Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cleared ruin. The trail is well-marked and can be done without a guide, though they are
helpful to indicate ruins, as well as the flora and fauna. Start early as it gets hot on the
trail. Hire a taxi (S35, 30 minutes) to drop you off at the start in Lucmabamba. You can
take a
colectivo
back from the Hydroelectrica, or continue on to Machu Picchu.
Baños Termales Cocalmayo
(admission S5; 24 hr)
These stunningly landscaped, council-owned natural hot springs
are truly a world-class attraction. Pools washed out in the river flooding of 2010 have
been rebuilt, though camping areas have not. As if huge, warm pools and a natural shower
straight out of a jungle fantasy weren't enough, you can buy beer and snacks.
It's 4km from town. You can reliably catch a
colectivo
from Santa Teresa to Cocalmayo
at around 3pm, when vehicles head down to collect Inca Jungle Trail walkers arriving
from Santa María. Otherwise, you may have to brave the unshaded, dusty walk (with cars
driving too fast) or pay a taxi around S36 round-trip.
HOT SPRINGS
Tour de Cafe
(per person S25)
Run by Eco Quechua, this 2½-hour tour visits a family coffee farm
steeped in local tradition (see the
cuys
being raised in the kitchen!). You can also pick
tropical fruit and see a fish farm in action. Not a modern operation, this is old-style cultiv-
ation in transition, in the process of introducing new techniques to improve productivity.
It's an interesting visit and 50% of visitor fees goes to help local farmers.
TOUR
Sleeping & Eating
A handful of
hospedajes
in the center offers bare-bones accommodation. At the time of
research, there were no recommendable restaurants in town. Hot meals are available at the
market and the rotisserie chicken restaurants on the plaza - choose based on cleanliness.
Eco Quechua $
( 63-0877, 984-756-855;
www.ecoquechua.com
; Sauce Pampa; per person
with half-board S75, camping per tent S12)
Run by Juan Carlos and Janet, a wonderful
and energetic young couple, this funky thatched lodge lets you sample jungle living right
outside of Santa Teresa. The open-air living room is cloaked in thick vegetation. Rooms
feature mosquito nets, but it's still a good idea to use repellant.
With outdoor stall bathrooms, it's a little rustic, but undoubtedly the most ambient spot
in Santa Teresa and a fun place for groups to congregate. The owner is also a guide know-
LODGE
