Aguas Calientes, sometimes called Machu Picchu Town or Machu Picchu Village is the obligatory passage to reach the famous Machu Picchu, whether one goes by train or on foot.
Here, travelers should not expect to find a typical small town, as it is a tourist town. There are many restaurants and hotels, but they generally offer very poor value for money.
While this is somewhat discouraging, the drive to get there is truly magnificent and once there, there is nothing left to do but marvel at the imposing mountains that surround it.
There you can visit Putucusi Mountain, the thermal baths, Mandor Gardens and more.
The town of Aguas Calientes rightly gets its name from its hot springs.
A complex of 5 pools of sulfurous water (many think the water is dirty because of its yellowish color, but it is the sulfur that gives them their peculiar color) with a temperature ranging from 38˚C to 46˚C.
The waters are natural and come directly from various sources of volcanic origin and possess numerous therapeutic properties.
It is the perfect environment to relax after the visit to Machu Picchu while waiting for the return train.
Important: on site you will find lockers and showers to wash before entering the baths, but do not forget your sandals, towels and bathrobe, as you will not find them on site.
Visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes:
Price: 20 soles
Schedule: 5 - 20 hours
Address: Av. Pachacutec
Walking for about 50 minutes through the rainforest, following the train tracks to Santa Teresa, we arrive at a magnificent green oasis called Jardines de Mandor; where it is said that Hiram Bingham may have started his expedition.
This natural reserve is a true paradise for strolling and admiring the wild flora and fauna, which will also amaze you with its imposing waterfall.
It is also a great place for bird watching, where you will find numerous orchids and hummingbirds, as well as the famous cock of the rock, the national bird of Peru (also called cock of the mountains, Andean Cock of the Rock or Tunqui).
If you like bird watching, you should know that the best time to do it is the dry season, from April to October.
Definitely a must of Aguas Calientes for all nature lovers and, therefore, is little known by tourists.
Okay, maybe I exaggerated a bit by saying that the Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum is hidden, but for the Machu Picchu Museum, it is surprising to what extent it is unknown.
It has two exhibits and a botanical garden:
An exhibition on the Inca vestiges found in Machu Picchu and surrounding areas: about 250 objects, including ceramics, bronze and copper tools, bones and different objects used in Machu Picchu.
An exhibition of Inca construction artifacts that allow visitors to understand how the citadel was built.
A botanical garden with more than 200 types of orchids, most of which are endemic to the region.
It is a very interesting visit, and it is even more interesting if you have not brought a guide for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Museum:
Address: To get there take Avenida Hermanos Ayar, from the Hiram Bingham road (about 30 min walk).
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Entrance fee: 22 soles
A 25 minute walk from Aguas Calientes, taking the bus road to Machu Picchu, is the Mariposa rio, a butterfly farm that houses an interesting collection of live butterflies, as well as different stages of development.
The site is run by volunteers and aims to protect the 300 species of butterflies found in the surrounding area.
Mariposa rio de Aguas Calientes:
Address: To get to the Mariposa river, it is necessary to walk to the municipal camp before the "Puente Ruinasa" in the direction of Machu Picchu.
Entrance fee: 10 soles
There is a place that is completely off the beaten path and easily accessible: the Allcamayo waterfalls. I know it is a little hard to believe that this exists in a place as touristy as Aguas Calientes, but it is true.
There you can enjoy a walk among the trees, orchids, butterflies and birds, which will finally lead you to three natural waterfalls; the last of them, Allcamayo, which is also the highest (30 meters).
Undoubtedly, a fantastic environment to discover and enjoy in peace in the heart of nature. If you wish to bathe in its waters, do not forget to bring a towel and bathing suit.
Allcamayo Waterfalls:
To get there, you have to take the road behind the train station and walk for about 40 minutes. You will have to climb a wooden staircase, following the road for a few minutes until you get to a hut that says "Allcamayo Waterfall", where you will have to pay the
Entrance fee: 20 soles.
Schedule: 8 - 17 hours
Aguas Calientes is a small (very) touristy town that lives off Machu Picchu. It is not for nothing that it is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
For this reason, there is not so much to see, as everything is more or less made to be just a practical stop for travelers who, in addition, do not usually spend much time in the village (one night at most).
Still, if you have a little time before or after visiting Machu Picchu, there are a few things you can do on your way through Aguas Calientes:
See the small church of the virgin of Carmen, visit the main square Manco Capac and pass by the Mercado de Abastos, even if you are not going to eat there, it is a really local and pleasant experience.
One of the favorite places to visit for tourists is the artisan market of Aguas Calientes.
This market is located to the right of the train station. There the visitor can find a great diversity of handicrafts and utensils such as: alpaca clothing, paintings, wood sculptures, stone, musical instruments, masks, gold and silver jewelry and much more.
Most tourists choose to shop at the artisan market after visiting Machu Picchu and before boarding the train back to Cusco.
The fact that it is the final point before entering the Inca city of Machu Picchu makes the prices high.
If you find something you want at all costs, try to bargain (ask for a cheaper price).
If you like outdoor trekking, Putucusi Mountain is a favorite activity for adventurous people in Aguas Calientes.
This mountain is located at 2,560 meters above sea level (8,398 ft).
This route is one of the most difficult short hikes in Aguas Calientes. It traverses a poorly marked trail as well as some extreme vertical stairs. The trek takes approximately 2 hours.
The top of this mountain will allow you to take amazing views of the Inca City of Machu Picchu from a little known angle.
You need to be in good physical condition to climb this mountain. Wear hiking shoes and carry plenty of water with you.
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