Aguas Calientes is the town closest to Machu Picchu. Located just 25 minutes by bus from the Inca citadel, it is the main access point to this archaeological site.
The town of Aguas Calientes began as a small railway camp known as Maquinachayoq. Families dedicated to agriculture later settled in the area, forming a small town in 1901. When the railway line connecting Cusco with Santa Ana, a district in the province of La Convención, was completed in 1931, the population became established in this area.
Aguas Calientes gets its name from the hot springs found in the area. In addition, because it is located close to Machu Picchu, the town offers several attractions that some travelers may not know about.
The town of Aguas Calientes is located 112 km northeast of Cusco, at an elevation of 2,040 meters above sea level. It lies on the banks of the Urubamba River, which runs through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and is surrounded by vegetation typical of the cloud forest. The town belongs to the province of Urubamba, in the Cusco region.
Aguas Calientes is approximately 3 to 4 hours from Cusco, depending on your departure point and train service. The Machu Picchu citadel is located 10 km from Aguas Calientes, approximately 25 to 30 minutes away by bus.
The climate is mild and humid due to its location in the cloud forest. Temperatures range between 16 °C and 20 °C. There are two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
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There are several options for reaching Aguas Calientes:
When you arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you can visit several attractions before heading up to the Inca citadel or during your stay.
Located at the end of Hermanos Ayar Avenue, there is a natural spring with thermal waters whose temperature ranges between 38 °C and 45 °C. This is a favorite place for visitors looking to relax surrounded by nature before or after visiting Machu Picchu. The town of Aguas Calientes owes its name precisely to these hot springs.
The Mandor Gardens are located 4 km from Aguas Calientes, approximately a 1-hour walk away. It is a natural area filled with vegetation and features a waterfall approximately 15 meters high. This area contributes to the conservation of various species of local flora and fauna. It also has a camping area.
The Aguas Calientes Butterfly House is a stop you can make before or after visiting Machu Picchu. It is a space dedicated to the study of around 300 butterfly species found in the area. Located on the banks of the Urubamba River, the facility is home not only to butterflies but also to plant species that support their life cycle.
As an initiative of the local government, around 37 stone sculptures were created throughout the town, known as “Stone Chronicles.” The stone carvings were made by artists from Cusco to beautify the town. All of them feature Andean themes, and no ticket is required to see them, as they are displayed in public spaces, including the main square and the town's main streets.
The “Manuel Chávez Ballón” site museum, named after the Peruvian explorer who worked at Machu Picchu, houses Inca pottery and tools discovered during excavations carried out at Machu Picchu. The museum reopened its doors in July 2005.
It is located along the road from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, approximately a 30-minute walk away. It is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To enter, you need a ticket, which can be purchased online.
If your main goal is to visit Machu Picchu, an afternoon or a few hours may be enough to explore the town center. If you would like to visit the hot springs, Mandor, the museum, or other attractions, you can consider staying an additional night.
We recommend wearing light, comfortable clothing, bringing a waterproof layer, sunscreen, insect repellent, and suitable walking shoes. The climate is humid and can change throughout the day, so dressing in layers is practical.
Yes. Machu Picchu Pueblo has a wide range of hotels, hostels, restaurants, cafés, and other tourist services, from simple options to higher-category establishments.
Yes. There is a pedestrian route that allows you to walk from the town to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The route is demanding and includes numerous stairs, so you should consider your physical condition and allow enough time before your scheduled entry time.
Buses to Machu Picchu depart from the center of Machu Picchu Pueblo, near the main area and train station. It is advisable to arrive early, especially during periods of high visitor traffic.
Yes, there are ATMs, and some establishments accept cards. However, it is also advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases, markets, or other local services.
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