Visiting Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu
Located at the foot of the famous Inca citadel, Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the final stop before you reach the ruins of Machu Picchu. Nestled in a lush valley and split by the Vilcanota River, the town is an unavoidable waypoint for travelers. While many see it only as a transit point, it offers a few reasons to linger before or after your time at the archaeological site.
The thermal baths of Aguas Calientes
As the name suggests, Aguas Calientes is known for its natural hot springs. Located on the edge of town, these baths are divided into pools of varying temperatures. While their maintenance is sometimes a point of contention given the heavy tourist traffic, they offer a way to soak your muscles after a long day of hiking.
The Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum
This small museum, located about a 30-minute walk from the center, covers the history of Machu Picchu and the archaeological excavations conducted there. It provides context on Inca engineering and theories regarding the site's original purpose. It is rarely crowded, making it a solid spot for a deeper look at the ruins before or after you head up the mountain.
Mandor Gardens and Waterfalls
A few miles from town, following the train tracks, you will find the Mandor waterfalls. It is a pleasant spot for a walk through the jungle. The trail winds through a botanical garden where you can spot local plants and birds. This excursion is easy to do without a guide and provides a quiet escape from the noise of the village.
The artisan market
Right next to the train station, the Aguas Calientes artisan market is packed with stands selling textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs inspired by Andean culture. Prices are often higher here than in Cusco, but it remains a convenient place to pick up a last-minute gift before you leave the region.
Cuisine influenced by the Sacred Valley
Aguas Calientes features a mix of Andean traditions and international flavors. Trucha a la parrilla, a grilled trout pulled from the nearby rivers, is a local specialty. You will also find lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, vegetables, and french fries served over rice.
As for drinks, mate de coca is widely consumed to help with altitude acclimation.
Where to eat?
- Indio Feliz (Center): A fusion restaurant serving high-quality French-Peruvian dishes.
- Tree House (Center): A well-regarded spot for plates blending local and international influences.
- El Mapi (Center): A restaurant offering refined cooking in an elegant space.
- La Boulangerie de Paris (Center): A go-to for fresh bread and pastries.
Where to stay?
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (Center): A high-end property set in a quiet, green environment.
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (Center): A comfortable option that offers good value for the price.
- Gringo Bill's (Center): A friendly spot for travelers on a moderate budget.
- Supertramp Hostel (Center): An energetic hostel built for backpackers.
When to go?
The best time to visit Aguas Calientes is between May and September, during the dry season. From November to March, rain is common and can make accessing Machu Picchu more difficult. June is notable for the Inti Raymi festival celebrated in Cusco, which can increase crowds throughout the entire region.
How to get there?
Most travelers arrive from Cusco by train via PeruRail or Inca Rail, a journey taking 3.5 to 4 hours depending on the service. A more economical alternative involves taking a bus to Hydroelectrica, followed by a 2.5-hour walk into town.
How to get around?
Aguas Calientes is small enough to navigate entirely on foot. To reach Machu Picchu, shuttles depart regularly from the center, though the climb can also be done on foot in about 1.5 hours.
Aguas Calientes is a small thermal town at the foot of Machu Picchu, the famous Peruvian wonder of the world. Naturally, it is a very touristy town, with its huge market near the train station, and a large number of accommodations and restaurants for visitors from all over the world. I do not necessarily recommend the baths, they are not super clean.
Despite everything, I find the atmosphere of Aguas Calientes quite magical, and I met some nice people and had a good evening during both of my visits.