La Calera Hot Springs

La Calera is a complex of built pools on the bank of the Colca a short distance from Chivay, fed by springs that come out at around 80 degrees and are mixed down to bathing temperature. There are several pools of different sizes, some covered, some open to the sky with the canyon walls above, changing rooms and lockers, and a small café. The water is heavily mineralised. It is the standard late-afternoon stop for everyone arriving in the valley on the Arequipa tour circuit, so between four and seven it fills with groups; going early in the morning or late in the evening is a different experience entirely. At 3,600 metres the air is cold enough that getting out of the water is the hard part. The walk from Chivay along the river takes about forty minutes each way.

What you actually see

• The pools - several built baths fed by springs emerging at around 80 degrees.
• The setting - open pools beside the Colca with the canyon walls above.
• The timing - the standard late-afternoon stop for valley tour groups.
• The walk - a forty-minute riverside path from Chivay.

When to go

April to November. One to two hours. Early morning or after seven in the evening avoids the tour crush between four and seven.

Honest expectations

Very crowded in the late afternoon. Changing facilities are basic and the water is not always clean at peak times. At 3,600 metres, bitterly cold outside the pools. Entry is charged per person and lockers cost extra.

Nearby

Chivay is a short ride; Yanque and the Cruz del Cóndor are west down the valley.