Aguas Calientes

The Basics

The majority of travelers to Peru come to see the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and almost all of them will spend at least a little time in the town of Aguas Calientes. The train taking passengers from Cusco to Machu Picchu stops at Aguas Calientes, where day-trippers then board a bus to the ruins. Visitors on overnight itineraries, including those hiking the Inca Trail, often spend the night in the village before rising early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu.

Things to Know Before You Go

• It’s a good idea to book your stay and Machu Picchu entrance tickets well in advance, particularly during high season.

• Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

• Dress in layers, as conditions can change quickly between town and the ruins.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train, several of which depart Cusco daily for the journey of one hour and 45 minutes. A bus runs from town up to Machu Picchu.

When to Get There

Aguas Calientes enjoys the best weather from June to August, the busiest season for vacationers. While things are quieter from October to April, this is the rainy season, so expect regular downpours.

Attractions in Aguas Calientes

Aside from the thermal baths, Aguas Calientes highlights include a hike to the summit of Putucusi Mountain, which offers stellar views of Machu Picchu on a clear day. You can also visit the Butterfly House, Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón) and nearby botanical gardens, or the Gardens of Mandor (Los Jardines de Mandor) with its waterfalls.

How many days do you need in Aguas Calientes?

Most travelers stay one night in Aguas Calientes if they're getting up early to hike or take the bus to Machu Picchu. However, if you want to relax after a long day of exploring the archeological site, it's nice to spend a second night in the small, yet well-equipped town.

How do you get around Aguas Calientes?

The compact size of Aguas Calientes makes it easy to explore on foot. The Aguas Calientes train station—from which trains to Ollantaytambo and Cusco depart—is right in the center of town and a short walk from most restaurants and hotels. It takes between 1.5–2 hours to walk to Machu Picchu.

How hard is the walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

The walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is considered difficult as the 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) trek is nearly all uphill via steep stone steps. It generally takes around two hours for travelers of a moderate fitness level to complete, but you can also take the bus to the site instead.

Is Aguas Calientes safe?

Yes, Aguas Calientes is considered very safe. It's a small town with a large tourist community, so it’s nearly always busy and hailed as one of the safest places in Peru. Like most areas though, keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid going out alone at night.

What is Aguas Calientes Peru known for?

Aguas Calientes, Peru, is known for being the gateway to Machu Picchu—one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It's also known for its warm waters (the translation of its name) from the hot springs you can soak in after a strenuous trek to the UNESCO-listed archeological site.

When is the best time of year to visit Aguas Calientes?

The best time to visit Aguas Calientes is between April and October when the weather is dry and sunny—the ideal conditions for exploring Machu Picchu. November through March is the wet season, and while you can still visit Machu Picchu year-round, there's a much higher chance of downpours.

Ways to explore

Aguas Calientes is the town where the train taking passengers from Cusco to Machu Picchu stops. From here, day-trippers board a bus to Peru's New Seven Wonders of the World. Many travelers stay overnight at one of the no-frills hotels in Aguas Calientes, whether to start their Machu Picchu bus tour early in the day or to recuperate after hiking the challenging Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek. Machu Picchu tours range from private to group experiences; they can be as simple as connecting you with a guide for Machu Picchu to organizing a multi-day adventure with meals, accommodations, and transportation.

Accessibility

Some restaurants and hotels in Aguas Calientes meet basic accessibility needs. Exploring Machu Picchu in a wheelchair is more challenging, though Circuit 3B is most accessible.

Age limits

None; kids under 3 enter the archeological site for free.

What to pack

Your passport, as you need this to enter Machu Picchu; you can also get it stamped.

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating the town's uneven terrain; the town is prone to rain, so pack a waterproof bag, too. Bring your bathing suit to soak in the springs.

Not allowed

Leaving designated paths, littering, feeding wild animals

Amenities

Hotels, souvenir stores, restaurants, hot springs

Address 

You can only access Aguas Calientes by train, so tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco by car will involve a hike to the town. If you’re short on time, be sure to book your rail tickets in advance; both Peru Rail and Inca Rail run frequent services.

Driving

Aguas Calientes is car-free, so the closest you can get to the town by road is Hidroelectrica. From Cusco, it takes six or seven hours on a mountainous, gravel road that’s best navigated by an experienced driver who knows the area well.

Public transportation

You can take the train to Aguas Calientes from four departure stations: San Pedro and Wanchaq (both in Cusco), Poroy (around 20 minutes outside of town), and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, from which you take specialty services such as Expedition, Vistadome, and Hiram Bingham.

Best times to visit

Aguas Calientes looks lovely in the morning, when mist shrouds the mountains. After dark, you might spot fireflies glowing among the greenery.

Best days to visit

Sundays are the busiest day to visit Machu Picchu, so opt for a weekday early morning. However, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is nearly always crowded.

Best months to visit

For the highest chance of fine weather, visit Aguas Calientes in the May-December dry season.

Special events

Aguas Calientes celebrates Machu Picchu’s designation as a world wonder on July 7 with dancing and shows.