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 of both South and North America have historically revered and held such sites sacred. The mineral rich waters of hot springs, which may contain sulphur, iron, lithium, calcium, phosphorus, arsenic and other minerals, have been used for centuries to aid in healing such conditions as arthritis, rheumatism, skin conditions, hepatitis, and even cancer. The waters are used to clean and promote healing of wounds, and have been ingested to help clear toxins from the body.
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.
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, 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, 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.
We bring visitors to less-visited destinations, including the hot springs mentioned in this article. Visit us at http://www.inturkuoda.com

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