Major city · Peru
Santa Teresa
Spend 1–2 days in Santa Teresa for cheap access to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay trek and to enjoy the thermal springs.
Santa Teresa is a small town in the Southern Sierra that serves as a low‑cost gateway to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay route and offers hot springs, a few budget lodgings and a relaxed mountain vibe. One full day for the trek start and a night in town is enough; add a second night for the springs or a relaxed pace.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PEN
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry season, clear trails)
- avoid Jan–Mar (heavy rain, landslides)
- Airport
- CUZ
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Santa Teresa105 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Santa Teresa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/).Peru-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.Peru-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Peru-wide
- TippingRestaurants: About 10% if service is not included.Peru-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Peru-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; watch for overcharging taxis and stay hydrated at altitude.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.Peru-wide
- Emergency numbers105 police · 116 fire · 106 SAMU ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; strikes can shut roads and shops.Peru-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCUZ Alejandro Velasco Astete International (Cusco) (4–5 h bus to Santa Teresa; cheapest entry point.).
- Getting aroundTake a daily bus from Cusco (Santiago terminal) to Santa María (7–8 h, ~US$4).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (local café)S/5–8
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Shared taxi to hot springsS/3 per person
- Museum or sight ticketAguas Termales de Colcamayo entryS/5
- Budget bedDorm bed, a night, per personPEN 30
- Mid-range bedDouble room (private bathroom), a night, per roomPEN 90
- High-end bedDouble room (private bathroom), a night, per roomPEN 130
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PEN 45 · Mid PEN 85 · High PEN 130
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CUZ Alejandro Velasco Astete International (Cusco) (4–5 h bus to Santa Teresa; cheapest entry point.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Feb
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Mar
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jul (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Santa Teresa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Feb
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1 rd
Aug
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Take a daily bus from Cusco (Santiago terminal) to Santa María (7–8 h, ~US$4). From Santa María either hike up the river or catch a local bus to Santa Teresa. Within town, walk or use shared taxis (S/3 per person to thermal springs).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Aguas Termales de Colcamayo
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Shared taxi from town, about 15 min
Entrance S/5, taxi S/3 per person.
Machu Picchu (Salkantay start)
goDoor to door: ≈4 h
4 h hike from Santa Teresa on the Salkantay trail
Requires timed Machu Picchu ticket; start early.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Eco Hacienda Roman
Pool, wifi, basic rooms; central location.
Hospedaje El Sol
Double room S/60, private bathroom, friendly owner.
Vertikal Lodge
Higher‑end lodge with restaurant, lounge, pool.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- S/45–70 excl. bed
- Mid
- S/70–120 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room (private bathroom)1 × 1 night × PEN 90 | PEN 90 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × PEN 85 | PEN 170 |
| Bus Cusco → Santa María (one way)2 × PEN 16 · US$4 approx; check schedule. | PEN 32 |
| Shared taxi to Aguas Termales2 × PEN 3 · check | PEN 6 |
| eSIM (1 week data)2 × PEN 120 · check | PEN 240 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PEN 54 |
| Trip total≈ PEN 296 per person per day, bed included | PEN 592 |
e.g., Hospedaje El Sol.
2026 estimate in soles; flights and long‑distance bus not included.
Prices of common things
| Bus Cusco → Santa María (one way)check | US$4 (~S/16) |
| Aguas Termales de Colcamayo entry | S/5 |
| Shared taxi to hot springs | S/3 per person |
| Hostel double room | S/60 |
| Coffee (local café) | S/5–8 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Collectivo drivers may overcharge (up to S/100 for a direct ride to Cusco).
- Altitude can cause mild AMS; hydrate and ascend slowly.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 105
- Fire
- 116
- SAMU ambulance
- 106
Pocket card
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Santa TeresaSanta Teresa
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police105
- Fire116
- SAMU ambulance106
Embassy
US consulate in Cusco (check address); other embassies in Lima.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Cusco → Santa María bus: about US$4 (~S/16), 7–8 h (check)
- Shared taxi to Aguas Termales: S/3 per person, ~15 min
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (ˈɡɾasjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkwesta)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (pweˈðo paˈɣaɾ kon taˈɾxeta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (ˈdonde esˈta el ˈβaɲo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Santa Teresa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry season, clear trails) · avoid Jan–Mar (heavy rain, landslides) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Bus from Cusco → Santa María → Santa Teresa (check schedules).
- Shared taxi network for local attractions.
- Lodging options from budget hostels to upscale lodge.
Sources
Ask about Santa Teresa
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