Termales de Coconuco
Two separate hot spring complexes near Popayan fed by the Purace volcano, one sulphurous and hot, the other milder.
Updated 14 October 2026
The springs come from the volcanic system around Purace and there are two distinct sets a short way apart, which are commonly confused. Aguatibia has milder water in landscaped pools at a comfortable temperature. Aguahirviendo, the name meaning boiling water, is genuinely hot and strongly sulphurous, with mineral deposits building terraces around the pools and a smell that is unmistakable; the hottest sources have to be mixed with cold water before anyone can get in. Both are run commercially with basic facilities and are busiest at weekends and holidays with visitors from Popayan and Cali. The setting is high open country at around 2,700 metres below the volcano, so the air is cold, which is the point of hot water.
Highlights
- Two separate complexes - one mild, one hot and sulphurous.
- Mineral terraces at Aguahirviendo - built by the deposits.
- Sources too hot to enter - mixed with cold before use.
- Cold high country at 2,700 metres - which is why the water works.
When to go
December to March. Half a day.
Things to know
The two complexes are different places and often confused - check which you are going to. Facilities are basic. Weekends and holidays are crowded. The sulphur smell is strong at Aguahirviendo.
Nearby
Purace national park is east; Popayan is west.
What to pack for Termales de Coconuco
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Swimwear - Needed at most public thermal pools; some traditional baths are nude and single-sex. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel + flip-flops - For wet changing areas and hot poolside stone. Find on Amazon
- A dry bag or waterproof pouch - Somewhere safe for phone and valuables while you soak. Find on Amazon
- Water to drink - Hot soaking is dehydrating; sip between dips. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Termales de Coconuco is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
