We all look forward to the weekend to have a few days of relaxation. Some take advantage of it by visiting shopping malls, others by watching movies at home or reading a book. All in order to put stress aside. However, there is a better remedy to eliminate tension: immerse yourself in the thermal baths of Churín.
This beautiful city to the northwest of Lima (207 km, 4 hours by land), has an infinity of thermal baths with healing properties and rich in minerals, which will allow you to relax with its warm waters and return to the city without worries. Remember that it is ideal to share it with friends or as a couple.
Among the most outstanding is the Mamahuarmi Hot Springs Complex, which has pools and waterfalls. The most attractive thing about this place is that the name comes from a magical legend that narrates the love story between a Spanish soldier and the daughter of the chief of Churin, who had a son. It is because of her that it bears the name of Mamahuarmi, which in Quechua means Woman-Mother.
Another thermal bath that should not be missed is that of Youth, located 5 minutes from the center of Churín. This is surrounded by vegetation of molles and eucalyptus. It also has three swimming pools and a strong jet of water that works as a massager. In addition, it is said that they are special to combat diseases of the nervous system, hepatitis, cystitis, and ulcers, among others, and help the growth of adolescents due to their high manganese content. You could also visit the Velo de Novia, a natural pool with a warm waterfall that is surrounded by a beautiful landscape, and where you can feel in perfect harmony with nature.
So now you know, travel to Churín this weekend and forget about stress in these incredible thermal baths. And you, have you already made plans?
Churín is located 210 km northwest of the city of Lima. To get there cheaply, you must take a bus from any land terminal in the capital that will take you directly to this paradise of medicinal waters. The cost of the ticket varies according to the transport company, but normally it ranges between 20 and 25 soles.
Keep in mind that it is best to travel early in the morning to avoid traffic on the road.
Among the most outstanding is the Mamahuarmi Hot Springs Complex, which has nine pools and several pools of warm and hot water. The cost of admission is 10 soles for adults and 5 for children.
The most attractive thing about this place is that the name comes from a magical legend that narrates the love story between a Spanish soldier and the daughter of the chief of Churín, who had a son. It is for her that it bears the name of Mamahuarmi, which in Quechua means "woman-mother".
Another thermal bath is the Youth. In addition to being surrounded by beautiful vegetation, it has three swimming pools and a strong jet of water that works as a massager. It is said that its waters are special to combat diseases of the nervous system, hepatitis, cystitis, ulcers, among others. The entrance to the complex has a cost of 3 soles for adults and 1 sole for children.
La Meseta is located 5 minutes from the center of Churín, an area surrounded by enormous green mountains that also has thermal baths open to the public and closed spaces at a cost of S/ 5.00.
They are located in the mountains of Churín, to visit them you must leave the center of the town on the Andean plateau. In the square you will find tourist services that offer tours and mobility to places at a cost of between S/ 10.00 and S/ 20.00. The entrance to Huancahuasi and Picoy costs S/ 3.00 and S/ 5.00, respectively.
The best time to visit Churín is between the months of June and September because the sun is more intense and the temperature is ideal for visiting the thermal baths.
The restaurants and markets of Churín offer various typical dishes at affordable prices. The fried trout, the pachamanca in a pot and the sweet peach are the most requested foods in the mountainous town.
Churin is located 207 kilometers from Lima, to the north, and only S/25 soles by bus. This town is characterized by its thermal waters, and its gastronomic offer, which make it a very popular destination for Limeños.
Just 5 minutes from the center of Churín, this thermal bath offers warm water with a high content of lithium. Almost all the pools are in closed environments, but “The Mysterious Tongue” stands out in this complex, a cave surrounded by rocks that allows the water, rich in mineral properties, to be filtered.
This complex is located in the upper part of Churín, about 400 meters away from the center. There, all the pools are indoors to prevent sudden changes in temperature from affecting the visitor.
Its three pools called “Esperanza” stand out, which vary in temperature and include jets for vibrating massages. The thermal pools Machay Baños, Jatún Baños and Ñahuin Baños are also visited.
This is one of the most outstanding places in Churin, since all its pools are outdoors, surrounded by green areas and stones. Its name is due to a legend that involves a Spanish soldier and the daughter of the chief of the population. It is said that, at the time of the Conquest, a young soldier fell in love with Shumac Coyllur, one of the daughters of Cacique Sincaruma. This, upon learning of the mutual love between the two and the pregnancy of her daughter, locked the girl in a crack.
In it, the young woman gave birth and fed her child while she waited for the soldier to return. Time passed, he returned her love to look for her, but the cacique, who also yearned for her return, had sent an archer to kill him. Shumac Goyllur ran with her son in his arms yelling at the soldier “Churiqui, Churiqui” (this is your son), but an arrow pierced the body of her son before showing it to the man.
The princess fled back to the crack and from her crying came the water that feeds this grotto. Also, in honor of this love, there are pools called Pozo de los Novios, La Mellizera, El Churi, La Gruta, Velo de Novia and Lagunilla de La Mamahuarmi.
The waters of the Mamahuarmi Complex are characterized by being rich in sulfate, sulfur, magnesium, chloride and other minerals. Likewise, the waterfalls of this place make it one of the favorites of tourists and foreigners.
Because the thermal baths give off heat, it is not advisable to visit these places in summer. Therefore, the ideal time to visit Churin is during the winter, between May and September.