For most travellers heading to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes is the final stop before reaching Peru’s most famous archaeological site. Trains arrive in this compact mountain town, travellers check into their hotels, and buses depart for the legendary Inca citadel above. However, treating Aguas Calientes as simply a transit point means missing part of the experience.
Officially known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, Aguas Calientes sits among steep, forest-covered mountains in the Cusco region. Its pedestrian-friendly streets are packed with restaurants, small shops, hotels and markets, while the surrounding landscape offers hot springs, waterfalls and opportunities to learn more about the history and biodiversity of Machu Picchu. Whether you have a few hours before your train or decide to stay overnight, here are some of the best ways to make the most of your time in town.
1. Relax in the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
The thermal baths are one of the town’s best-known attractions and the inspiration behind the name Aguas Calientes, meaning “hot waters.” Located within walking distance of the town centre, the thermal baths contain several pools supplied by naturally heated mineral water. Temperatures vary between the pools, making it easy to find a comfortable place to unwind.
A visit can be especially welcome after a long day exploring Machu Picchu or hiking in the surrounding mountains. Instead of immediately boarding a return train, spending some time soaking in the warm water provides a slower and more relaxing end to the day. Bring swimwear, sandals and a towel, and consider visiting outside the busiest hours for a quieter experience.
2. Explore Machu Picchu Pueblo on Foot
One of the easiest ways to experience Aguas Calientes is simply to walk around. The town is compact and largely pedestrian-oriented, so you can explore without arranging additional transport. Narrow streets wind between restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and hotels, while dramatic green mountains rise on almost every side.
Make your way towards the main square, Plaza Manco Cápac, where you’ll find a statue of the Inca ruler Pachacutec. The square is a natural meeting point and a good place to slow down and watch everyday life unfold.
Walking around also gives you a different perspective on the destination. After spending so much time planning around trains, entrance tickets and archaeological sites, an unstructured stroll can be surprisingly refreshing.
3. Visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum
If Machu Picchu leaves you wanting to understand more about the Inca world, make time for the Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón. The museum presents archaeological objects associated with Machu Picchu and provides additional context about the site’s history, construction and archaeological research.
It is particularly useful for travellers who want to go beyond the famous postcard views and better understand how Machu Picchu functioned. There’s also a botanical garden associated with the museum, where visitors can discover some of the remarkable plant diversity found in the region.
Visiting before Machu Picchu can provide useful background for what you’re about to see. Visiting afterwards, meanwhile, can help put many of the structures and details from the citadel into perspective.
4. Discover the Local Butterfly Garden
Aguas Calientes lies within a remarkably biodiverse environment, and one of the easiest ways to appreciate that natural side of the region is by visiting the local butterfly garden. The butterfly sanctuary, or mariposario, can be reached on foot from town along the road towards Machu Picchu. Visitors can learn about native butterfly species and see different stages of their life cycle.
It’s a relatively short activity, making it a useful addition if you have a free morning or afternoon. For families, photographers and nature lovers, it also offers something completely different from the archaeological experiences that dominate most Machu Picchu itineraries.
5. Walk to Mandor Gardens and Waterfall
Travellers with more time and comfortable walking shoes can venture beyond town towards Mandor. The route takes you into the lush landscape surrounding Aguas Calientes, where the scenery quickly feels removed from the busy streets around the railway station. Mandor is known for its gardens, cloud-forest vegetation, birdlife and waterfall.
The journey itself is part of the appeal. You’ll walk through a greener, quieter side of the Machu Picchu area and gain a better appreciation of the extraordinary natural setting surrounding the archaeological sanctuary. Allow enough time for the return journey and check local conditions before setting out, particularly during periods of heavy rain.
6. Browse the Machu Picchu Artisan Market
If you’re looking for something to bring home from Peru, you’ll have plenty of opportunities in Aguas Calientes. The artisan market near the railway station is filled with stalls selling textiles, clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, artwork and souvenirs. Browsing the market can easily fill an hour before a train departure.
Even if you aren’t planning to buy much, wandering between the colourful stalls is part of the experience. If something catches your eye, look for items that genuinely remind you of your journey rather than simply buying the first souvenir you see. Small textiles, locally inspired artwork and handcrafted pieces are easier to pack than bulky items.
7. Enjoy Peruvian Food Before Your Next Adventure
Aguas Calientes has a surprisingly large selection of places to eat considering its size. You’ll find everything from quick cafés to restaurants serving traditional Peruvian dishes and international favourites. If your itinerary has been packed with early departures and sightseeing, this can be a good opportunity to sit down for an unhurried meal.
Look for classic Peruvian flavours and ingredients, whether that’s a warming soup on a cool evening, trout, quinoa-based dishes or one of Peru’s many potato varieties. A relaxed dinner is particularly worthwhile if you’re staying overnight before visiting Machu Picchu the following morning.
8. Stay Overnight Instead of Rushing Back
One of the best ways to enjoy Aguas Calientes is to give yourself more time there. Many visitors arrive and depart quickly because their itinerary revolves entirely around Machu Picchu. Staying overnight changes the pace. You’ll have time to explore the town, enjoy dinner, visit the thermal baths and prepare for the next day’s activities without constantly watching the clock.
Aguas Calientes is also the main gateway to Machu Picchu, with buses connecting the town with the entrance to the archaeological site. For travellers arriving by rail, the station is centrally located near hotels, restaurants, the artisan market and the bus departure area. That makes an overnight stay relatively straightforward to incorporate into a wider Peru itinerary.
Planning Your Time in Aguas Calientes
How long you need depends on your travel style. If you only have a few spare hours, explore the town centre, visit the artisan market and enjoy a meal. Within half a day, you could add the thermal baths or butterfly garden. An overnight stay gives you considerably more flexibility, while an additional day opens the door to longer walks and attractions such as Mandor.
Before arriving, it’s worth researching the things to do in Aguas Calientes and deciding which activities fit naturally around your Machu Picchu entrance and train times. Avoid packing your schedule too tightly. Weather, queues and the simple temptation to stop and enjoy the scenery can all change how long you spend in one place.
Aguas Calientes Is More Than a Gateway
Machu Picchu will understandably be the highlight for most people travelling to this corner of Peru. Few places can compete with walking into the ancient citadel for the first time. However, the journey doesn’t have to begin and end at its gates.
Aguas Calientes offers a chance to relax in thermal waters, learn more about Inca history, discover the region’s biodiversity, taste Peruvian food and experience the spectacular landscape at a slower pace.
When planning your Machu Picchu adventure, consider leaving a little room in the itinerary for the town below the ruins. Instead of simply being the place where your train arrives, Aguas Calientes may become another memorable chapter in your journey through Peru.
