destinations
Aguas Calientes: The Town at the Foot of Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo): how to get there, where to stay, the hot springs, things to do and how long to spend in the town below Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes, officially Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the small town at the foot of Machu Picchu, at 2,040 m. There is no road to it: you arrive by train or on foot, and from here a 25-minute bus climbs to the citadel. Most travelers spend one night here to enter Machu Picchu early the next morning.
Aguas Calientes at a glance
| Official name | Machu Picchu Pueblo |
| Altitude | 2,040 m (6,690 ft) |
| Distance to Machu Picchu | About 6 km: 25 minutes by bus or 1–1.5 hours on foot |
| Access | Train or on foot only; no road from Cusco |
| How long to stay | 1 night, or 2 with a mountain hike or a second visit |
| Climate | Warm and humid; rain is frequent from November to March |
| Money | ATMs and card payments; cash in soles for small purchases |
How to get to Aguas Calientes
- By train from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley (1.5–2 hours), or on some services from Poroy near Cusco. This is how most visitors arrive.
- On foot along the railway from Hidroeléctrica (2.5–3 hours), the end of the budget road route and of the Salkantay and Inca Jungle treks.
- On the Inca Trail, which ends at Machu Picchu; hikers take the bus down to town afterwards.
The town is small and built on steep slopes between two rivers. There are no cars, and everything is within a 10–15 minute walk. See our full guide on how to get to Machu Picchu.
Things to do in Aguas Calientes
The hot springs
The thermal pools that give the town its name are at the top of the main street, about 10 minutes’ walk from the plaza. They are simple open-air pools of warm mineral water, best in the evening after a trek or a long day. Entry costs S/ 20 for foreign visitors, S/ 10 for Peruvians and S/ 5 for local residents, paid in cash; bring a swimsuit and a towel, and expect crowds after the last trains arrive.
The Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum
This small museum, named after a pioneer of Cusco archaeology, explains how Machu Picchu was built, who lived there and how it was studied. It also has a botanical garden with native orchids. It is about 2 km from town, a 20–30 minute walk along the road toward the bridge at the foot of the mountain. Entry is about S/ 22 for foreign adults. Plan 1–2 hours.
The Mandor gardens and waterfall
A private nature reserve about 4 km from town along the railway, with a garden, birdlife and a waterfall where you can cool off. The walk is flat and easy, about 1 hour each way. Entry is a small fee in cash. Check that it is open before you go, as it closes from time to time.
Putucusi Mountain
The steep trail up Putucusi, the mountain opposite Machu Picchu, is currently closed to visitors.
The town itself
Walk the craft market by the train station, the main plaza with its statue of Pachacútec, and the stone sculptures along the river. There is also a small butterfly house near the river.
Where to eat
Restaurants line the main streets and the riverside, from set-menu cafés to pizzerias and good Peruvian restaurants. Try local trout, quinoa soup, alpaca steak and fresh fruit juices. Prices are higher than in Cusco, because everything arrives by train.
Where to stay
The town has hotels for every budget, from simple guesthouses to boutique and 5★ hotels in the cloud forest. Rooms facing the river or the railway can be noisy, so ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper. All our 2-day tours include a hotel night; read our guide to Machu Picchu hotels for the options.
The bus to Machu Picchu
Buses leave from the main street by the river from early morning and take about 25 minutes up a zigzag road. The round trip costs about US$ 24 for foreign adults. In high season the queue for the first buses starts before dawn, so get there early for your entry time. The bus is included in all our Machu Picchu tours, and your guide tells you what time to be in line.
A one-night plan
- Afternoon: arrive by train, check in and walk to the hot springs or the craft market.
- Evening: dinner in town and a short briefing with your guide.
- Next morning: an early bus, your Machu Picchu guided visit, then free time before the train back.
This is how our Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour and Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days work.
Good to know
- In-person tickets: the Ministry of Culture sells about 1,000 Machu Picchu tickets in town each day, for the next day only, with long queues and no guarantee.
- Insects: sand flies are common, especially near the river. Use repellent and cover your legs.
- Luggage: trains allow one backpack (max 8 kg) or one carry-on bag (max 12 kg), so pack light for your night here.
- Rain: carry a poncho at any time of year.
Tours to link
Plan this with a local team
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, ticket and guide included, subject to availability. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Machu Picchu journey
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu in 2 days. Train, hotel, buffet lunch, every entrance ticket and guide included. Private option available.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu Tour Guide
Hire a licensed Machu Picchu tour guide: shared or private, guide only or with your entry ticket and bus. Book with a local Cusco operator.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
How many nights should I spend in Aguas Calientes?
One night is enough for most travelers: it lets you enter Machu Picchu early the next morning. A second night suits those adding Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or a second visit.
Are there ATMs in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, there are several ATMs and most restaurants accept cards, but carry cash in soles for the hot springs, small shops and tips.
Is Aguas Calientes safe?
Yes. It is a small, busy tourist town. Take the usual care with your belongings, especially at the train station and the bus queue.
Can I walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Yes. A steep stone staircase climbs from the river bridge to the entrance in about 1–1.5 hours. Most visitors take the bus up and some walk down.
Where do I buy the bus ticket to Machu Picchu?
At the bus company's ticket office in town, or in advance. The round trip costs about US$ 24 for foreign adults and is included in all our tours.