Apurimac Canyon & Saywite: Private Day Trip with Thermal Baths

Summary

Apurimac canyon wonders, ancient Saywite carvings and riverside hot springs

You’ll wind through quiet villages toward Apurimac Canyon, wander ancient Saywite ruins with your guide’s stories echoing around you, then soak tired muscles in riverside thermal baths while local life drifts by. It’s a day for slowing down—and letting Peru surprise you.

What’s the experience like?

"You sure you want to try the thermal baths before lunch?" our driver, Julio, grinned at us in the rearview. I shrugged—honestly, I just wanted to dip my feet after that bumpy ride out from Cusco. The Apurimac Canyon opened up below us like some kind of secret—green slopes dropping into a river I could hear before I saw it. It smelled like wet earth and eucalyptus, which was weirdly comforting. There were barely any other travelers around; just a couple of locals waving as we passed through their village.

We stopped at this enclosure Julio called “water dedicated”—he tried to explain more but my Spanish is… well, let’s say it’s a work in progress. He showed us some carved stones at Saywite, tracing his finger over spirals and channels that looked almost alive in the morning light. He said people still come here to make offerings sometimes. I liked how he didn’t rush us—just let us poke around and take photos while he chatted with an old friend selling oranges by the road.

The best part? Sitting in those thermal baths right on the banks of the Apurimac River. The water was hotter than I expected (I might’ve yelped), but after a few minutes it felt good—like my legs belonged there all along. Steam curled up into the afternoon air while someone nearby played music on their phone, soft enough not to bother anyone. We ate simple snacks Julio brought (some kind of salty cheese and bread) and just watched the river move past. I didn’t expect to feel so calm out here—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Apurimac water enclosure and baths

• Visit water dedicated enclosure
• Relax at thermal baths by river

Top questions

How long does the Apurimac Canyon & Saywite day trip take?

This is a full-day tour starting from Cusco and returning in the evening.

Are thermal baths included on this private day trip?

Yes, relaxing thermal baths by the Apurimac River are part of the experience.

Is pickup included for this Apurimac Canyon tour?

The tour includes private transportation for convenience and comfort.

Can public transportation be used to reach these sites?

Public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The route is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Cusco through scenic valleys to Apurimac Canyon and Saywite, time to explore ancient water enclosures, plus a relaxing soak in natural thermal baths beside the river before heading back in comfort.