The thermal baths of Pacchanta are a tourist destination that must be visited during the hiking route to the snowy Ausangate, the highest in Cusco (its peak reaches 6,384 meters above sea level). It is located at the foot of this imposing snow-capped mountain, in a frozen geography. However, the natural hot waters of Pacchanta range between 38ºC. and 44ºC. It is visited by Peruvian and foreign tourists. Even by the people of Cusco themselves!

• Hot springs at the foot of the Ausangate snow-capped peak
• Where is it located?
• How to get there from Cusco?
• Hiking route to Ausangate
• Entrance fee to Pacchanta
• Visiting hours
• Gallery of Images
• Other nearby tourist attractions
• Questions and answers about the hot springs of Pacchanta

The thermal baths of Pacchanta – Ausangate

Cusco is famous for its thermal baths, among which the following stand out: a) the thermal baths of Cocalmayo (Santa Teresa), the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) and the thermal baths of Lares (Sacred Valley of the Incas). To the south, at the foot of the immense snow-covered Ausangate, are the thermal baths of Pacchanta. During the visit to this recreational center you can also visit the famous mountain of 7 colors, the Vinicunca.

Hot springs at the foot of the Ausangate snow-capped peak

• Pacchanta are one of the lesser known hot springs in Cusco. However, due to its privileged location at the foot of the snowy Ausangate, it is one of the best natural landscapes to offer.
• The thermal baths are born from a natural spring coming from the high mountains of the Cordillera del Vilcanota. The temperature of its waters ranges between 38ºC. and 44ºC.
• The hot springs have up to seven pools. Although the place does not have a modern infrastructure, the hot waters are a balm for visitors. The geography of the place varies between 16ºC. and 0ºC.
• Most visitors to Pacchanta are Cusco citizens themselves. However, it is also common to observe tourists performing the famous multi-day hiking routes to the snowy Ausangate.
• Currently, proposals are being created in the area to improve the quality of tourist services such as: hotels, restaurants and camping areas.

Where is it located?

• The thermal baths are located in the community of Pacchanta, which belongs to the district of Ocongate (province of Quispicanchi).
• Pacchanta hot springs are located in a cold geography that reaches 4,200 meters above sea level.

How to get there from Cusco?

• To get to Pacchanta you must travel by car approximately 110 kilometers from the city of Cusco.
• To do this, from the city of Cusco, you must take the South Interoceanic highway from the city of Cusco (to the town of Tinki). At the end, take a detour along the trail. The trip by ground transportation takes approximately 3 hours.

Hiking route to Ausangate

• The thermal baths of Pacchanta are part of the Ausangate trek for several days.
• The route passes through several Andean villages and natural landscapes near the imposing snowy Ausangate, such as: Upis, Tinke, the Pumacocha lagoon, Tikaqocha as well as the famous 7 color mountain (the Vinicunca).
• On the fourth or fifth day of the route, the thermal baths of Pacchanta are visited.
• The Ausangate trek can be contracted with any tourism agency in Cusco.

Entrance fee to Pacchanta

These are the entrance fees to the Pacchanta thermal baths:

Visiting hours

• The Pacchanta thermal baths are open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 8 in the morning until 6 in the afternoon.

Image Gallery - Pacchanta Hot Springs

Other nearby tourist attractions

These are some of the tourist attractions that you can visit during your visit to the Pacchanta thermal baths:

• Mountain 7 Colors (Vinicunca) – The famous rainbow mountain is also located at the foot of the snow-capped Ausangate. It is the second most visited tourist attraction in Cusco (only after Machu Picchu). It has a natural landscape made up of a summit of varied colors and shades. To get there you must take a walk of approximately 2 hours. It is also included in the Ausangate trek.
• Circuit 7 lagoons – This circuit includes a visit to the lagoons: Azul Cocha, Oq’ecocha, Alqacocha, Otorongo, Puca Cocha, Q’omercocha and the Morococha lagoon. The circuit takes 2 to 3 hours on average. It can be done on your own or through the Ausangate trek. The route begins in the community of Pacchanta, also famous for its thermal baths.
• Snowy Ausangate – The Nevado Ausangate is the highest in Cusco. Its top reaches 6,384 meters above sea level. From several points you can see the snow: the Jampa pass viewpoint, the Arapa pass viewpoint, the Palomani pass viewpoint or the Ausangate pass viewpoint. It is not possible to climb to the top of the mountain if you do not have the necessary experience and equipment.

Questions and answers about the hot springs of Pacchanta

• 1. How many pools do the Pacchanta thermal baths have?

  The thermal baths of Pacchanta have up to 7 small pools.

• 2. Where are the Pacchanta thermal baths located?

  The thermal baths are located in the community of Pacchanta, in the province of Ocongate, department of Cusco.

• 3. Are the thermal baths of Pacchanta near the snowy Ausangate?

  It is estimated that the thermal baths of Pacchanta are only 8.2 kilometers from the snowy Ausangate.

• 4. How much does it cost to enter the Pacchanta thermal baths?

  The entrance ticket to the Pacchanta thermal baths costs 5 soles (1.5 US dollars) for Peruvian and foreign adults.

• 5. What are the visiting hours for the Pacchanta thermal baths?

  The Pacchanta thermal baths are open to the public every day of the week from 8 am to 6 pm.

• 6 What is the temperature in Pacchanta – Cusco?

  In the community of Pacchanta the temperature varies from 16ºC. up to 0ºC. The pools have a temperature that varies from 38ºC. up to 44ºC.

• 7. Can I visit the thermal baths of Pacchanta during my visit to Vinicunca?

  Yes, the thermal baths as well as the mountain 7 colors are included in the Ausangate trek hiking route.

• 8. When is the best time to visit the Pacchanta hot springs?

  The dry season (from April to October) is the best time of year to visit the thermal baths of Pacchanta. In those months there is little rain, which improves the tourist experience.

• 9. How high up are the Pacchanta hot springs?

  The thermal baths of Pacchanta are located at 4,200 meters above sea level.

• 10. What else to see near the Pacchanta thermal baths?

  A few kilometers from the thermal baths of Pacchanta you can visit: the circuit of 7 lagoons, the viewpoints of the snowy Ausangate or the famous mountain 7 colors (the Ausangate).

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024