Baños del Inca

Baños del Inca is a historic thermal complex located in the Cajamarca region of Peru. The site is situated very close to the city of Cajamarca. It features natural geothermal pools that have been utilized for centuries.

The site is historically famous because the Inca emperor Atahualpa camped there during the Spanish conquest in 1532. He was actually relaxing in these very thermal baths when the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro arrived in Cajamarca. This makes it a key location from the fall of the Inca Empire.

Yes, Baños del Inca remains an active tourist destination where visitors can bathe in the thermal waters. The complex features large public pools as well as smaller private rooms for a more intimate soak. The mineral-rich waters are heated naturally by local volcanic activity.

The natural thermal springs at Baños del Inca feed into the pools at varying temperatures suitable for bathing. The primary public pools are maintained at a comfortable temperature, often between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius (104-122°F). Some of the hotter private pools allow bathers to adjust the temperature by mixing hot spring water with cold water.