The 4-Day Manu Cultural Zone with Natural Hot Springs Tour unites the exhilarating biodiversity of the Amazon with natural thermal wellness. Hidden within the lush foothill forests of the Alto Madre de Dios River lies Aguas Calientes—a series of natural, volcanically heated mineral spring pools bordered by giant jungle ferns and towering bamboo.
This relaxing itinerary begins with the scenic crossing of the high Andes into the Cock-of-the-Rock cloud forest sanctuary. After arriving at our comfortable riverfront lodge, you will navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River, paddle traditional balsa rafts across Machuwasi Oxbow Lake, hike to secluded jungle waterfalls, and soak in natural thermal baths where mineral-rich waters melt away travel fatigue.
Soaking in a warm thermal pool while listening to the distant call of howler monkeys and watching morpho butterflies flutter overhead is one of the most rejuvenating sensory experiences in South America.
Unlike crowded developed thermal complexes, the hot springs near Shintuya remain rustic and natural. Volcanically heated waters bubble up directly through river gravel into natural stone-lined pools surrounded by virgin primary forest.
Combined with active wildlife spotting on secluded oxbow lakes, dawn parrot clay licks, and evening caiman safaris, this tour offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and therapeutic relaxation.
Starting Point: Hotel pickup in Cusco at 05:00 AM on Day 1
Ending Point: Return to Cusco hotel by 06:30 PM on Day 4
Thermal Springs Temperature: Natural pools range from 36°C to 40°C (97°F – 104°F)
Transport: Private passenger van and covered motorized river canoe
Lodging: 1 Night Pilcopata Inn + 2 Nights Soga de Oro Lodge
Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners + snacks and purified water
Departing Cusco at 05:00 AM, we drive east across the Andes, stopping at the pre-Inca stone chullpas of Ninamarca and the colonial town of Paucartambo.
We cross Acjanaco Pass (3,800m) into the high cloud forest. In the afternoon, we visit our secluded observation hide in San Pedro to watch male Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock dancing and vocalizing at their courtship lek. Arrive in Pilcopata by evening. Dinner and overnight at Pilcopata Inn Lodge (private bathroom, hot shower).
Following breakfast, we drive to Atalaya Port and board our motorized river canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Spot herons, river turtles, and capybaras along the gravel beaches before checking into Soga de Oro Lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, we take a short trail to Machuwasi Lake. On wooden balsa rafts, we glide silently across the oxbow lagoon, watching for prehistoric Hoatzin birds, horned screamers, and squirrel monkeys. After dinner, an optional night walk reveals nocturnal tree frogs and caimans. Overnight at Soga de Oro Lodge.
Following breakfast, we board our motorized boat and travel downstream along the Alto Madre de Dios River toward the indigenous village of Shintuya.
From the riverbank, an easy 20-minute trail brings us to the secluded Natural Thermal Springs. Water heated underground emerges into natural stone pools at temperatures between 36°C and 40°C. Soak in the mineral-rich waters surrounded by towering rainforest trees and birdsong.
After lunch, we hike a forested trail to a stunning natural waterfall nestled in a rocky canyon, where you can take a refreshing dip in pure mountain cascade water. We return by boat to Soga de Oro Lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner. Overnight at Soga de Oro Lodge.
At 05:30 AM, we take a short boat ride to the parrot clay lick to observe parakeets and macaws feeding on mineral cliffs.
We return to the lodge for breakfast, pack our gear, and take our boat upstream back to Atalaya Port. Our private vehicle carries us through the cloud forest and over the mountain pass, returning to Cusco by approximately 06:30 PM.
Tour Rates (USD per person):
Swimwear Note: Bring two swimsuits (one for thermal baths, one for waterfall swimming) and a quick-dry microfiber towel.
Thermal Spring Composition: The springs are rich in natural sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, traditionally valued by local indigenous communities for soothing muscular tension, skin ailments, and joint fatigue.
Water Temperature: Constant 36°C – 40°C throughout the year.
Q: Are the hot springs commercialized?
A: No. They are rustic, natural pools built with river stones in a pristine forest setting, maintained with minimal concrete intervention to preserve the natural surroundings.
Q: Can non-swimmers enjoy the pools?
A: Yes. The thermal pools are shallow (waist to chest depth) and very calm.
Our local specialists craft custom itineraries suited to your pace, preferences, and budget.
Important Reservation Notes: Prices are in US Dollars per person based on shared double/twin room accommodation. A deposit of 30% is required to guarantee your departure date. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry to Peru.
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