Located only a short 15 minutes from Cajamarca, as you draw near to the district of Baños del Inca you can see the steam rising up from the pools. This is where the Manco Inca himself came for rest and repose.
Baños del Inca is considered the main tourist attraction of Cajamarca, for there you will find gorgeous landscapes, stunning mountain views, natural hot springs and true luxury experiences. The baths offer a perfect respite for travelers in the highlands. There you can breathe clean, fresh mountain air while taking in all of the therapeutic properties of the thermal baths.
The baths have been in use since the time of the Incas. It is said that Atahualpa favored the famous Poza del Inca, a pool that measures approximately 4 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 1.7 meters deep. The Manco Inca would relax in the hot springs during the days preceding his next conquest. In fact, it is told that Atahualpa was enjoying the bath when Pizarro and his troops invaded the city.
The thermal pools are extremely popular with visitors and locals alike. Due to their enormous demand, the authorities of Cajamarca and Baños del Inca constructed a vast tourist complex that provides many amenities for families or individuals in the way of bungalows, showers and collective or private pools. Tourists can also choose baths in outdoor pools and elect massage services or treatment with eucalyptus, chamomile, molle, cedrón, hierbaluisa or other herbs. For travelers who enjoy being pampered, Baños del Inca is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature.
The hot water in the thermal pools has volcanic origin. In some pools, namely El Tragadero and Los Perolitos, the water naturally erupts from the ground at temperatures reaching 74 °C (165 °F). However, in private pools, the temperature can be controlled with cool water spigots. This water is rich in important minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, strontium, iron, magnesium and silica. For that reason, the hot springs are considered to be highly medicinal and especially beneficial for the treatment of bronchial and rheumatic conditions as well as skin complaints.
Please feel free to contact Enigma for more information on how to include a relaxing soak in the thermal baths during your stay in or around Cajamarca, as well as when is best to visit and what to bring with you.
