Take a dip in Inca baths

Thermal Baths have always played an important role in Inca history. Water was a deity in the Inca Empire, and the Incas relied on its divine healing and cleansing qualities. They had several rituals where water was used to purify the soul and many of these were performed before sacred ceremonies. Thermal bathing was one of these rituals. There are more than 500 thermal baths scattered throughout several regions of Peru, including, Ancash,Huanuco, Pasco, Junin, Lima, Ica, Huancavelica, Ayacucho and Apurimac. The most famous of these are the Baños del Inca, natural hot springs located just three miles east of the city of Cajamarca. Inca ruler Atahualpa was a believer in the medicinal powers of these thermal baths, and had his own individual royal bath at this location. In fact, legend has it that he was bathing here when the Spanish Conquistadores arrived. It's no wonder these warm, mineral-rich waters were a favorite of ancient Inca rulers. They are without a doubt an ideal way to relax and have fun.
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