Baños del Inca: Thermal Waters and Local History

Baños del Inca puts thermal waters at the heart of the experience: the springs reach temperatures of over 70 °C and come from volcanic rock underground. There is also a precisely described pool and a local history in which the name Pultumarca and the Inca Atahualpa play a role. Those seeking warmth, bathing facilities, and historical connections on a trip will find a clear focus here to help them choose a destination.

Thermal Waters, Measurements, and History

The Poza del Inca is four meters long, four meters wide, and 1.70 meters deep. These measurements give a named pool clearly defined dimensions and add another tangible aspect of the thermal town to the picture of its hot springs.

The thermal springs were originally called Pultumarca and are said to have been used by the Inca Atahualpa. The town’s history also includes a distinction: Baños del Inca was chosen as Peru’s leading tourist attraction by a public vote in the national competition “Las Siete Maravillas del Perú” (The Seven Wonders of Peru).

Another thermal attraction is located in the municipality of Los Baños del Inca. The Centro Termal Recreativo Pultumarka draws water for its pool from the Perolitos spring; the water temperature is over 70 °C. Travelers interested in thermal attractions can also consider this one at the municipal level when planning their trip.

Visiting the Thermal Baths

There are children’s play areas around the swimming pools at the Complejo Turístico Baños del Inca. Their location is a specific consideration when planning a visit with children; the facilities available may change.

Visitor amenities include restaurants and cafeterias, as well as places selling food and drinks to take away. Individual businesses and vendors may change. There are also handicraft stalls. The complex also has an information office run by the Baños del Inca municipal administration; check whether it is currently staffed before your trip.

The thermal baths also have accommodation. If this option suits you, check current availability. You can then consider it in your plans as an alternative to looking for a holiday apartment in town.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

The public bus journey from the stop at Plazuela Bolognesi on Avenida Héroes de San Ramón to Los Baños del Inca is listed as covering six kilometers and taking 30 minutes; the road is paved. The taxi journey from Cajamarca to Los Baños del Inca is also listed as covering six kilometers, taking 20 minutes, and using a paved road. The starting points differ, so the journey times do not compare two modes of transport from the same place. Check the route information again before setting out.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can choose Baños del Inca as your destination if thermal waters and the history of the bathing town are to be the focus of your trip. The two journey details can help you plan your arrival if either starting point fits your route. The accommodation at the thermal baths is an additional overnight option; confirm its availability if you are considering it.

Discover more destinations: Namora, Jaén, Encañada, San Juan, Magdalena, Santo Tomas, Huarango, San Andres.

For the broader travel overview: Cajamarca.