Hot Springs of Peru

A hot spring is formed when water that is heated underground returns to the surface of the earth. In some areas, magma or lava has worked its way up through Earth's crust. These hot rocks sit at shallow depths beneath Earth's surface. Water that seeps downward into these hot zones is heated by the fiery rock, and returns to the surface, where it may pool to form springs.

Native Americans and others have long held the belief that special guardian spirits reside at these springs, spirits that offer cleansing and healing to those who approach the springs with the correct attitude of humility and reverence. To this day, people visit such springs in pursuit of both spiritual and physical healing from the stresses and issues we all accrue from the mere fact of living on a planet whose systems are out of balance.

People may frequent hot springs for a variety of reasons. Some experience a sense of communion with nature, and marvel at the fact that the Earth is so kind as to provide sojourners with comforting hot baths, many of which are set in idyllic natural surroundings. Others seek the profound shift in consciousness that may accompany a long soak. (I once spent most of an entire week in a particular pool) Others wish for relief from skin or blood ailments, or comfort for muscle sprains and strains. Hot springs are good places to meet people and visit in a relaxed setting, to spend quality time with family and friends, and to shift away from routine.

There are some simple rules visitors to hot springs should be aware of. People should remember to approach a hot springs experience with respect for nature and concern for fellow travelers. Glass should not be used at hot springs, nor should alcohol be consumed. Trash should be packed out or thrown into proper receptacles. Photos should not be taken of people without their permission. Noise should be kept to a minimum out of respect for people who are there to meditate. And people should instruct their children, not to urinate in the springs! 

There has been some controversy at times over the use of nudity in hot springs. There are those who enjoy the sensation of bathing au natural, feeling that entering the waters as nature made them adds to the experience. In developed hot springs, bathing suits are almost always required or customary. In some less accessible hot springs, visitors may be in the habit of bathing in the nude; however, this does not mean they come to be gawked at. Most people who visit hot springs are coming to have a close experience with nature, and some come seeking a profound spiritual experience. Nude bathers, are not, as a rule, coming to put on a show for others.

It is not surprising that Peru has many hot springs, some more accessible than others, to offer both to the traveler and the local resident, a respite from stress and a cure for what ails them.  A few of the most highly regarded hot springs, or baños termales, of Peru are described below:

Cajamarca Hot Springs: Found 6 km east of the city of Cajamarca, these springs are famous for having been used by the Inca Atahualpa at the time of the Conquest.  In fact, legend has it that he was soaking in the springs with his family at the moment that Pizarro arrived in the city to seize his kingdom. The original pool, called Poza del Inca, has been preserved intact, and new pools have been built for individuals and groups. These waters are known for their medicinal properties.   
 
Lares Hot Springs: Accessed after a two hour drive from the town of Calca, through some of the most beautiful countryside anywhere in Peru, Lares Hot Springs are set alongside the Lares River Canyon. There is a luxuriously large warm swimming pool and cascading showers which provide an instant natural water massage, plus four pools, which range from tepid to very hot.  Camping, private indoor Jacuzzi, changing rooms, and showers are available. 

Aguas Calientes Hot Springs, located a 10 minute walk from the town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu, these springs have been recently rebuilt and refurbished. There are several pools, ranging in temperature from cold to moderately hot. There are changing facilities, showers and a small snack bar on site.

It is important to remember to approach hot springs with respect and to preserve them intact, so that people may continue to enjoy them for years to come.