Aguas Termales Yura

Insider tip — Yura's thermal springs sit just 30 km northwest of Arequipa, Peru's second city, at around 2,600 meters altitude in a semi-arid volcanic valley rimmed by the iconic silhouettes of El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. The sulfurous thermal waters have supplied a balneario resort since the 18th century, when Arequipa's Spanish colonial elite built weekend retreats here. The volcanic geology is extraordinarily clear at Yura, with ignimbrite cliffs and lava flows surrounding the valley. Weekends fill with Arequipan families, so mid-week visits offer a quieter experience and better views of the volcanic panorama.