Aguas Calientes Hot Springs Tours

Cusco which includes a statue or sculpture and outdoor art
Known for its thermal baths, trekking routes and beautiful scenery, this deep valley village is an attractive stopover for those waiting to climb up to Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes sits below Machu Picchu and is the last train stop before the sacred Inca city. The small town lies in a deep valley enclosed by mountains and forests. With restaurants, thermal baths, hiking trails and a market, Aguas Calientes is more than just a gateway to the ancient ruins. It is worth spending a day or two here before going onto Machu Picchu.

The town has two main streets and is easily explored on foot, though you may need to get used to the thin air at this altitude first. Go to the main square to see the life-size statue of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti, a powerful leader credited with expanding the empire. Buy locally made bags, rugs, jewelry and other handicrafts at the market near the train station. Learn about the rediscovery of Machu Picchu at the Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón. There are also more than 200 stone, ceramic, bone and metal Inca artifacts on display. See dozens of butterfly species at the Butterfly House.

If you are feeling fit, take the trail up to Putucusi, the jagged rock formation opposite Machu Picchu. The route starts just outside Aguas Calientes and ancient stone steps and ladders lead partway up to the summit. A much shorter and less strenuous hike is to the Mandor Gardens, an orchid-filled natural reserve that also has a waterfall.

On your return, soak your sore muscles in the thermal baths, a 15-minute walk out of town. Aguas Calientes is named after these hot sulfurous springs that emerge from the rocky ground. For lunch or dinner, try some baked guinea pig, called “cuy,” stuffed hot peppers and other traditional foods at one of the restaurants. The town also has many pizzerias.

Aguas Calientes has plenty of accommodation types including budget hostels, midrange hotels and upscale options. Cut off from roads, the town is a car-free zone. Most travelers arrive by train from Cusco, a journey that can take up to 4 hours.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Aguas Calientes Hot Springs

Reviews of Aguas Calientes Hot Springs

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

RichardM
Oct 11, 2019

We gave ourselves plenty of time for catching the bus to MP, and the train back to Ollantaytambo, and used the time for lunch and dinner for which there were plenty of great options.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 17, 2019

Maybe stay here for the night if visiting Machu Picchu!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 9, 2019

Highly recommend you have dinner at the Full House, and if looking for a small quzint hotel, we had service that went above and beyond to help us w/my elderly dad w/limited mobility--secured wheelchair to get him to/from the train station-waited with my Dad--honestly--fantastic people.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.