Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town): The Complete Travel Guide
Aguas Calientes, officially known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the small yet vibrant town located at the base of Machu Picchu, Peru’s most famous archaeological site. Nestled in the lush cloud forests of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this picturesque village is the gateway to Machu Picchu and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.
But there’s more to Aguas Calientes than just its proximity to the ancient citadel. From hot springs and local markets to Peruvian restaurants, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural scenery, this charming town deserves your time and attention.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Aguas Calientes:
How to get there
Best things to do
Top restaurants and cafes
Hotels and accommodations
Travel tips and FAQs
Where Is Aguas Calientes?
Aguas Calientes is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from the city of Cusco. Sitting at an altitude of 2,040 meters (6,693 feet) above sea level, the town lies deep in the Urubamba River Valley surrounded by towering green mountains and subtropical cloud forests.
How to Get to Aguas Calientes
Since there are no roads leading directly to the town, you have three main options to reach Aguas Calientes:
1. By Train (Most Popular & Comfortable)
The easiest and most scenic way to get to Aguas Calientes is by train. Two main companies operate trains to Machu Picchu Pueblo:
PeruRail
Expedition Train → Affordable, panoramic windows, perfect for budget travelers.
Vistadome Train → Large windows, comfortable seating, cultural experiences onboard.
Hiram Bingham Train → Luxury service with gourmet dining and live music.
Inca Rail
Voyager Train → Budget-friendly, comfortable seats.
360° Train → Glass-paneled windows, incredible views of the Sacred Valley.
First Class Train → Luxury option with gourmet meals and premium service.
Departure stations:
Cusco (Poroy Station) → ~3.5 hours
Ollantaytambo → ~1.5 hours
Urubamba → ~2 hours
Tip: Book your tickets months in advance, especially during the high season (May–September).
2. By Trekking
If you love adventure, hiking to Aguas Calientes is an unforgettable experience:
Classic Inca Trail (4 days, 3 nights) → Arrive directly at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Short Inca Trail (2 days, 1 night) → Perfect for those with less time.
Salkantay Trek (5 days) → Combines snow-capped mountains, cloud forests, and coffee plantations.
Lares Trek (4 days) → Cultural immersion through traditional Andean villages.
3. By Bus + Walk (Budget-Friendly Option)
Take a bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica (~6 hours).
Walk along the train tracks for 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes.
Ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Top Things to Do in Aguas Calientes
Even though most people use Aguas Calientes just as a stopover before Machu Picchu, this charming town offers plenty of attractions:
1. Visit the Hot Springs
The name “Aguas Calientes” literally means “hot waters”, and for a good reason. The town’s famous thermal baths are a perfect way to relax after a long hike or train ride.
Location: 15-minute walk from the town center
Entrance fee: ~$5 USD
Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
2. Explore the Local Market
Located near the train station, the Aguas Calientes Artisan Market offers handmade crafts, alpaca clothing, souvenirs, and traditional Andean jewelry. It’s the perfect place to buy gifts and local handicrafts.
3. Check Out the Machu Picchu Museum
The Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón offers fascinating insights into the history and archaeology of Machu Picchu.
Location: About a 30-minute walk from town
Entrance fee: ~$7 USD
Highlights: Artifacts, historical documents, and detailed explanations of Inca engineering.
4. Discover Mandor Gardens & Waterfalls
A peaceful eco-reserve located 30 minutes outside of Aguas Calientes. It’s ideal for nature lovers, offering beautiful botanical gardens, exotic birds, and refreshing waterfalls.
5. Try the Local Gastronomy
Aguas Calientes is home to several excellent restaurants and cafes. Here are the top picks:
Top Restaurants
Indio Feliz → French-Peruvian fusion, highly rated.
Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine → Delicious craft beers and alpaca steak.
Tree House Restaurant → Fine dining with vegetarian-friendly options.
Café Inkaterra → Located by the river, perfect for romantic dinners.
Best Cafes
Full House Coffee → Great breakfast and coffee with river views.
Café de Paris → Pastries and freshly brewed coffee.
Incontri del Pueblo Viejo → Cozy atmosphere with Italian specialties.
Hotels & Accommodations in Aguas Calientes
From luxury resorts to budget hostels, Aguas Calientes has options for every traveler:
Luxury Hotels
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel → Eco-luxury surrounded by lush gardens.
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel → Gourmet dining and riverfront views.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge → The only hotel located next to Machu Picchu.
Mid-Range Hotels
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu → Comfortable and stylish rooms.
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu → Reliable service and modern amenities.
Budget-Friendly Options
Supertramp Hostel → Fun and social atmosphere for backpackers.
Ecopackers Hostel → Great for meeting other travelers.
Nativus Hostel Machu Picchu → Cozy, affordable, and well-located.
Best Time to Visit Aguas Calientes
Dry Season (May to September) → Best weather, clear skies, fewer chances of rain.
Rainy Season (November to March) → Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, but heavy showers possible.
Shoulder Months (April & October) → Balanced weather and moderate tourist flow.
Pro Tip: If possible, stay at least one night in Aguas Calientes. It allows you to visit Machu Picchu early before the crowds arrive.
Travel Tips for Aguas Calientes
Book early: Train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance, and hotels sell out months ahead.
Pack light: Trains allow limited luggage (~5 kg max).
Bring cash: ATMs are limited, and many places prefer cash over cards.
Stay hydrated: The altitude is lower than Cusco, but dehydration is common.
Wear layers: Weather can change quickly in the cloud forest.
FAQs About Aguas Calientes
Is Aguas Calientes worth visiting?
Absolutely! Beyond being the gateway to Machu Picchu, the town offers hot springs, restaurants, markets, and stunning scenery.
How many days should I stay in Aguas Calientes?
Ideally 1–2 nights to explore the town, relax, and get an early start at Machu Picchu.
Do I need tickets to Machu Picchu before arriving?
Yes, book in advance. Machu Picchu tickets often sell out, especially for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes.
Final Thoughts
Aguas Calientes is much more than just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu. With its hot springs, local culture, amazing food, and natural beauty, it’s worth spending extra time here to fully enjoy the Machu Picchu experience.
Whether you arrive by train, trek, or bus, this little town offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and Peruvian charm.
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