Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town, is the last stop when taking the train to Machu Picchu. It’s a small tourist village that is -to be honest- rather unspectacular as it’s mostly home to touristy restaurants and hotels.
However, in your excitement of visiting Machu Picchu you most likely won’t be bothered by that and rather be surprised by its charming location in the mountains.
Many travelers still have some time either before or after their Machu Picchu tour which is why it’s useful to know about the things to do in Aguas Calientes. Let’s begin!
At the Mariposario, you’ll be able to see and learn a lot about many beautiful butterflies.
The Butterfly Farm is a local conservation project to study and protect butterfly species. The goal of Mariposario is to increase the population of butterflies.
During the 15-20 min guided tour for S/10 ($3), you will learn more about the different species and developmental stages of butterflies.
At the Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum you can learn more about the history, culture and rediscovery of Machu Picchu. What is special about the museum are the four exhibition rooms with more than 250 original objects made of stone, bone, ceramics, metal, etc., which have been found in the city of Machu Picchu and on the Inca Trail in recent decades.
Adjacent you will find a botanical garden where native plants such as Peruvian coffee and coca plants and other native plants are shown.
The museum is just 2km from Aguas Calientes and admission is S/22 (approx $6) per person.
The so-called Mandor Gardens (“Los jardines de mandor”), is a small but beautiful waterfall near Aguas Calientes. It is a privately run ecological conservation and reforestation project on the banks of the Urubamba River. This is one of the top 5 waterfalls in Peru that you can discover.
If you have enough time, it is worth taking a trip to the botanical garden and the waterfall. The hike is 4 km long and takes around 50 minutes.
At Machu Picchu, there are different hikes you can do. A relaxing bath in the hot springs is a great way to relax afterwards.
The hot springs are great for recovering from a hike or to get your body ready for the next. On site you will find six different pools with different water temperatures.
The springs are open every day from 5am to 8pm and admission is S/20 (about $5). Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and a towel. There are changing rooms on site.
As in all of Peru, you will also find numerous delicious restaurants in Aguas Calientes that will enchant you with Peruvian dishes.
To avoid the classic tourist traps, we recommend reading our blog about the Best Restaurants in Aguas Calientes.
You’ll fall in love with the variety of colors and patterns of the different clothes at almost every traditional market.
Did you know that no vehicles are allowed in the core of Aguas Calientes? This way you can walk through the charismatic streets in peace.
In Aguas Calientes you will also find a market with numerous souvenirs for your friends and family at home. Here you will find everything about Peru and Machu Picchu, such as ponchos, pictures, panpipes and much more!
However, we recommend buying souvenirs in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley, as they are usually a bit cheaper there. In order to be able to negotiate better with the locals, you should read our blog with 20 Spanish phrases.
As you can see, there are some activities to keep you busy in Aguas Calientes if you have time before or after visiting Machu Picchu.
During high season, we recommend arriving in Aguas Calientes the day before your Machu Picchu tour so you can get in as early as possible the next morning. Another advantage is that you don’t have to travel back and forth as much in the same day and are therefore more rested. The best way is to combine this tour with the Sacred Valley, leaving you with our Best of Cusco in 2 Days tour.
If you have any other questions about the village or the Machu Picchu tour, please let us know in the comments or email us at [email protected].
Are you ready for your visit? With our article 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll be well prepared for your time at Machu Picchu.
The best things to do in Aguas Calientes include soaking in the town’s hot springs, walking along the river and train tracks, visiting nearby waterfalls, and exploring short hikes to viewpoints over the valley. Many visitors also enjoy the Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón) and the butterfly house on the road toward Machu Picchu, which help explain the history, nature, and wildlife of the area. In town, people spend time in local cafes, markets, and restaurants to relax before or after their Machu Picchu visit.
Most travelers spend one night in Aguas Calientes, which gives enough time to explore the town, visit the hot springs, and prepare for an early or late visit to Machu Picchu. If you enjoy short hikes, photography, or slower travel, two nights work better so you can see the museum, butterfly house, and nearby trails without feeling rushed. Day trips are possible, but they leave little time to enjoy what Aguas Calientes itself offers.
The hot springs are one of the main attractions in Aguas Calientes and many travelers visit at least once. The pools are not a luxury spa, but they offer warm water, a social setting, and a good way to relax your legs after hiking or walking around Machu Picchu. They are most pleasant in the late afternoon or evening when the air is cooler. Bring sandals and a swimsuit, and expect simple facilities rather than a high-end experience.
If you arrive the day before, you can check into your hotel, walk through town to get oriented, and buy any last-minute snacks or rain gear. Many travelers visit the hot springs, take a short walk along the river, or have an early dinner so they can rest before an early start. If you have a few extra hours, you can visit the Machu Picchu Museum and butterfly house on the road out of town or explore a short hike to a nearby viewpoint.
Aguas Calientes is a small town that most visitors explore on foot. The main streets, train station, and bus stop to Machu Picchu are close to each other, and you can walk between restaurants, hotels, and the hot springs in a few minutes. As in any tourist town, keep an eye on your belongings, but in general, travelers find Aguas Calientes safe, especially in the busy central areas. The streets can be steep and wet in the rain, so bring good shoes and walk carefully.
Sienna6 February, 2022 at 10:05 am
I am so happy that I have found your blog article! Because we almost booked 3 nights in Aguas Calientes and as you have said – there is not too much to do and for that reason we will spend more time in Cusco. But we will go for sure to the hot springs. They look incredible!
Oliver from Exploor8 February, 2022 at 8:29 am
Hey Sienna, thank you for your message and I’m glad the content was helpful for you! 3 nights in Aguas Calientes would definitely be too much, 1 night is enough. What we often recommend is visiting the Sacred Valley first, taking the train to Aguas Calientes after the tour and spending the night there. Then, on the next day, you do your Machu Picchu tour and you return to Cusco afterwards. If you’re interested, feel free to check our Best of Cusco in 2 Days tour. 🙂
The hot springs are great after a strenuous hike, but last time I went they were a but smelly! If you have any other questions about Aguas Calientes feel free to contact us.