Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the service town located in the valley, directly at the base of the mountain where the citadel of Machu Picchu is found. It works as the logistic center and mandatory access point for the great majority of visitors. It is the final destination for all train services (which arrive from Cusco and Ollantaytambo) and the resting point for those who finish alternative hikes like the Salkantay Trek.
The town’s geography is unique: it is a dense settlement built in a narrow canyon at the meeting point of the Vilcanota (Urubamba) and Aguas Calientes rivers. Its entire infrastructure, which includes a high concentration of hotels, restaurants, and markets, is geared towards receiving tourism. Most travelers use it as a transit place, either to spend the night before the visit or to take the final connection to the citadel.
While the main goal is the visit to the archaeological site, the town also offers some complementary activities, like the thermal baths that give it its popular name. This guide is designed to cover logistical aspects and answer the following questions: What to do in Aguas Calientes? and How to get up to Machu Picchu?
Where is Aguas Calientes?
The town is located at 2,040 meters above sea level (6,692 feet). This altitude is significantly lower than that of Cusco, which gives the town a jungle brow climate, warmer and more humid.
Geographically, Aguas Calientes is set in a narrow canyon formed by the meeting point of the Vilcanota (Urubamba) and Aguas Calientes rivers; likewise, the place is completely surrounded by mountains with vertical slopes and dense vegetation.
It is essential to understand that the town has no road connection with Cusco or the rest of the country. Access is almost exclusively by train, arriving at the Machu Picchu Pueblo station. Inside the town, private vehicles do not circulate; the only motorized transport are the buses that make the ascent and descent route to the citadel on the Hiram Bingham road.
Key Facts about Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Railroad Origins: The town’s origins are not ancient. They date back to 1901, when the place was established as a camp for the workers building the railway line from Cusco.
- Historical Fact: A notable fact is that its first mayor was a Japanese citizen, Oscar Yokichi Nouchi, who had originally been hired to work on the railroad project.
- Tourism Growth: With the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911 and the later increase in tourism, the camp grew to become the service town that it is today, with an infrastructure almost entirely dedicated to receiving visitors.
- The Cable Car Debate: There is a long-standing debate about the possible construction of a cable car to replace the current bus route from Aguas Calientes to the citadel. However, the project has been stopped repeatedly due to concerns about the environmental impact and the overcrowding of tourism.
- Hiring Guides: For travelers who arrive in town with their entry ticket but without an organized tour, it is possible to hire official guides. Although there are agencies in the town, the most common place to hire a guide for the tour is directly at the entrance gate to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where certified guides offer their services.
What to do in the town of Aguas Calientes, near Machu Picchu?
While most travelers use Aguas Calientes only as a transit point, the town offers several complementary activities for those who have free time before or after their visit to the citadel. These include everything from relaxation options, like the thermal baths, to short hikes and cultural visits.
Gastronomy and Services
The town has a high concentration of restaurants and cafes geared towards tourism, mainly on Pachacutec Avenue and next to the train track. The offer is wide, from pizzerias and fast food to restaurants that offer typical Peruvian dishes like trout and lomo saltado.
Main Attractions in the Town and Surroundings
1. The Thermal Baths: The town owes its name to these thermal baths of volcanic origin, which are a popular option to relax after the visit to Machu Picchu. The complex consists of a set of pools at different temperatures, fed by mountain springs.
- Location: At the end of Hermanos Ayar Avenue (in the upper part of the town).
- Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (approx.).Cost (Foreigners): S/ 20 (approx. $6 USD).
2. Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum: This museum, located at the foot of the mountain (on the Hiram Bingham road, near the Ruinas Bridge), offers historical and archaeological context of the citadel. It exhibits ceramic pieces, tools, and stones found during excavations and explains the conservation process of the sanctuary.
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (approx.).
- Cost (Foreigners): S/ 22 (approx. $7 USD).
3. Mándor Waterfalls and Gardens: This is a light hike, its trail follows the train line towards Santa Teresa (approx. 1 hour on foot) until reaching a private reserve known as the Mándor Gardens. Inside the reserve, a short trail leads to a waterfall surrounded by cloud forest vegetation, ideal for bird and orchid watching.
- Location: 1 hour walk from Aguas Calientes (following the train track).
- Cost: S/ 10 (approx. $3 USD) to enter the reserve.
4. Machu Picchu Butterfly House: Located about 15-20 minutes on foot from the town (on the Hiram Bingham road, before reaching the Museum), this is an interpretation and conservation center. The butterfly house hosts several species of native butterflies from the region in their different life stages, flying in a protected garden. It is an educational visit, ideal for families.
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (approx.).
- Cost: S/ 20 (approx. $6 USD).
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
How to Get to Aguas Calientes?
As mentioned, the town of Aguas Calientes has no road access from Cusco. The only two ways to get there are via the main route by train or via the alternative route through Hidroeléctrica.
1. The Train Route (Main Way): This is the fastest, safest, and most used way by the majority of travelers. The train journey itself offers views of the Sacred Valley.
- Step 1: Get to a Train Station.
- From Ollantaytambo (Most common option): Most travelers first move from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (by bus or taxi, 1.5 – 2 hours) and board the train there. This route offers the most frequent schedules.
- From Cusco (Direct routes): There are some direct train departures from the Poroy or San Pedro stations in Cusco, although they are less frequent and the journey is longer (approx. 3.5 – 4 hours).
- Step 2: Train Journey to Aguas Calientes. From the Ollantaytambo station, the train journey to the Machu Picchu Pueblo station (Aguas Calientes) takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The two companies that operate this route are PeruRail and Inca Rail.
2. The Alternative Route via Hidroeléctrica (Economic Way): This is a much longer and cheaper option, popular among backpackers. It involves a long road trip followed by a hike.
- Step 1: Road Transport to Hidroeléctrica. You must take transport from Cusco (generally an agency bus or minivan) that follows a long route (approx. 6-7 hours) through Santa María and Santa Teresa, until reaching the “Hidroeléctrica” station.
- Step 2: Final Stretch from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes. Once at Hidroeléctrica, there are two options for the final stretch:
- On foot (Most common option): A 2.5 to 3-hour hike on a flat path that follows the train line to Aguas Calientes.
- By train: There is a local train that operates this short stretch, although its schedules are limited.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes?
For the final stretch from the town (2,040 m) to the entrance gate of the citadel (2,430 m), there are two methods: the bus (the standard option) or the hike (the free option).
1. By Bus: This is the fastest way and the one used by the great majority of visitors.
- Service: The buses are the only vehicle transport on the route. The ascent trip on the Hiram Bingham road lasts approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- Frequency: The buses leave with high frequency. During the peak morning hours, they operate as soon as they fill up, which means departures every 5 or 10 minutes.
- Stop Location: The bus station is easily found on Hermanos Ayar Avenue, a few meters from where you cross the main bridge, near the train station.
2. On Foot: The alternative to the bus is to go up walking.
- Service: It is a free option that requires good physical condition.
- Route: The trail consists of a path of stone steps that cuts through the zigzags of the road. It is a steep and demanding climb.
- Duration: The hike takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours, depending on your pace. It is not recommended if you have a very early entry time or if you plan to do an additional hike (like Huayna Picchu) the same day, as it uses a lot of energy.
Bus Ticket Purchase
The bus ticket must be bought separately and is not included in the entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Prices: The standard fare for a foreign adult is $24 USD (round trip) or $12 USD (one way). (There are reduced fares for Peruvians and children).
- Requirements: It is essential to present the original passport (or DNI for Peruvians) both to buy the ticket and to board the bus.
- Where to Buy:
- In Person (Aguas Calientes): The official ticket office is located on Hermanos Ayar Avenue. It generally operates from 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It is recommended to buy the tickets the night before your visit to avoid the long morning lines.
- Online: They can be bought in advance through the operator’s official website (Consettur). This is the most recommended option in high season to ensure availability and avoid lines.
- In Cusco: There is also a sales office in the city of Cusco (Av. Infancia), although most travelers buy them online or in Aguas Calientes.
- Payment: Cash (Soles or Dollars) and credit cards are accepted. Keep in mind that payment by card at the physical ticket office may be subject to an additional surcharge (generally 5%).
Hotels in Aguas Calientes
The town of Aguas Calientes, as the main access point to Machu Picchu, has developed a wide and diverse hotel infrastructure. The offer covers from budget hostels to 5-star luxury hotels. Most visitors stay one night to be able to take the first buses to the citadel. Below, some of the most notable lodging options in the town are detailed:
Hotel Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
The only hotel located next to the entrance of Machu Picchu. It offers luxurious facilities with views of the mountains that surround the Inca city. The rooms include a desk, coffee maker, TV, blackout curtains, free wifi, safe, and much more. Additionally, it offers buffet breakfast and lunch, bar, dining room, gardens, and other comforts.
- Address: Carretera Hiram Bingham Km. 7.5. (Machu Picchu pueblo, Cusco – Perú).
- Approximate price for a double room: $1,055 per night.
- Category: 5 stars.
Hotel Sumaq Machu Picchu
Modern hotel located facing the Vilcanota River and the mountains. It offers the tourist a luxury experience, in addition to the opportunity to learn about diverse Andean customs like gastronomy, traditions, and relaxation. It includes: breakfast, conference room, jacuzzi, spa, concierge service, private balcony, minibar, and much more.
- Address: Av. Pachacutec 808, (Machu Picchu pueblo, Cusco – Perú).
- Approximate price for a double room: $369 per night.
- Category: 5 stars.
Hotel El Mapi by Inkaterra
Hotel with a naturalist design, away from the bustle of the city and surrounded by trees. It has suites and rooms equipped with minibar, safe, refrigerator, TV, and windows with panoramic views. Additionally, it offers free internet and wifi, breakfast included, excursions, laundry service, bar, restaurant, and much more.
- Address: Av. Pachacutec 109, (Machu Picchu pueblo, Cusco – Perú).
- Approximate price for a double room: $197 per night.
- Category: 4 stars.
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu
Comfortable hotel located in the forests of Aguas Calientes. It is characterized by its harmonious facilities, such as a spa, hot tub, laundry service, free breakfast, and free internet. The rooms and suites are spacious and have a minibar, air conditioning, TV, safe, and more.
- Address: Av. Imperio de los Incas Nº 608 (Pueblo de Machu Picchu, Cusco – Perú).
- Approximate price for a double room: $194 per night.
- Category: 4 stars.
Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu
A modern and elegant hotel, located between the mountain vegetation and the Vilcanota River. It has various rooms and suites that include cleaning service, minibar, safe, TV, and beautiful views. The hotel offers breakfast, luggage storage, laundry, free wifi, spa, and an elevator to access all its floors.
- Address: Av. Imperio de los Incas Nº 634 (Pueblo de Machu Picchu, Cusco – Perú).
- Approximate price for a double room: $70 per night.
- Category: 3 stars.