Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Churín is a charming Andean village located in the province of Oyón, 200 km north of Lima (4 to 5 hours by road). Perched at 2,080 m altitude in the Huaura River valley, it is known as the main thermal destination near the capital. Its springs, rich in minerals such as lithium, sulfur, magnesium, and iron, have been used since pre-Inca times for their healing and relaxing properties. Surrounded by mountain landscapes, the village offers a unique combination of wellness, nature, and tradition.
Churín is located in the province of Oyón, Lima region, 200 km northeast of the capital. By car, the journey takes between 4 and 5 hours via the North Pan-American Highway to the turnoff towards Sayán, then along the road that follows the Huaura River. By public transport, the time is similar.
The village is situated at 2,080 m altitude. The climate is temperate during the day and cool at night, with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 22°C. The best time to visit is from April to November (dry season), when days are sunny and nights cool, ideal for enjoying the thermal waters. In summer (December to March), rains are more frequent, but the pools remain pleasant.
Churín is the quintessential destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Lima and enjoy a peaceful setting. Its thermal waters, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 55°C, are renowned for their medicinal properties: they relieve stress, relax muscles, and help treat rheumatic, respiratory, and skin conditions. The village also preserves a rich cultural tradition, with legends such as that of Mamahuarmi, and offers authentic cuisine based on trout, smoked cheeses, and local products.
Take the North Pan-American Highway northward to approximately kilometer 120, where the turnoff towards Sayán is located. From there, continue along the road that follows the Huaura River to Churín. The road is paved for most of the route, but some sections have tight bends. The journey takes between 4 and 5 hours.
Parking: spaces are available near the main square and the thermal complexes.
From Lima, go to the Plaza Norte Bus Terminal (Independencia) or the colectivo departure points in the La Victoria neighborhood. Several companies offer daily services to Churín. The ticket costs between S/ 25 and S/ 35 one way, and the journey takes approximately 4h30 to 5h. Buses drop you off at Churín's Plaza de Armas, from where you can walk or take a mototaxi to the thermal complexes.
Agencies in Lima organize day trips or weekend packages to Churín, including transportation, entry to thermal complexes, and sometimes meals. This is a convenient option if you don't have a vehicle.
Churín has five main thermal complexes, each with its own characteristics. All are open daily and offer swimming pools, private baths, and complementary services. The prices below are given as an indication (2025).
This is the most famous and most visited. It is set in a natural setting, with green spaces, waterfalls, and warm water pools (around 30°C). Points of interest include:
Opening hours: daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Prices: adults S/ 10, children (4–10 years) and seniors S/ 5.
Tip: Sundays are the busiest days; prefer a weekday for more tranquility. The visit duration is limited to 2 hours.
Just 5 minutes from the center, this complex offers indoor and outdoor pools, surrounded by eucalyptus and molle trees. Its waters contain lithium, potassium, and magnesium, with rejuvenating and relaxing properties. The "Zambo masajeador", a powerful jet of thermal water, is ideal for muscle massages.
Price: S/ 10 per person.
Opening hours: daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Located in the upper part of Churín, on a hillside. Its pools have temperatures between 32°C and 35°C, and are characterized by temperature differences between springs just a few meters apart. They are particularly recommended for respiratory or dermatological conditions.
Opening hours: daily from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Price: S/ 10 (general rate).
3 km from the center, they are famous for their ferruginous and sulfated waters that gush out at 55°C. It is recommended not to bathe for more than 10 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of rest wrapped in a towel or blanket. They are indicated for treating rheumatism, arthritis, and muscle pain.
Prices: children (3–5 years) S/ 5, children (6–10 years) S/ 8, youth and adults (11–64 years) S/ 10, seniors S/ 5.
Opening hours: daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
A few kilometers from Churín, they offer brown-colored waters rich in minerals, ideal for inflammatory and rheumatic conditions. The complex includes a public pool, private baths, a sauna, and mud baths. Temperatures range from 32°C to 42°C.
Prices: private baths S/ 10, pool + sauna S/ 15, public pool S/ 5.
Opening hours: daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The Churín valley and its surroundings offer opportunities for hiking and nature lovers:
The cuisine of Churín combines local produce with traditional recipes. The most representative dishes and products are:
Restaurants are concentrated around the Plaza de Armas and along the main road. Menu prices vary between S/ 10 and S/ 30 per person. Stalls also offer cheeses, honey, and sweets to take away.
Churín offers a limited but sufficient range of accommodation for passing visitors and spa guests. Most options are concentrated in the village center and near the thermal complexes.
These establishments make up the majority of the offering in Churín. They offer simple but comfortable rooms, often with private bathroom, hot water, and television. Some have their own thermal pool or privileged access to neighboring complexes. Prices generally range between S/ 60 and S/ 130 per night for two people.
For tight budgets, guesthouses offer basic rooms starting from S/ 30 per night. Facilities are minimal but sufficient for a one-night stopover. The atmosphere is generally warm and family-friendly.
For travelers seeking peace and nature, a few ecolodges exist in the surroundings of Churín, especially towards Guengue Lagoon or in the Huaura River valley. These options offer total immersion in Andean landscapes, with rates between S/ 80 and S/ 180 per night.
The best period is from April to November, during the dry season. The days are sunny and nights cool, ideal for enjoying the thermal waters. In summer (December to March), rains are more frequent, but the pools remain pleasant.
Prices vary depending on the complex, but generally range between S/ 5 and S/ 15 per person. Some establishments offer reduced rates for children and seniors.
Yes, it is possible but the day will be long (about 4-5 hours each way by road). Leave very early (5h-6h) to enjoy at least two thermal complexes and lunch on site. For a more relaxing experience, a weekend is recommended.
On Churín's Plaza de Armas there is a Banco de la Nación branch. However, it is advisable to have enough cash, as not all shops and complexes accept cards.
Yes, there are designated areas for camping, especially near the Huaura River and in some thermal complexes like Tingo. It is recommended to have equipment suitable for cool nights (temperatures can drop to 10°C).
Weekends and public holidays are the busiest, especially at the Mamahuarmi complex. Prefer a weekday or morning hours (at opening) for more tranquility.
Yes, the road is generally in good condition, but has tight bends in the mountainous section. It is recommended to drive carefully, leave early to avoid driving at night, and check road conditions during the rainy season.
Two hours from Churín are the Huancahuasi (Oyón) and Picoy (Huaura) thermal complexes, as well as lagoons and trekking routes in the Huaura River valley.
