Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) is the gateway town to one of the world’s most iconic wonders – Machu Picchu. It’s a small but bustling town nestled in a deep valley, so densely populated with tourists that you’ll have no problem finding where to stay in Aguas Calientes. Despite its modest size, Aguas Calientes hosts thousands of tourists daily who pass through on their way to explore Peru‘s most famous archaeological site.
For most travellers tackling the classic Peru itinerary, Aguas Calientes usually sits between Cusco/Sacred Valley and the journey back to Lima or onwards to Bolivia. Most visitors arrive by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, spend one night in town, wake up early to visit Machu Picchu, and then head back down that same afternoon. When I went last year I originally planned to do the same, but ended up extending my stay for an extra night because I wanted more time to explore Aguas Calientes (and take a dip in the hot springs).
The entire town of Aguas Calientes essentially exists to serve visitors to Machu Picchu, so you’ll find plenty of accommodation options despite its small size. Where you stay in Aguas Calientes can make a difference to your overall Machu Picchu experience, especially if you’re planning an early morning start to beat the crowds.
🇵🇪 A Complete Travel Guide to Aguas Calientes, Peru
Which Areas to Stay in Aguas Calientes, Peru
Aguas Calientes is a compact town built along the banks of the rushing Vilcanota River, and unlike larger tourist destinations, there isn’t really a defined hotel zone or hostel zone. Accommodation options are spread throughout the town, simply because the town is so touristy that hotels, hostels and tourist amenities are squeezed into every corner!
What makes staying in Aguas Calientes so convenient is that you can literally walk from one end of town to the other in about ten minutes. This means that location isn’t necessarily the most crucial factor when choosing your accommodation. That said, if you’re planning a VERY early start to hike up to Machu Picchu rather than taking the bus (which I did, and while challenging, it was so rewarding), you might want to consider staying on the western side of town, where the hiking trail begins.
Most accommodation in Aguas Calientes tends to be quite simple, regardless of the price point. Most visitors only stay for one night before or after visiting Machu Picchu, so hostels here don’t typically have the same vibrant social atmosphere that you might find in Cusco or other South American destinations.
🇵🇪 Read more: Things to do in Aguas Calientes, Peru
Best Hostels in Aguas Calientes, Peru
Machu Picchu Guest House, despite its name, operates more like a hostel with both private rooms and dorms. The facilities are basic but clean, with comfortable beds and decent sized bathrooms. It’s also just a few minutes walk from the train station, which is especially convenient when arriving and leaving on the train. Prices here start from about S/70 (17€) per night for a dorm bed.
Kasas del Inka Machupicchu is another budget hostel that I was reccomended several times whilst I was travelling in Peru. The rooms are simple, but the stand-out comment that I seemed to hear over and over again was that the staff were incredibly helpful with things like arranging bus tickets to Machu Picchu and providing early breakfast boxes (which come in handy for a 5am departure). Dorm beds here cost around S/60 (14€) per night.
Both of these options have middling reviews online, which I think is fair – they’re not luxurious by any means, but they provide clean, simple beds for travellers who are primarily there to visit Machu Picchu rather than to socialise or enjoy hostel facilities.
Best Hotels in Aguas Calientes, Peru
High-end: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
If you’re after a truly special experience, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is the premier accommodation option in Aguas Calientes. This 5-star hotel seems more like a private sanctuary than part of a tourist town. The rooms feature authentic Andean décor with fireplaces, alpaca blankets, and spacious marble bathrooms.
Prices start from around S/2,100 (460€) per night, making it a splurge, but one that includes guided nature excursions, breakfast, and afternoon tea. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or want to make your Machu Picchu trip extraordinary, this hotel offers spectacular views and an experience unlike any other in town.
Mid-range: Inti Pacha Palace Machupicchu
For travellers with a moderate budget looking for comfort without the luxury price tag, Inti Pacha Palace is a solid choice. Located just a short walk from the train station and the main plaza, this hotel offers clean, well-appointed rooms with mountain or river views.
My friend who stayed here in Aguas Calientes said that a highlight was the views from the hotel that overlook the rushing Vilcanota River – perfect for enjoying the misty mountain scenery with your morning coffee. The rooms feature warm wood paneling and comfortable beds, and the attached restaurant serves Peruvian cuisine. Prices range from about S/450-650 (100-145€) per night, including the breakfast buffet.
Budget: Hostal La Payacha MachuPicchu
For budget-conscious travellers who still want a private room rather than a dorm, Hostal La Payacha offers simple but clean accommodations (it is a hotel with private rooms, even though they call themself a hostel!). Despite being one of the more affordable options in town, it’s still well-located just a few blocks from the main plaza and the artisanal market.
What impressed me about this place when I peeked in was how bright and airy the rooms felt despite their modest size. The family who runs it is extremely friendly and helpful with organising transportation to Machu Picchu. Rooms cost between S/200-300 (45-65€) per night, making it really good value in a town where prices tend to be inflated due to the captive tourist market.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes
Where do you stay when you hike Machu Picchu?
If you’re doing the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll camp along the trail for 3-4 nights before arriving at Machu Picchu on the final day. On other hikes like the Salkantay Trek, you’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes on the last day and typically stay there overnight before walking up to Machu Picchu the next day to finish your trek. During my trip, I stayed in Aguas Calientes for two nights – one before visiting Machu Picchu and one after.
Is it worth walking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
In my opinion, yes, absolutely! While there are buses that will take you up to Machu Picchu for about S/80 (18€) each way, hiking up gives you a sense of accomplishment and connects you to the journey in a different way. The trail consists of steep stone steps that zigzag up the mountain for about 1.5-2 hours. I started at 4:30am with a headtorch, and reached the entrance just as the sun had risen (although we couldn’t see it, becuase it was so misty).
Is it better to stay in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes?
This depends on your schedule and priorities. Ollantaytambo is a beautiful Inca town in the Sacred Valley with its own impressive ruins, more affordable accommodation, and better food options. Aguas Calientes, however, puts you right at the foot of Machu Picchu, allowing for an early morning visit before the crowds arrive.
What town to stay in when visiting Machu Picchu?
Aguas Calientes is the only town located at the base of Machu Picchu, making it the most convenient place to stay when visiting the ancient citadel. There is no road access to Aguas Calientes – you can only reach it by train (typically from Ollantaytambo or Cusco) or by foot via one of the trekking routes. Some travellers choose to stay in Ollantaytambo and take the first train to Aguas Calientes in the morning, but this limits how early you can arrive at Machu Picchu.
Conclusion
Choosing where to stay in Aguas Calientes ultimately comes down to your budget and comfort preferences, rather than location within the small town. Whether you opt for a luxurious experience at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel with its cloud forest setting, a comfortable mid-range option like Inti Pacha Palace, or a budget-friendly hostel like Machu Picchu Guest House, you’ll find that Aguas Calientes serves its purpose well as the gateway to one of the world’s most remarkable wonders. Regardless of where you choose to stay, the real star of the show will always be Machu Picchu itself.
