Of course, one of the best things to do in Aguas Calientes is to visit Machu Picchu but there’s more to do in this small town than just a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu, located at the base of the mountain on the banks of the Urubamba river. Filled with eateries and shops, thousands of travelers pass through this tiny tourist town on a daily basis for obvious reasons but very few stay.
After independently trekking the Salkantay Trail, I spent three nights in this charming small village, resting my tired, sore muscles and soaking in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
In this article, we’ll go over what to do in Aguas Calientes and at the end of the post I’ll add any travel guides that will aid you in planning your trip to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and this part of Peru.
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Things to do in Aguas Calientes Quick List
Below I have a listed the best things to do in Aguas Calientes for easy viewing. If you’d like more information on a certain activity, click on the blue links below for more details.
- Visit Machu Picchu
- Climb Huayna Picchu
- Plaza Manco Capac
- Eat a Tasty Meal
- Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
- Machu Picchu Museum
- Get a Massage
- Mariposario de Machupicchu
- Shop at the Market
- Putucusi Mountain
10 Things to do Aguas Calientes, Peru
Visit Machu Picchu | The Best Thing to do in Aguas Calientes
The number one thing to do in Aguas Calientes is visit the iconic Inca city of Machu Picchu. In fact, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru and one of the most important heritage sites in the world.
Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel and symbol of the Incan Empire. Set high in the Andes Mountains more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the tropical forest above the Urubamba River valley, Machu Picchu offers spectacular scenery.
Due to its strategic location at the top of a high mountain, the meaning and reason it resides here remains a mystery. Renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar and buildings that play on astronomical alignments, there are various theories about what how it was built.
It’s best to visit Machu Picchu with a guide as they will be able to give insight and knowledge about the mysterious Incan empire. You can book a guide on-site, or reserve one in advance. Booking a tour guide in advance will include entry ticket, bus transportation to and from Machu Picchu, as well a tour guide.
🦙 If you would prefer to explore Machu Picchu independently, book your Tickets to Machu Picchu far in advance as there are restrictions on the number of tickets available daily.
📌 Read Next: Machu Picchu Travel Guide
Climb Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu Mountain (also know as Wayna Picchu) is one of the best ways to see Machu Picchu as it overlooks the iconic, preserved city. Huayna Picchu is the tall mountain you see behind Machu Picchu in the most famous photographs of the Inca Citadel.
The only way to access this hike is by passing through the Machu Picchu complex to the most northern corner. Huayna Picchu requires its own separate entry ticket on top of the general entry ticket to Machu Picchu, which must be booked months in advance.
It takes about 1 hour to hike to the top and I promise the views are worth it. As you climb up the mountain, you will find steep and narrow stairs known as “stairs of death.” You may start regretting your decision here but I promise it’s worth it.
Closer to the top there are different temples and areas that offer panoramic views and a place to catch your breath. A friendly reminder that you have to go down the same way you come up.
💡 Travel Tip: Book the earliest entry ticket to Huayna Picchu at 7 am to beat the crowds to the top.
🥾 Read Full Guide: Hiking Huayna Picchu – Everything you Need to Know
Plaza Manco Capac
The Plaza Manco Capac is a small central plaza located in the center of Aguas Calientes. Named after the founder of the Inca empire of Cusco, the main plaza of Aguas Calientes is a perfect spot to take in the sights of the stunning mountains that surround the town.
The Plaza Manco Capac is adjacent to several of the must eat restaurants and cafes in Aguas Calientes, this is one of the best places to figure out where to eat if you like to do research on your phone beforehand.
Eat a Tasty Meal
Aguas Calientes has a lot of tasty restaurants and there’s nothing better after a long day of exploring Machu Picchu than a big, delicious, and tasty meal. Over the three days that I hung out in Aguas Calientes, the best meal I enjoyed was at Indio Feliz Restaurant and Bar. I loved it so much that I ate here twice.
It’s a French/Peruvian restaurant that serves trout, chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes. The portions are huge, fresh and delicious. I had the baked trout with mushroom cream sauce and it came with rice, vegetables, crisp home made chips and lots of herbs.
If you only eat at one restaurant in Aguas Calientes, eat at Indio Fleiz Restaurant and Bar. If you want more options, here are some of the top rated restaurants in Machu Picchu.
- Chullos Craft Beer & Homemade Food
- Cafe Inkaterra
- Apu Inti Restaurante Machupicchu
- Chef House Peruvian Food
- Govinda
- Julian Restaurant
- Green House Organic Concept
- Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant
- The Tree House Restaurant
- Tupana wasi restaurant
- Taywa Restaurante-Café
- Incontri Del Pueblo Viejo (has incredible pizza)
🍜 Read Next: Best Restaurants Near Machu Picchu
Enjoy the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes
- ⏰ Open from 5 am to 8:30 pm
- 💰 Costs 10 soles per person
After a day of hiking around Machu Picchu, what better way to soothe your achy muscles than in the Aguas Calientes hot springs. I mean Aguascalientes, which means “hot waters“ in Spanish, was named after the numerous hot springs in the area.
The thermal baths in Aguas Calientes are located on the North end of town, up the hill on the main street. Although not as good as the nearby hot springs in Santa Teresa (these can be found along the Salkantay Trail), the hot springs Aguas Calientes are unique and scenic as you are surrounded by big green mountains.
There are a few different pools offering different temperatures. This is one of the best attractions in the town of Machu Picchu.
👙 Travel Tip: Bathings suits for men and women as well as towels can be rented at several shops nearby the hot springs if you find yourself without.
Visit the Machu Picchu Museum
The Machu Picchu Museum or formally known as the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum is is named after the archaeologist, Manuel Chavez Ballon. Although somewhat small, this is a great museum with lots of objects, information, and photos.
If you arrive in Aguas Calientes with time to kill before visiting Machu Picchu, I would check out this Manuel Chavez ballon museum. It will give you a bit of a foundation on the history of the area and a better understand the history of the Inca people, culture, religion and social life.
Entry to the Machu Picchu Museum is free with proof of a ticket to Machu Picchu. Without proof of ticket it is 22 Soles per person. This is one of the best things to do in Aguas Calientes when it rains.
Get a Massage
In my opinion, one of the best things to do in Aguas Calientes is to get a massage. Okay so this is usually my favorite thing to do anywhere, I love a good massage.
There are several places around town that offer full body massages for around 20-40 soles. Here’s the thing with the 20 soles massage though. This massage usually entails just a rub down.
If you want a deep tissue massage you’ll want to spring the extra 40-60 soles and opt for a traditional Inka massage. The Inka massage uses a special combination of different techniques of Andean Massage and Oriental massage.
It usually ends with a hot stone massage. It’s worth the extra few bucks because you can’t visit Peru without hiking a little bit and a massage after a day of hiking is oh so amazing.
Mariposario de Machupicchu
If you have free time and are looking for more things to do in Aguas Calientes besides Machu Picchu, consider visiting the Mariposario de Machupicchu. Mariposario de Machupicchu is an exclusive butterfly farm that has a large range of butterflies.
It cost 20 soles per person for a guided tour of the butterfly house where you learn about various species of butterflies. From the eggs to caterpillars to the final product of the butterfly. Plus it’s always nice to support a worthy cause.
Go Shopping in the Market
Although the handcrafts sold in Aguas Calientes are more expensive than you would find anywhere else in Peru, the local aritisans’ market is still worth a trip to shop around for some souvenirs.
If you were like me and arrive in Aguas Calientes by hiking the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail, you won’t have many clothing options. The market in Aguas Calientes has lots of ponchos and hats, perfect if you want to spruce up a picture inside Machu Picchu.
Putucusi Mountain
Finishing off our best things to do in Aguas Calientes list is to hike Putucusi Mountain. The large green imposing mountains directly across from Machu Picchu is Putucusi and worth a hike if you still have energy left from trekking around Machu Picchu.
The hike takes around 3 hours combined and offers a glimpse of a cloud forest and phenomenal views of the world wonder. The Putucusi trail starts west of town. Just follow the railroad tracks until you see a set of stairs. From here the path is well marked.
🥾 Read Next: 10 Epic Hikes in Peru
Things to do in Aguas Calientes Tips
Those were the best things to do in Aguas Calientes, so now let’s go over some other useful tips & things to know about this Machu Picchu village.
- Tickets to Machu Picchu must be booked in advance. You can do this is Cusco or online which I would recommend to guarantee entry.
- If you are planning on hiking Huayna Picchu, these tickets need to be booked farther in advance than normal entry tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Train tickets in and out of Aguas Calientes should also be booked in advance. Return train tickets out of town book up quicker than coming in.
- There are two options to get up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes – you can either hike up or you can take the bus which costs $12 one way.
- Aguas Calientes is also known as Machupicchu or Machupicchu Pueblo.
- There are no vehicles in this town apart from the buses that take you to and from Machu Picchu.
- The town of Aguas Calientes elevation is 6,700 feet.
- The town is very small and walkable.
- Tap water is not safe to drink.
- Lifestraw Water Bottle – helps me save a little money on buying water and stay healthy with clean drinking water.
- There are some biting mosquitos at Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes, wear long light clothing and use plenty of strong insect repellent.
- Get an eSIM for your phone to stay connected with a local high-speed data network while you travel.
- You may experience altitude sickness.
📌 Read Next: 20 Essential Tips to Know Before Traveling to Peru
Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes, Peru
There are so lots of places to stay in Aguas Calientes and for every budget. We stayed at Gringo Bills and were very happy with our accommodations.
Here are more Aguas Calientes hotel recommendations when planning your visit to Machu Picchu.
Budget Places to Stay in Aguas Calientes
Supertramp Hostel – The only real hostel in town. Includes a kitchen when your budget is in charge.
Mid Range Accommodations in Machu Picchu Town
Gringo Bills – Located close to the train station. Rooms are spacious, showers are hot and each room comes with a balcony.
Hotel Wiracocha Inn – Bright rooms, mountain views and a buffet breakfast.
Luxury Places to Stay in Machu Picchu
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – Luxuriant, tropical gardens, free breakfast, and on site spa.
El Mapi – Located in prime location in the middle of town, this hotel is sleek and modern.
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu – A badass, luxury hotel sitting at the base of Machu Picchu.
How to Get to Aguas Calientes
There are a few different ways to get to Aguas Calientes via public transportation – the train, the bus, or by foot.
By train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes it takes about 3 hours. From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes it takes 2 hours.
Book a Train Ticket to Aguas Calientes from Cusco →
From Hydroelectrica it is about 45 minutes and tickets must be booked in advance in person in Cusco or in Aguas Calientes.
The Vista Dome train line is the best way to get to Aguas Calientes in the comfort of an elegant train.
Book the Vista Dome to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo →
By bus. There is a collectivo that runs from Cusco to Hydroelectrica. From here, you can either ride the train to Aguas Calientes (tickets must be booked in advance) or walk the train tracks all the way to Aguas Calientes,
By foot. One of the most popular things to do in Peru is to hike a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu. You can do this by hiking the classic Inca Trail or one of the alternative treks, like the Salkantay Trail. Both of these long distance trails end up in Aguas Calientes.
☕️ Read Full Post: Best Ways to Get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. During the dry season, the weather is usually sunny and dry, with minimal rainfall and clear skies, making it ideal for export the ancient ruins and hiking trails.
The dry season also coincides with the peak tourist season, particularly June to August, when the weather is at its most pleasant, and the crowds are the highest.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and still enjoy favorable weather, I’d travel to Peru in the shoulder months of May or October. I traveled here during May and June and had fantastic weather the whole entire 2 months I explored Peru.
It’s worth noting that Machu Picchu is open year-round, but the rainy season from November to April brings heavier rainfall, which can make hiking conditions more challenging and increase the risk of landslides on the trails.
Peru Travel Vlogs
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Cusco Travel Guides
Cusco is the gateway city to visiting Machu Picchu. I spent almost a month roaming around Cusco’s cobblestone streets going on epic adventures, eating amazing food, and petting llamas. I haven’t traveled to every country in South America yet, but for now, Cusco is by far one of my favorite cities in South America.
There are many reasons to love this town but between the amazing hikes and the delicious food, I promise you will love your visit to Cusco. Check out the guides below to help plan your trip to this charming destination.
Best Things to do in Cusco – This is the big guide on all the best things to do in Cusco.
Where to Stay in Cusco – This guide lists the best areas to stay in Cusco and the top hotels in Cusco for all budgets.
Best Restaurants in Cusco – 12 Must eat restaurants in Cusco.
17 Things to Know Before Traveling to Cusco – 17 Useful Things to Know Before you Go
How to Trek the Salkantay Trail Independently – By far my biggest adventure in Peru was trekking 5 days on the alternative route to Machu Picchu. And we did this without a guide, tent, or reservations. This guide explains exactly how to do it.
Salkantay Trek Tips – 15 Things to know before you go.
Hiking Humantay Lake without a Tour – This is one of the most popular day trips from Cusco.
How to Get from Cusco to Lake Titicaca – There are 4 different ways to get from Cusco to Puno.
Salkantay Trek Packing List – Everything you need to pack for an adventure of a lifetime.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to do in Aguas Calientes
From exploring the mysteries of Machu Picchu to soaking in the hot springs, there are plenty of things to do in Aguas Calientes if you end up spending a few days in this quaint town.
If you found this article useful, let fellow travelers know in the comments below 👇.
Peru Travel Guides ↓
📍 If you are planning your trip to Peru, I spent 2 months traveling around this beautiful country, and the only reason I left was because my visa was running out. Check out the travel guides below for more inspiration in planning your travels to Peru.
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