Reyes Hot Springs

The Termas de Reyes ("Hot Springs of the Kings") are a natural thermal complex set 19 kilometers northwest of San Salvador de Jujuy (45 minutes by car along fully paved Provincial Route 4), tucked into the Yungas cloud forest at 1,700 meters elevation. Sulfate-bicarbonate waters emerge naturally at 56°C from volcanic-origin springs, with a high mineral concentration (sulfates, bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium, sodium) recognized for its therapeutic effects on the musculoskeletal system, blood circulation, the skin, and general relaxation. The site was historically a resting place for the Inca Kings — the origin of the name "Termas de Reyes" — and was already known to indigenous communities for its healing properties long before being officially declared a thermal site in 1872 and developed as a tourist resort in the early 20th century. The historic Hotel Termas de Reyes still operates on site (a 1938 neo-colonial building, fully restored in 2018), with 32 rooms in three categories — standard (USD 110-180/night), canyon view (USD 150-220) and suite (USD 220-340) — plus a full spa, the Las Termas restaurant (regional Jujuy cuisine), private thermal pools reserved for overnight guests, and restored common areas. For travelers not staying the night, the Day Pass (USD 12-25 per person, USD 5-10 in low season) gives full-day access to the public outdoor and indoor thermal pools, changing rooms and common areas. The spa offers add-on treatments including a 60-minute massage (USD 50-90), thermal mud wrap (USD 35-65), thermal exfoliation (USD 40-70) and a full 3-hour thermal circuit (USD 80-130). Recommended bathing sessions are 15-20 minutes of immersion + 10 minutes of rest, repeated 2-3 times — with documented benefits in muscle relaxation, relief from rheumatic and arthritic pain (anti-inflammatory sulfates), improved circulation, skin detoxification, and treatment of conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. Visits are not recommended for people with severe hypertension, during pregnancy (consult your doctor), or children under 4. The hot springs are open year-round, with winter (June-August) the most popular season for the dramatic contrast between cool Jujuy air (3-12°C) and 56°C water and for the morning mist in the cloud forest, while April-November is the recommended dry window for combining the visit with Yungas hiking and the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Reservations are essential 2-4 weeks in advance during high season (July winter break, Easter, long weekends). Access options: rental car from Jujuy (USD 50-80/day), private remis round trip (USD 30-45), organized tour from Jujuy or Salta (USD 35-65), or the Hotel Termas shuttle on request. From Salta city it is a 110 km / 2-hour drive via RN 9 + RP 4 — a viable full-day excursion. The site sits in the heart of the Yungas, with optional guided forest treks (USD 25-45, birdlife and subtropical flora), horseback rides (USD 35-65), a short walk to the Salto del Reyes waterfall (1 km from the hotel, 30 min each way), night-sky observation (no light pollution at 1,700 m), and an excursion to the Las Maderas Reservoir (15 km). It pairs well as a rest day after trekking in Tilcara, Purmamarca or Humahuaca on a Quebrada de Humahuaca itinerary.

The Thermal Waters — Composition and Benefits

The waters of Termas de Reyes are hyperthermal (56°C / 133°F at the spring) and classified as sulfate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium. Typical composition:

• Sulfates: 850 mg/L (high — anti-inflammatory).
• Bicarbonates: 320 mg/L.
• Calcium: 180 mg/L.
• Magnesium: 95 mg/L.
• Sodium: 65 mg/L.
• pH: 7.2 (slightly alkaline).

The pools are blended with cool Andean meltwater to comfortable bathing temperatures: 38-42°C in outdoor pools and 36-40°C indoors. Documented benefits include deep muscle relaxation, relief from rheumatic and arthritic pain (sulfates as natural anti-inflammatories), improved blood circulation, skin detoxification (the skin absorbs minerals during immersion), and the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

Things to Do Around the Hot Springs

Guided treks into the Yungas

Guided 2-3 hour walks through the surrounding subtropical forest. Birdwatching (over 200 species in the area), endemic Yungas flora (cedars, criollo walnut trees, tree ferns), waterfalls. USD 25-45 per person. Morning departures are best for light and wildlife sightings.

Salto del Reyes waterfall

A short walk (1 km / 30 min each way) to a waterfall on the Reyes River. Suitable for all ages. The natural pool below is cold (not thermal) but inviting on warm days.

Horseback riding

Two-hour rides on Yungas forest trails. USD 35-65. Calm horses suitable for beginners. Book 24 hours ahead.

Spa with thermal treatments

The hotel runs a full spa: massages (USD 50-90 for 60 min), thermal mud wrap (USD 35-65), exfoliation (USD 40-70), and a 3-hour combined thermal circuit (USD 80-130). Treatments are reserved for hotel guests and premium day-pass holders.

Stargazing

At 1,700 m elevation with no light pollution, the night sky is exceptionally clear. The hotel occasionally runs telescope sessions (free for overnight guests, USD 8-15 for day-pass visitors).

How to Fit Reyes Hot Springs into Your Trip

Suggested itinerary slots for the hot springs:

• Day trip from Jujuy: day pass + lunch + spa — perfect rest day after trekking in the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
• Combined with Yala Lakes (1 day): morning at the Yala Lagoons (Potrero Provincial Park) + afternoon at the hot springs.
• 1-2 nights at Hotel Termas: full immersion, ideal after hiking in Tilcara or Iruya.
• NW Argentina wellness itinerary: Salta (3 days) → Cafayate (2 days) → Quebrada de Humahuaca (3 days) → Reyes Hot Springs (1-2 days) — 9-10 days total.
• Day trip from Salta: full-day excursion (110 km each way), or pair with a stop in San Salvador de Jujuy on the way.

Other Jujuy-region stops worth pairing with the springs: Quebrada de Humahuaca, Purmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colors, Tilcara and its pre-Inca Pucará, Humahuaca, Hornocal (Hill of Fourteen Colors).