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Voykit pocket guide · 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.
- Country
- Peru
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry season, clear trails)
- Avoid
- Jan–Mar (heavy rain, landslides)
- Stay
- 1–2 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PEN
- Money
- Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/). Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants in Lima and Cusco; markets, small towns, taxis and entrance fees in villages need cash.
- Daily spend
- Budget S/45–70 excl. bed · Mid S/70–120 excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Claro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.
- Emergency
- Police 105 · Fire 116 · SAMU ambulance 106
- Plugs
- Types A, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US devices need to be dual-voltage (most chargers are).
- Tipping
- Restaurants: About 10% if service is not included.; Inca Trail porters and cooks: Per the operator's guidance; pooled at the end.; Guides: S/ 20–50 per person for a day tour.
- Water
- Not safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.
- Toilets
- Paper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bus Cusco → Santa María (one way) | 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 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- CUZ · Alejandro Velasco Astete International (Cusco)
- 4–5 h bus to Santa Teresa; cheapest entry point.
Typical fares
- Cusco → Santa María bus
- about US$4 (~S/16), 7–8 h (check)
- Shared taxi to Aguas Termales
- S/3 per person, ~15 min
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get 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).
See and do
Known for
- Salkantay trek gateway
- Aguas Termales de Colcamayo
- Cheap bus link to Machu Picchu
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Aguas Termales de Colcamayo | Shared taxi from town, about 15 min | ≈30 min total |
| Machu Picchu (Salkantay start) | 4 h hike from Santa Teresa on the Salkantay trail | ≈4 h |
Sleep
- 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.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Disculpedisˈkulpe |
| Thank you | Graciasˈɡɾasjas |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta?ˈkwanto ˈkwesta |
| Can I pay by card? | ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?pweˈðo paˈɣaɾ kon taˈɾxeta |
| Where is the toilet? | ¿Dónde está el baño?ˈdonde esˈta el ˈβaɲo |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake; one cheek kiss among acquaintances; avoid: Skipping greetings
- Food pride: Ask about local dishes; avoid: Comparing pisco or ceviche unfavourably with Chile's
- Photos: Ask and pay if asked; avoid: Photographing people without asking
- Politics: Listen; avoid: Taking sides in protests
Scams and watch-outs
- Collectivo drivers may overcharge (up to S/100 for a direct ride to Cusco).
- Altitude can cause mild AMS; hydrate and ascend slowly.
Generally safe for tourists; watch for overcharging taxis and stay hydrated at altitude.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Santa Teresa yet. Suggested stay: 1–2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Salkantay trek gateway
- Aguas Termales de Colcamayo
- Cheap bus link to Machu Picchu
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Santa Teresa (Peru), revision 4823397 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=4823397
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/santa-teresa-peru). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.