Overview
What this place is
La Calera is the best-known hot spring stop in the Colca Valley, a modern municipal complex just outside Chivay. It is not a rustic soak. You are coming for managed pools, clear ticketing, and an easy add-on after canyon viewpoints or village visits.
The site is listed at about 3,610 m elevation, so even sunny days can turn cold fast once you are wet. This is one of those places where a towel and a warm layer matter as much as the swimsuit.
Water and pools
The source water is described as coming from Volcán Cotallaulli, initially very hot, then cooled through “serpentines” before entering the pools. Pool temperatures are stated around 38°C to 40°C, set up for soaking rather than a quick dip.
The complex comprises six pools, with five reported as operating, including a closed pool with a dry steam chamber and a pool reserved for older visitors. A small ethnological museum and landscaped areas are also part of the visit.
Location & Access
Where it is
The complex is listed about 3 km from Chivay in the Colca Valley. If you are arriving from Arequipa, the reference route includes bus travel from the Arequipa terminal to Chivay (about 151 km, roughly 3 hours), then a short local ride from Chivay’s central area to the baths (about 3 km, around 10 minutes).
Road conditions and seasonality
The local access is shown as paved/asphalt on the listed route, with a note that some work was in progress on the approach. In practice, conditions can change with storms or maintenance, so ask in Chivay if you are visiting in the rainy season.
Tickets and hours
Published hours are 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with pool-specific closing details. Listed pricing includes S/15 for foreign tourists and S/10 for nationals for certain pools, with other local pricing listed for additional pools. Bring soles, and assume the ticket counter is the gatekeeper in busy periods.
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, sandals, and a warm layer for the walk back. If you are sensitive to sulfur smell, note that an odor is reported on entry.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who it suits best
La Calera is a straightforward choice if you are staying in Chivay and want an easy soak without committing to a long drive. It suits couples and groups who want predictable facilities and do not mind a structured, ticketed setting.
Families
Families can do well here because the pools are controlled and close to town. Still, the water is hot and the air is thin at this elevation, so plan short rotations for kids and keep an eye on shivering after you get out.
Mobility and accessibility realities
The complex is built infrastructure, but you should expect stairs, wet surfaces, and transitions between pool areas. I would not claim wheelchair access unless you have confirmed current routes and pool-edge layouts on site. If balance is an issue, the combination of high altitude, warm water, and slippery floors can be tiring fast.
If you want solitude or a natural river soak, this is the wrong kind of spring. If you want a clean, practical soak near your hotel in Chivay, it does the job.
Safety & Etiquette
Hot water and high altitude
At roughly 3,610 m, altitude is part of the safety picture. Keep first soaks short, stand up slowly, and step out if you feel lightheaded. The stated pool temperatures (around 38°C to 40°C) feel hotter at altitude, especially after a day of hiking.
Wet concrete and crowded pool edges are the most common real-world risk. Wear sandals, move slowly, and keep kids within arm’s reach.
Time limits and pool rules
A maximum recommended soak time of 45 minutes is stated. Follow that guidance, especially if you are dehydrated or have been drinking alcohol. Respect any separation between pools (open vs closed pools, and the pool reserved for older visitors).
Good manners on site
Rinse before soaking if showers are available. Keep sunscreen, lotions, and insect repellent out of the water. Do not dunk your head in communal pools. Keep noise down, people often arrive tired from driving, hiking, or early starts.
Pack out trash, and do not leave towels or plastic packaging in the landscaped areas or near the river crossing. A small effort from each group keeps the place usable for everyone.
FAQs
How far is La Calera from Chivay?
The complex is listed about 3 km from Chivay, and the local ride is shown as roughly 10 minutes.
What are the opening hours?
Published hours are 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with some pools closing at 7:00 p.m.
How hot are the pools?
The pools are stated around 38°C to 40°C, after the water is cooled before distribution.
How much is entry?
Listed entry includes S/15 for foreign tourists and S/10 for nationals for certain pools, with other local pricing listed for additional pools.
Is there a recommended time limit?
Yes. A maximum recommended soak time of 45 minutes is stated for pool use.
