A surprise awaits you when you arrive by train in the charming and picturesque town of Aguas Calientes. To reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you will first need to pass through Aguas Calientes. Some simply get off the train and head straight to Machu Picchu, but the town is also worth visiting, including for an overnight stay. There is plenty to do and see in Aguas Calientes. Surrounded by mountains, Aguas Calientes is known for its important train station, but over the years it has built its own identity as a village.
History of Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes was created before the discovery of Machu Picchu, when a railroad was built to connect Santa Ana and Cusco. Santa Ana is located 208 kilometers northwest of Cusco, deep in the jungle. Later, workers built a base camp near Aguas Calientes to rest. They did not know that, years later, Machu Picchu would be discovered near that spot. The company then built a small railroad station, which became the first building in the future city of Aguas Calientes.
In 1911, Hiram Bingham revealed Machu Picchu to the world, attracting archaeologists and researchers to the region. Over time, the train station attracted commerce and tourism. It was not until the 1990s that Aguas Calientes began to experience even greater growth, driven by increased tourism to Machu Picchu.
What to Do
Hot Springs
The thermal springs are yellowish due to the sulfur present in the water and are perfect for relieving rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and poor circulation. The temperature can vary between 38 and 46 degrees Celsius. The thermal springs are located northeast of the city, 700 meters from the main square. Admission costs US$6 per person and includes a luggage deposit.
Craft Market
Around the Aguas Calientes train station, there is a central handicraft market that you cannot miss, as the exit door of the train station is the entrance to the market. This is a great place to stroll around while waiting for the train back to Cusco.
Inka Terra Spectacled Bear Conservation Center
The conservation center is located in the gardens of this beautiful hotel. Four spectacled bears live here, whose habitats have been affected by human activity. To enter, you will need to pay a fee and make a reservation in advance so that the hotel’s zoologist can explain the work they are doing.
Mandor Waterfall and Garden
Mandor is a privately owned botanical conservation center located 4 kilometers from downtown Aguas Calientes. To get there, follow the train tracks toward the hydroelectric area for about 50 minutes. You will find a sign that says “Mandorpampa,” where you should turn left. Then follow the marked path to the botanical garden ticket office. Tickets cost $6 per foreign adult. Stroll through beautiful gardens with well-marked plants, herbs, and trees before reaching the waterfall, where you can take a dip and cool off.
How to get to Aguas Calientes?
By Train
There are two companies that offer travel to Aguas Calientes and then on to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both companies offer tourist class, first class, and luxury trains departing from different locations.
- Wanchaq and San Pedro Train Station: Located in the city of Cusco. A taxi from your downtown hotel will cost around $2.
- Poroy Train Station: Located on the outskirts of Cusco, you will need to take a taxi or private transportation to get there. The trip takes 30 minutes and costs $7.
- Ollantaytambo Train Station: You will need to take private transportation to get to this station in the Sacred Valley. The trip by taxi or car from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes 2 hours. The price can vary from US$20 (one way).
By Car
You can get to Aguas Calientes by in car. Although the complete route will not be traveled by car. You will travel by car until the town of Santa Teresa. Next, you will go by train or walking. In the rainy season (November to April) the road is usually muddy, and we don’t recommend traveling by it. On the other hand, from May to October the road is dry and easy to travel on.
Altitude and Weather
The town has an altitude of 2040 meters above sea level (6693 feet). This means that it is lower than Machu Picchu Citadel (7973 feet) and Cusco City (11152 feet). And, it is surrounded by granite mountains covered by vegetation.
The best time to visit Aguas Calientes is during the Shoulder Season. The months of April, May, September, October, and November.
Aguas Calientes has a warm and temperate climate. It is around 16 ºC (60.5 ºF) during most of the year. Of course, it is due to its location in the jungle area of Cusco.
Hotels
Luxury
Sumaq Hotel Aguas Calientes
This five-star hotel is located just south of Aguas Calientes. The hotel has a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. Free Wi-Fi in common areas and free train station pickup are also provided. In addition, the property features a snack bar, a sauna, and a conference center. Entertainment options include LCD televisions with cable television channels. Room service is also available.
Inka Terra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
This 5-star hotel is located south of the town. The hotel has 83 rooms with beds that have Egyptian cotton sheets and high-quality bedding. Visit the Spectacled Bear Conservation Center.
Medium
Casa Andina Standard Aguas Calientes
Casa Andina is a Peruvian hotel chain catering for tourists and business travelers. The hotel has 53 rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and ceiling fans. Other services available to guests include a hairdryer, in-room safe, and shower.
Taypikala Hotel Aguas Calientes
This hotel is located north of the town. This hotel has 22 rooms with a minibar and a safe box. The beds are equipped with high-quality bedding. LCD television with cable channels is available. The bathrooms are equipped with free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Budget
Presidente Hotel Aguas Calientes
This hotel is located two blocks west of the main square. Hotel Presidente is a small family-friendly hotel offering a flat-screen TV in the rooms. Free internet is offered to guests as well as you can enjoy free breakfast, which has made this a popular choice among travelers visiting the town.
Amaru Hostal
It is situated 400 meters from Machu Picchu Hot Springs and 2.8 km from Huayna Picchu. The rooms are equipped with cable TV and a private bathroom. Hostal Amaru Backpackers provides free Wi-Fi. The reception is open 24 hours.
Restaurants
Here are a few Restaurants that receive good reviews from tourists that visit Aguas Calientes.
Indio Feliz
This is a Franco-Peruvian cuisine restaurant located east of the main square of Manco Capac. Its options combine French and Peruvian ingredients, with a funky atmosphere. Often said to be the perfect place to spend lunch or dinner close to Machu Picchu. (Lloque Yunpanqui Street, 103)
Tooto House
This restaurant has three advantages apart from the delicious food. The first one is the decoration, comfortable, cozy, and charming. The second is the location, which is very close to the train station. The last one is the spectacular views of the Vilcanota River (on the second-floor balcony). Imperio de los Incas, Avenue 600.
Getting to Machu Picchu
After having a simply wonderful time at Aguas Calientes you will want to visit the ruins at Machu Picchu. There are 2 options on how to get up to the Inca Citadel from Aguas Calientes.
Bus
The Consettur bus is the only authorized bus to offer tourist transportation services to Machu Picchu, round trip. The buses are modern, with air conditioning systems and padded seats. The trip lasts 40 minutes and departs every 5 minutes. You can take the bus a few meters from the local train station. Return is from the entrance of Machu Picchu archaeological park. The bus price per person is $ 24.00, round trip.
Walking
There is a climbing path, in a zigzag, that connects the town with Machu Picchu archaeological park. You only have to follow down the railway toward the south and pass the “Ruins” bridge. Then, you have to turn right and begin the footpath. The footpath is well-signed, so you will not have any problem climbing up it on your own. The trek lasts 01-hour climbing up and another hour going down.
The village of Aguas Calientes is a delight and worth a day or 2 or your holiday time. Filled with great restaurants, world class hotels, spectacular views and a great vibe, don’t miss Aguas Calientes.
