Colca Hot Springs

If a day of mountain passes and condor-watching sounds exhausting, the hot springs version of the Colca tour is the answer. It follows the same route from Arequipa through the Aguada Blanca reserve to the canyon, but builds in time at the thermal baths near Chivay, where the water emerges at pleasant temperatures and the surrounding hills are dotted with llamas and rough stone walls. The pools make the day feel less like an endurance test and more like a holiday, and they are an excellent way to ease tired muscles after hours in a minibus. It remains a long day, but the thermal stop is a highlight many travellers remember best.

Chivay is the main town in the Colca Valley and the usual gateway to the canyon. At around 3,600 metres it is a market town of narrow streets, a small plaza, craft stalls and cafes, and it has a rhythm that feels far from the tourist crowds of Cusco. The tour typically stops here for lunch, often a buffet with Andean dishes such as alpaca, trout and quinoa soup, and some operators allow time to walk through the market and see local women in embroidered hats and traditional dress.

The market sells textiles, alpaca-wool items and souvenirs, and prices are often lower than in the cities.

The hot springs are a few kilometres from town, on the edge of the valley. They consist of several pools at different temperatures, set around a stone building and a changing area, with views of the canyon walls and distant peaks. The water is warm rather than scalding, and the minerals are said to be good for the skin and joints.

A soak of thirty to sixty minutes is typical, and the cool mountain air makes the contrast with the water particularly pleasant. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and sandals, and a small amount of cash for lockers or the entry fee, which is sometimes not included in the tour.

The remaining stops depend on the operator but commonly include the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where condors are best seen in the morning, and a few photo stops at villages with colonial churches. Because the day is long, it is worth choosing a tour with a reasonable plan and a driver who knows the roads, and keeping an eye on departure times so you do not miss the main viewpoint. Many travellers prefer a two-day itinerary that includes the hot springs on the first evening, which is more relaxed and gives you time to enjoy the valley rather than rushing through it.

Timing the soak is the trick. Hot water at altitude can make you light-headed, so enter slowly, keep sessions short at first, and drink water afterwards. Cool evening air bites once you leave the pools, so bring a warm layer and a towel, and keep your clothes handy in a dry bag.

If your tour reaches the springs late in the afternoon, the changing light on the canyon walls makes it especially pleasant. Early in the morning it is quieter, but also colder. Lockers and changing rooms are basic, so a small waterproof bag is handy for your phone and cash.