Aguas Calientes, officially called Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the small town at the base of the citadel. Most people pass through it only to take the bus up and the train out, but the town has a few low-key options if you stay overnight or have a few free hours.
It sits at about 2,040 meters, noticeably lower and warmer than Cusco. The streets are compact and almost entirely pedestrian. The train station, main square, craft market, and bus terminal for Machu Picchu are all within a short walk of each other.
Hot Springs
The municipal thermal pools are the main non-Machu Picchu attraction. They are a 10 – 15 minute walk uphill from the center along Avenida Hermanos Ayar. Water temperatures are warm (roughly 38 – 45 °C). Entry for foreign visitors is usually around 20 soles. Bring a swimsuit; towels can often be rented.
The pools are busiest in the afternoon when people return from the ruins. Early morning or later evening tends to be quieter. They are basic rather than luxurious, but many travelers find them useful after a long day of walking.
Other Short Options
- Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum: A small museum near the bridge at the base of the road to Machu Picchu. It provides archaeological context. Useful if you have an hour or two and want more background than the guided tour on the mountain provides.
- Mandor Gardens: A gentle walk of about an hour each way along the tracks toward the hydroelectric plant, leading to a waterfall and garden area. It is one of the few nature walks that does not require a big time commitment.
- Town walk and market: The main streets are short. The craft market is concentrated near the station and plaza. Prices are higher than in Cusco; bargaining is common.
- Butterfly house: A small, easy stop if you are looking for something low-effort.
Note that some older trails (such as Putucusi) have had maintenance issues and closures. Check locally before attempting anything off the main paths.
Staying Overnight
One night is the most common choice, especially if your Machu Picchu entrance is early. Staying the night lets you take one of the first buses up (they start around 5:30 am) and avoids a same-day train both ways. Two nights give more time for the hot springs or a relaxed morning, but many people manage with one.
Hotels range from simple guesthouses to higher-end properties with gardens. Location matters more than luxury if you need to reach the bus queue early. The whole town is walkable, so even places a bit uphill are rarely more than 10 – 15 minutes from the center.
Practical Points
- Cash is useful. ATMs exist but can run low or charge high fees in peak season. Bring soles from Cusco.
- Mosquitoes are present, especially near the river in the early morning and evening. Repellent helps.
- The weather is warmer and more humid than Cusco. Light rain is possible year-round.
- Restaurants near the station and plaza are convenient but often more expensive. Moving a street or two away usually improves the price-to-quality ratio.
- Coordinate train times with your hotel and Machu Picchu entry slot. A late arrival the night before and a very early bus the next morning can mean a short night.
How It Fits with the Rest of the Trip
Aguas Calientes is almost always linked to a train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy and a timed entrance to Machu Picchu. Our guide on how to visit Machu Picchu covers tickets, circuits, and the train versus trek options in more detail. The town itself is mainly a functional base rather than a destination on its own.
