Aguas Calientes: The Town Closest to Machu Picchu

City of Aguas Calientes near Machu Picch

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the town closest to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It is located in the district of Machupicchu, province of Urubamba, department of Cusco, Peru.

The town is situated on the banks of the Urubamba River, at an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level. Its name comes from the hot springs that are located in the upper part of the town.

Aguas Calientes is a popular tourist destination, as it is the starting point for visiting Machu Picchu. The town has a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, shops, and travel agencies that offer services to visitors.

Things to do in Aguas Calientes

  • Visit the hot springs: The hot springs of Aguas Calientes are one of the main attractions of the town. The waters have a temperature of between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius and are believed to have healing properties.
  • Explore the town: Aguas Calientes is a small town, but it has a lot to offer. You can visit the church, the market, or simply wander the streets and enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Take a walk along the Urubamba River: The Urubamba River is a beautiful river that flows through the town. You can take a walk along the river or take a boat ride to enjoy the views.
  • Buy souvenirs: Aguas Calientes is a good place to buy Peruvian souvenirs. You can find a wide variety of products, such as textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and more.

How to get to Aguas Calientes

Getting to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, offers a few exciting options, each catering to different budgets and preferences! Here’s a breakdown:

1. Train: The most convenient and popular choice.

  • Direct Train:
    • Departs from Cusco or Ollantaytambo (closer to Machu Picchu).
    • Journey takes about 3-4 hours, offering scenic views.
    • Multiple train companies like PeruRail and IncaRail operate with various comfort levels (Luxury, Expedition, etc.).
    • Prices range from budget-friendly to luxurious, depending on the company and chosen class.
  • Backpacker Train:
    • Budget-friendly option starting from Santa Teresa.
    • Takes about 20 minutes to reach Aguas Calientes.
    • Limited schedule compared to direct trains.

2. Inca Trail:

  • The classic multi-day trek (4-5 days) to Machu Picchu.
  • Offers stunning scenery, historical significance, and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Requires booking permits well in advance (often months) and physical preparation.

3. Bus + Hike:

  • A budget-friendly and adventurous option.
  • Take a bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica power station.
  • Hike along the railway tracks for 2-3 hours to Aguas Calientes (moderate difficulty).

Tips:

  • Book your Machu Picchu tickets and chosen transportation mode well in advance, especially during peak season (June-August).
  • Consider your budget, desired level of comfort, and physical fitness when choosing your route.
  • Factor in additional costs like entrance fees, porter services, and meals.

Tips for visiting Aguas Calientes

  • Book your accommodation in advance: Aguas Calientes is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during the high season (June to August).
  • Buy your tickets to Machu Picchu in advance: Tickets to Machu Picchu sell out months in advance, so it is important to buy them in advance, especially if you are traveling during the high season.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes: Aguas Calientes is a small town, but there is a lot of walking involved. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes so you can enjoy your visit.
  • Protect your skin from the sun: The sun in Aguas Calientes can be very strong, so be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Aguas Calientes is a charming town that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the magic of Machu Picchu. With its prime location, its healing hot springs, and its vibrant atmosphere, Aguas Calientes is an unforgettable tourist destination.

Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes

To be calm and relax

Having visited Machu Picchu, and more if you climbed Huayna Picchu; your body will be very tired. And you will need to relax, it is recommended to visit the Aguas Termales.

Another alternative is massage centers. But it is recommended more to tour the city, to take photos and meet new friends.

You come with children and family

One option for children is “The Butterfly House”, it is located 15 minutes from the city, walking (1 km approx). You will see hundreds of species of butterflies flying, you can find them in Machu Picchu, some of them are only seen there. Since 2006, experts and volunteers have preserved these butterflies.

If you would like to know Aguas Calientes (The town closest to Machu Picchu), please contact us at info@wariexpeditions.com . We will be happy to offer you the best tour for you.

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