Aguas Calientes Uncovered: Relax, Explore, and Prepare for Machu Picchu

Nestled in the lush Andean mountains, Aguas Calientes Peru, is a charming town that buzzes with energy.

Known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, this little gem has a lot more to offer than just a stopover. From soothing hot springs to local eateries and scenic trails, Aguas Calientes has more to offer than meets the eye.

I stayed in Aguas Calientes for two nights while visiting Machu Picchu. You do not need longer than that to visit, so here is a quick guide for first-timers to this enchanting mountain town.

Quick Facts About Visiting Aguas Calientes

• Walking: The valley town is small but located on a steep hill. Comfortable shoes are a must, no stilettos! If you have mobility concerns make sure you book a hotel at the bottom of the town (closer to the train station).
• Altitude: Aguas Calientes sits at 6,693 feet (2,040 meters) above sea level, lower than Cusco. However, you may still be affected by altitude sickness. (See below for my tips on how to handle it)
• Weather: The town has a subtropical climate. Expect warm days and cool nights. Always carry a rain jacket.
• Currency: Peruvian Sol. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s handy to have cash for small vendors.
• Bathroom Etiquette: Do not flush your toilet paper, throw it in the bin!
• Getting around Town: Aguas Calientes is a car-free town, which means all exploration is on foot. The streets are compact and packed with shops, restaurants, and scenic corners. Remember, though, the terrain is hilly, so take it slow and stay hydrated.

4 Things to See and Do in Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes is more than just a stopover for Machu Picchu. It is the perfect place to rest after a long day visiting the Machu Picchu site.

There are tons of cool cafes, restaurants with balconies overlooking the main road and even a nightclub!

Here are a few historical and local things you can do in Aguas Calientes before and after your visit to the ruins.

Relax at Termas Aguas Calientes (Hot Springs)

After a day of travel or exploring, nothing beats a soak in the Termas Aguas Calientes, where you can relax in thermal pools surrounded by lush green mountains and enjoy the soothing ambiance of the Andean jungle.

These natural hot springs are perched above the town and offer rejuvenating thermal pools. But keep in mind they are natural, which means the water is not crystal clear. It does not mean it is dirty, it is just mountain water.

Bring a swimsuit, and don’t forget your towel (or rent one there); entry costs around 20 soles, with basic changing facilities available.

Visit the Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón)

The museum offers insights into the Inca civilization and the archaeological work behind the site and is best visited before or after your visit to Machu Picchu.

It is located approximately 1.7 km from Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu mountain.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. As part of your Machu Picchu ticket, you get free entry to this museum.

Explore Local Markets

The streets of this Machu Picchu town are lined with vibrant markets where you can find handcrafted souvenirs, like carved gourds and colorful woven bracelets, alpaca textiles, and local snacks.

You will get a chance to interact with the locals who speak little English but still enjoy a bit of bartering just for fun!

Hike Putucusi Mountain

For the adventurous, a hike up Putucusi Mountain rewards you with panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the Inca trail. It’s steep and one of the main reasons why I didn’t do it.

I am not a hiker, however, if you want to read more check out this Putucusi guide.

How to Get to Aguas Calientes: Taking the Train from Cusco

Most visitors arrive in Aguas Calientes by train which is exactly what I did. We took the Peru Rail train from Cusco to the Aguas Calientes station and stayed the night before we visited Machu Picchu the next day.

The train takes you through dramatic landscapes, winding past rivers, mountains, and lush jungles. Check out my guide on how to take the train to Machu Picchu for a detailed explanation of how to buy tickets.

All of the Andean explorer train classes offer music and traditional Peruvian food options, and the staff shares stories about Inca history along the way.

Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes

As I mentioned before, the town is located on a steep hill. Most of the accommodations can assist with luggage, however since no cars are allowed in the tiny town, you must walk to your accommodation.

If you have mobility concerns, book a place south of the train station as the hill is not as steep. Here are a few options for your budget:

• Budget: Supertramp Hostel has a lively atmosphere and budget-friendly dorms. This is where I stayed in a private double room.
• Mid-Range: Escobedo’s Inn provides modern comforts and a great location.
• Luxury: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers eco-luxury cabins surrounded by lush gardens and located south of the train station.

Where to Eat and Drink in Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes has some fantastic spots to refuel after a day of exploration. Since I was there for six meals, and we did a small bar crawl ourselves, I saw a lot of places. Here are my favorite spots!

Indulge in Local Flavors

• Green House: By far my favorite meal was at this organic restaurant. It was recommended by two other travelers so I just had to try it! Get the grilled alpacha, the ceviche appetizer and the chicken in the Ají Amarillo Sauce (Peruvian Yellow Sauce). Google Map
• Indio Feliz: This cozy restaurant serves a mix of Peruvian and French dishes and has really fun decor. Their trout dishes are a must-try. Google Map
• Café Inkaterra: Located inside the Inkaterra Hotel, this cafe offers fresh, local ingredients and incredible coffee. Google Map

Grab a Casual Bite

• Chullos Restaurant and Craft Beer: This was one of the few places that had a bar to sit at, instead of a formal table. Beers were cold and the food came out fast. I even bought a fun IPA T-shirt here! Google Map
• Art-Cafe: Perfect place for a quick pastry, espresso and Instagram pictures! Google Map
• Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine: A casual spot to enjoy craft beer paired with Peruvian classics like lomo saltado (Beef, vegetables and fries). Google Map

How to Reach Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes

There is no way to get to Machu Picchu without going through Aguas Calientes (unless you decide to hike from another point further away).

You must stop in this town to retrieve a bus ticket before reaching Machu Picchu. Yes, you can walk but this is what the walk looks like from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, so choose wisely!

The bus ride is about $24 USD and 25 minutes. It is also very windy and bumpy so wear a motion sickness patch if needed.

Buses run from early morning, starting around 5:30 AM, and leave every 10-15 minutes.

You can purchase your tickets in person once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, at the bus ticket office located near the train station.

Here is the location as you will not find it listed on Google. Below are pictures of the exterior of the office and what the ticket will look like.

You can buy your bus tickets the day before you need them, at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes.

The cost is about $24 USD for a round-trip Adult ticket and $12 USD for a child ticket and they take cash and credit card.

Do not try to buy tickets on the same day as they will sell out. Single-way tickets are also available if you’d like to hike one leg of the journey.

Check out my full guide on how to buy bus tickets to Machu Picchu which gives you detailed instructions!

Final Thoughts

Aguas Calientes is more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you’re soaking in the Termas Aguas Calientes, savoring local cuisine, or strolling through vibrant markets, this little town has something for everyone.

With a little planning, you’ll make the most of your time here before heading to one of the world’s most iconic sites. Get ready to fall in love with Aguas Calientes, Peru!

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