Aguas Calientes, Peru, is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo due it’s proximity to Machu Picchu. If you don’t know already, Aguas Calientes is the town at the foot of the hill that Machu Picchu sits on, and you have to pass through it to get to the ancient Incan citadel. It’s a small settlement in the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, at a lower altitude than Cusco but still pretty high up in the mountains.
While many travellers treat Aguas Calientes as a brief stopover, this car-free town offers its own unique charm with thermal hot springs (which gave the town its name), bustling markets, and a magical atmosphere of anticipation for anyone heading on to Machu Picchu.
Day trips directly from Cusco to Machu Picchu are completely possible, but I would absolutely recommend spending at least one night in Aguas Calientes. Not only does this give you the chance to soak in the special ambiance of a town where everyone shares the same excitement about visiting Machu Picchu during your time in Peru, but it’s also a really good idea if you’re planning an early morning start to hike up to the citadel. This trek takes 1-2 hours depending on your pace, and starting early from Aguas Calientes allows you to beat the crowds and experience the mystical morning atmosphere at Machu Picchu without having already spent hours on transport from Cusco.
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An Intro Guide to Aguas Calientes, Peru
I absolutely loved Aguas Calientes. That could have something to do with the relief from it being right at the end of a five-day hike, but I do think there’s something magical about this town. Knowing that Machu Picchu is just ahead of you creates an atmosphere of anticipation and wonder that’s hard to describe. The town itself is quite small but vibrant, filled with restaurants, markets, and accommodation options catering to the thousands of tourists who pass through every day.
Aguas Calientes is quite safe compared to many other places in Peru. The main tourist strip is well-lit and usually busy with visitors, although as with anywhere in South America, I wouldn’t recommend walking alone at night – it’s always better to be cautious.
Beyond the main attraction of Machu Picchu, there are a few things worth doing in Aguas Calientes including natural hot springs (which gave the town its name), exploring the local markets, and taking various hikes in the surrounding mountains (which you might not want to do if you’ve already hiked all the way there!). It’s the perfect place to rest and prepare before your Machu Picchu adventure or to relax and reflect afterwards.
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How to Get to Aguas Calientes, Peru
To reach Aguas Calientes from another country, you’ll typically fly into Cusco (sometimes via Lima) and then continue your journey from there. It’s important to note that Cusco sits at a high altitude of 3,399 meters (11,151 feet) above sea level, while Aguas Calientes is lower at about 2,040 meters (6,693 feet). This means that even though Aguas Calientes itself isn’t at a concerning altitude (although 2,000 metres is still enough to leave you breathless), traveling via Cusco can still put you at risk of altitude sickness.
The most common way to get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes is by taking either a bus to Ollantaytambo followed by a train, or directly by train from Cusco’s Poroy station. There are no reliable roads to Aguas Calientes; the town is only accessible by train or on foot via hiking trails like the Inca Trail or Salktantay Trek.
From other Peruvian cities like Lima or Arequipa, you’ll need to first travel to Cusco and then follow the same route. If you’re coming from neighbouring countries like Bolivia, you can also take a bus to Cusco and then continue as described. But, generally, you need to go to Cusco first.
🇵🇪 Read more: What to Pack & Wear for Machu Picchu
Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes, Peru
Aguas Calientes is a small town, and because it caters so heavily to tourists, accommodation options are spread all over rather than concentrated in specific zones. The town is so small that you can walk from one end to the other in about ten minutes, so deciding which area to be in really isn’t as important as it is in other places. If you’re planning an early morning hike up to Machu Picchu, staying in the west will cut a few minutes off your journey as that’s where the trail begins.
Most hostels and hotels in Aguas Calientes are quite simple. Since many visitors only stay for one night, you won’t find the same vibrant social atmosphere that characterises many hostels in other places in South America. That being said, the accommodations are generally clean and comfortable and provide everything you need for a short stay.
If you’re looking for a bit more luxury, there are plenty of hotels around that cater to a whole range of budgets, although accommodation here is a bit more expensive than it is in other parts of Peru, mostly due to its remote location, but also because it is one of the most touristy places in Peru.
Remember to book in advance, especially during high season, as this tiny town hosts thousands of Machu Picchu visitors daily.
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➡️ Get your ticket, bus and guide to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes here
Weather & Best Time to Visit Aguas Calientes, Peru
Aguas Calientes has a subtropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that have very little variation in temperature. The dry season runs from around May to November, with July and August typically being the driest months. Conversely, the rainy season spans from December to April, with January and February having the heaviest rainfall.
For the best weather conditions and clearest views of Machu Picchu, going during the dry season is generally recommended, though this also coincides with the tourist season which means higher prices and needing to book further in advance. I went at the end of March, during the wet season, and our view of Machu Picchu was misty but cleared eventually.
Being close to the equator, daylight hours don’t vary much with the seasons, with sunrise between 5:30-6:30am and sunset between 5:45-6:30pm. Tourist seasons in Aguas Calientes follow the weather patterns, with the busiest periods being June to August (coinciding with both the dry season and summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere).
How to Get Around Aguas Calientes, Peru
Getting around Aguas Calientes is refreshingly simple – the town is completely walkable and most of your exploration will be done on foot. This might not be great news for you if you’ve just finished a long hike, but there are tuktuks around if you really can’t bear any more walking.
There aren’t regular buses or trains for getting around within Aguas Calientes itself, as the town is simply too small to need them. The only buses you’ll find are those shuttling visitors between the town and Machu Picchu, which run regularly throughout the day, and to a couple of other tourist destinations.
You don’t get taxis in Aguas Calientes because it’s a carless town, but for the rest of Peru (such as when you’re arriving in Cusco) make sure you book them with your accommodation or on an app like Uber.
For arriving in Cusco Airport, I recommend checking out Welcome Pickups, who do private transport from Cusco Airport to Cusco city centre for just 12€! I didn’t use them for this trip specifically (I arrived in Cusco by bus) but I’ve used Welcome Pickups before and always had a great experience with them.
🚖 Go to Welcome Pickups
Things to Do in Aguas Calientes, Peru
While Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the star attraction, there are a few other things that are worth doing in Aguas Calientes. The town’s natural hot springs are a popular destination, especially after a long hike! The thermal baths are about a 15-minute walk from the town centre along Hermanos Ayar Avenue. The entrance fee is around S/20 (4.80€) for foreigners, and the baths are typically open from 5am until 8pm.
Aguas Calientes also has huge local markets where you can purchase everything from traditional textiles to tacky souvenirs. It’s a good place to pick up some souvenirs from your trip as there’s a surprising (in a good way) lack of vendors and stalls at Machu Picchu itself.
The town also features a whole bunch of really highly rated restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. If you’re not in Peru for long, then this is definitely your chance to try some local cuisine, but I have to be honest: after my five-day trek to Machu Picchu, I indulged in what might have been the largest pizza I’ve ever seen in my life.
If you’re interested in learning more about Machu Picchu before you go, the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum near the base of Machu Picchu offers insights into the history and significance of the Inca citadel.
🏔 Read more: Things to do in Aguas Calientes (other than Machu Picchu!)
Where & What to Eat in Aguas Calientes, Peru
Despite its small size, Aguas Calientes offers everything from budget-friendly local eateries to upscale restaurants with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Urubamba River. There are a lot of restaurants specialising in Peruvian cuisine, giving you the perfect opportunity to sample local delicacies like ceviche, lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), and alpaca steak (yep, you read that right).
Some of the most recommended restaurants include Indio Feliz, which serves excellent French-Peruvian fusion dishes in a quirky, colourful setting, and Toto’s House, which offers beautiful river views alongside generous portions of both local and international fare.
There are several pizzerias and international restaurants that serve familiar dishes if you’re just looking for some comfort food after a long hike, like me. I can personally attest to the satisfaction of devouring an enormous pizza after completing the trek to Machu Picchu!
If you’re on a budget, the local market also offers simple meals at very reasonable prices.
Money and Prices in Aguas Calientes, Peru
The currency used in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (S/), and while many places in Aguas Calientes accept credit cards, I recommend carrying plenty of cash, especially at markets or local eateries. There are ATMs in Aguas Calientes, but they often charge high fees of up to S/45 (10.90€) per withdrawal. There are some ATMs in Peru that are completely free, so I recommend taking plenty of both Soles and US Dollars with you.
Prices in Aguas Calientes are generally higher than in other parts of Peru, as it’s such a tourist hub and it’s quite secluded, meaning importing anything for them is quite expensive. Expect to pay higher than average rates for accommodation, food, and services (although nothing too out of the ordinary).
Accommodation varies widely, from budget hostels that are around S/80 (18€) per night to luxury hotels charging several hundred soles. Entrance to the hot springs costs S/20 (4.85€) for foreigners, and souvenirs at the market are usually negotiable. While Aguas Calientes is more expensive than many other Peruvian destinations, it’s still relatively affordable compared to Western European or North American prices.
FAQs About Aguas Calientes
Is Aguas Calientes, Peru worth visiting?
Absolutely! While Aguas Calientes exists primarily as the gateway to Machu Picchu, it has its own charm and offers a unique atmosphere, whether you head there before or after you go to Machu Picchu. The thermal baths, vibrant markets, and beautiful mountain scenery make it worth spending at least one night here rather than rushing through on a day trip.
Is it worth walking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
In my opinion, yes – if you have a reasonable level of fitness. The walk takes about 1-2 hours depending on your pace and involves climbing a LOT of steps (around 1,600), but it’s a memorable experience that really adds to the adventure of visiting Machu Picchu. If you’re not confident in your hiking abilities or are short on time, the bus service is efficient and takes only about 30 minutes.
Is Aguas Calientes safe?
Aguas Calientes is generally considered one of the safer places for tourists in Peru. The main streets are well-lit and usually busy with visitors. However, as with anywhere, it’s advisable to take basic precautions – don’t walk alone late at night, keep valuables secure, and be aware of your surroundings.
Is it better to stay in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo?
This depends on your priorities and travel style. Aguas Calientes has the obvious advantage of proximity to Machu Picchu, and staying here allows you to reach Machu Picchu early in the morning before crowds arrive. However, Ollantaytambo has its own Inca ruins to see, feels more authentic, and generally offers better value for money with cheaper accommodation and food options.
Conclusion
While it’s certainly possible to visit Machu Picchu on a day trip from Cusco, staying overnight in Aguas Calientes allows you to experience the site at a more relaxed pace and avoid the largest crowds. The town may be touristy, but that’s part of its charm – everyone you meet shares the same sense of wonder and excitement about visiting one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.
I recommend arriving the day before you go to Machu Picchu, explore the town, relax in the thermal baths, and prepare yourself to see one of the new seven wonders of the world. Or, if you’re arriving on foot after a long trek, plan a couple of days to relax and recover in Aguas Calientes before you continue your journey.
