Boiling River of the Amazon tour: Shanay Timpishka & hot springs

Wade into geothermal pools where the Amazon's heat rises from the earth

A 12-hour guided tour of the Boiling River (Shanay Timpishka) in Peru's Amazon rainforest, where geothermal waters reach 96°C and feed into warm pools for bathing. You walk rainforest trails, observe the river's steam and hot waterfall, bathe in medicinal waters, and finish at a cold-water spring: all with a local guide who explains the Asháninka legends and healing traditions of Mayantuyacu. Pickup from your hotel, entrance permits, water, rain gear and boots are included. The full day requires moderate fitness and is not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore the Boiling River and Surroundings

• Walk trails in Amazon rainforest
• Observe vapour rising from river
• Learn Asháninka legends and culture
• Explore biodiversity and conservation
• Walk along Boiling River Shanay Timpishka
• Visit hot water pools and waterfall
• Relax and swim in warm pools
• Experience cold water rise contrast

The experience

The Boiling River sits in the middle of the rainforest, fed by geothermal springs that heat the water to temperatures that would boil an egg. You don't just view it from a distance: the tour takes you down walking trails alongside the river itself, where you'll see vapor rising off the surface and feel the heat radiating from the water. A local guide walks with you and shares the stories of the Asháninka people and the healing community at Mayantuyacu, explaining both the science and the spiritual significance of the place.

The route moves through four distinct water zones. You'll see the hottest pools, where the temperature reaches 96°C; the hot waterfall, where steam and water force create a visual and acoustic spectacle; warm pools where you can actually bathe and swim in the mineral-rich water surrounded by living forest; and finally a cold-water spring that rises nearby, creating a stark contrast that marks the end of the circuit. The guide explains the biodiversity of the rainforest as you move between these stops and points out the conservation challenges the area faces.

The full day is 12 hours, which includes the drive from your hotel, the walk itself, and the time spent at each water zone. You'll wear rubber boots and rain ponchos provided by the operator, and a first aid kit travels with the group. One bottle of water per person is included. The experience is built for people with moderate fitness who are comfortable walking rainforest terrain and standing near hot water. It is not recommended for children under 10 or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• Entrance tickets and permits for Mayantuyacu.
• hotel pickup and return transport in a 4x4 van.
• one bottle of water per person.
• rain ponchos, rubber boots and a first aid kit.
• a local guide in English or Spanish for the full 12 hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up toStart time

GroupUp to 12 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Ruta Alfa Turismo Vivencial

Is this one for you?The 12-hour commitment means you'll spend most of a day in the rainforest, which rules out combining this with other major activities but gives you time to move unhurried between the four water zones and absorb the guide's explanations of both the geology and the Asháninka traditions. Book this if you have a full day free and want to experience the geothermal phenomenon at your own pace rather than on a rushed schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens at the Boiling River? Do I just look at it or can I get in the water?

You walk alongside the river on rainforest trails and observe the hottest pools and the hot waterfall up close. The warm pools further downstream are where you bathe and swim. These are hot enough to feel medicinal but cool enough to enter safely, surrounded by jungle.

How long is the actual walking, and what's the terrain like?

The tour is 12 hours total, which includes hotel pickup and the drive to Mayantuyacu. The walking itself covers rainforest trails at a moderate pace, moving between the four water zones. You'll wear rubber boots provided by the operator, and the guide sets the rhythm based on the group's fitness level.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Entrance tickets and permits for the Mayantuyacu Shrine, one bottle of water per person, the 4x4 van transport, rain ponchos, rubber boots and a first aid kit are all included. Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, a towel and a change of clothes. Lunch is not included, so pack snacks or arrange a meal separately.

Is this tour suitable for someone who's not very fit, or for children?

The operator recommends at least moderate physical fitness for the rainforest walking and the heat near the river. The tour is not recommended for children under 10 or for pregnant travelers due to the terrain and the proximity to geothermal water.