pool has a dimension of 15 meters long and 8 meters wide. It has a temperature of 38ºC. (100.4 ° F).
The waters come from a natural spring whose main healing properties help to alleviate some pain products of rheumatic, stomach, joint and muscular diseases. This is thanks to the properties of water characterized by the presence of calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorides, sulfates, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, boron, copper and others.
Where are they found?
The town of Lares is located approximately 150 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. Geographically it is located at 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 thermal baths of Lares, you must first make a trip by public transport from the city of Cusco to the town of Calca (51 kilometers in 1 hour 30 minutes). Then 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.
Map
Why go to the thermal baths?
The thermal baths of Lares 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 leave from the “Puputi” bus stop a few steps from the Historic Center of Cusco. The trip has a cost of 5 Peruvian soles (2 US dollars approximately). Then, you will have to take another public transport from Calca to Lares. This trip has a cost of 10 Peruvian soles (3 US dollars approximately).
Hours of Operation
The thermal baths of Lares 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 hot springs is during the dry season (from April to October). In those months the rains are less frequent, creating an ideal climate to enjoy hot baths in the open air. 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 on the outskirts of the town of Calca. The temperatures of its waters reach 40ºC. (104ºF). The entrance has a cost of 5 Peruvian soles (2 US dollars, approximately).
- Cocalmayo Thermal Baths (Santa Teresa) – Cocalmayo is considered to be the best thermal baths in Cusco. It has up to 4 large pools whose temperatures vary from 38ºC. (100.4ºF) to 44ºC. (111.2 ° F). 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).
- Machu Picchu Thermal Baths (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) to 46ºC. (114.8 ° F). The cost of entry is 20 Peruvian soles (6 US dollars approximately).
Images of the thermal baths of Lares
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 start 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 thermal baths of Lares is early in the morning or at night. At those times of the day there are few visitors so you can be almost alone in the place. In the afternoons, on the other hand, many people (especially children) visit the thermal baths.
Tips for your visit
The thermal baths of Lares is a must if you hire the hiking route known as the ‘Lares trek to Machu Picchu for 4 days’. If you have to do this route, do not forget to bring your bathing suit.
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. On the way you can meet other Inca towns such as Pisac or Calca.