I visited the hot springs in Paipa (1st Oct) as I decided it couldn't really make my cold any worse and might even help it! I also got to see a bit of the National Competition of the Bands which was on this weekend in Paipa. Gilma phoned and booked my spa circuit for me and I got the bus to Paipa, which is well know for its 'aguas thermales'. On arrival I had a quick wander then went to a bakery to get lunch, a chicken empanada and also a almojabana which is a nice cheesey bread roll made in this region. I took it to where the first band (not the rock type) was starting and managed to see three different bands before it was time to go to the hot springs. Added bonus to see some of this competition. Anyway you have 2 options at the springs- either a place with some swimming pools full of the water, plus water slides and a few other activities at 12,000 pesos or the circuit option at 36,000 pesos which is what I chose. It was a 2 hour circuit, starting with a hydro-massage pool full of the hot water with jets which massaged your neck and shoulders if you stood under them. It was pretty hot water and also outside in the sunshine. It is recommended to break up the 20 minutes with cold showers, which I did as I did feel pretty hot from both the water and sunshine. After 20 minutes you move on to the massage bed pools where the water is cooler but you lay down on the 'beds', then the hot Jacuzzi. Next is the sauna, not usually a big fan as I sometimes find it hard to breath but I just went in and out a few times and I was ok. Finally you got a dish of mud to rub all over yourself, like a body mud mask. By this time it was rather cold so I didn't wait for it to completely dry before going in the shower which showered you from the top and sides- needless to say I opted for hot water! My skin felt so soft afterwards, from the combination of the spring waters and the mud and I also felt very relaxed. Was worth doing it and I think it was £12 well spent! :-)