If you’ve come all this way to read this blog, then that means that you’re looking to travel off the beaten track and we congratulate you for that. Luckily for you, we have prepared this section so you can know about the many things to do in Aguas Calientes besides visiting Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes is certainly one of the most beautiful towns of Peru, not only because it is located near the famous Inca citadel, but its extraordinary natural scenery, where towering mountains and a lush nature will leave you captivated as soon as you get there.
Likewise, there’s so much to know about this town that you’d wish to stay a bit longer here. Most of the attractions offer a total immersion in the lush vegetation of the cloud forest, without forgetting the historical side that lies above it.
We want you to have a broader view of all the amazing things you can do in Peru, which is why we have gathered the best attractions in Aguas Calientes that you certainly can’t miss. Continue reading and learn everything about them!
About Aguas Calientes
Although not many of you may know this but might have heard of the name instead, this town’s actual name is Machu Picchu Pueblo, which literally translates to Machu Picchu Town in English. Aguas Calientes is the name of the river that runs right in the middle of the city to later join the Vilcanota river’s course.
The town dates back to 1901, when it used to be not much more than the maintenance center in charge of the railway that connected Cusco with Santa Ana. As time passed by, the workers decided to settle in this location though they had no idea that they were living just below a soon-to-be wonder of the world.
Once Hiram Bingham unveiled the Machu Picchu citadel to the entire world, the city evolved to embrace tourism for the first time. Nowadays, it receives over 1,500 tourists per day, making it the most visited region of the country.
What’s There to Do?
Well, as mentioned above, the Aguas Calientes town has several natural and historical attractions, where you’ll get to learn a bit more of Machu Picchu and the exuberant nature that surrounds it. Here are our top picks:
Putucusi Mountain
The imposing Putucusi Mountain is located a few minutes away from Aguas Calientes. It sits at an altitude of 2,560 meters above sea level, offering an outstanding view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings. However, the trail to its summit is very challenging, especially since you will have to climb a wooden ladder to reach the top.
It is worth mentioning that there’s no entrance fee to climb this mountain. However, we do not recommend taking this trail during the rainy season nor without a guide. Currently, the mountain remains closed until further notice.
Aguas Calientes Thermal Springs
What a better way to end a day of excursions rather than by taking a relaxing bath in Aguas Calientes’ thermal baths. They consist of a group of thermo-medicinal pools located 800 meters away from Machu Picchu Town’s main square.
The temperatures of these mineral-rich ponds range between 38°C and 46°C. They are recognized for its healing properties that help the release of stress and toxins, improves metabolism, and prevents arterial hypertension. This place remains as a paid tourist attraction and is open from 05:00 to 19:30.
Machu Picchu Museum
Also known as Museo de Sitio Manuel Chavez Ballon, it is located one kilometer away from Machu Picchu. It was built in the 1960s, with the purpose to exhibit all the cultural details of the Inca Citadel.
The museum has a collection of archeological pieces that were found in the archeological site. Some of these pieces were sent to Yale University to be studied and then later returned to Peru.
Besides, this attraction comprehends beautiful botanical gardens with an exhibition of the local flora of the region, where they have a distinctive collection of orchids.
Mariposario de Machu Picchu
Undoubtedly, the extensive biodiversity that surrounds Machu Picchu is like no other since it holds different types of plants, animals, and over 500 butterfly species. Likewise, there is a place located only 15 minutes away from Aguas Calientes, called Wasi Pillpi, which means Butterfly Farm in Quechua.
If you wish to learn more about the natural diversity of this region, this unique place holds over 400 butterfly species, where the volunteers take you on a guided tour through the location, showing you the importance of these beautiful insects within the ecosystem.
Jardines de Mandor
For those looking to immerse themselves in the exuberant nature of this authentic region, we highly recommend you pay a visit to this Ecological Reserve. It is located 3,5 km away from Aguas Calientes, right at the foothills of the Huayna Picchu Mountain.
The Jardines de Mandor have been owned by a family since the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the end of the 90s that they decided to open their doors to the public. They look for the preservation of the ecosystem and its surroundings.
How to Get to Aguas Calientes?
As you may already know, Aguas Calientes is only accessible by train or a combination of a 6-hour bus drive and a 3-hour trek. Depending on the adventure that you’d like to have, here are some recommendations:
1. Train to Aguas Calientes
The train ride is the most in-demand way to get to Aguas Calientes due to its time efficiency, but most of all, because they take you through the dream-like scenery of the Peruvian highlands and the cloud forest. However, there are different types of wagons and trains for all tastes, these are the most recognized:
- Expedition Train: This tourist-class carriage is one of the most popular train services to get to Machu Picchu. It departs from Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes train stations.
- Vistadome Train: For those looking to experience the exuberant nature of the Cusco countryside, this panoramic train offers floor-to-ceiling windows, on-board service, and typical dance shows. It departs from Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes train stations.
- Sacred Valley Train: This is one of the most luxurious train rides to get to Machu Picchu. Travel through time in these 1920s-style wagons and experience the best of the Urubamba valley and the Peruvian high jungle.
2. Bus to Aguas Calientes
Unfortunately there is no direct road to Aguas Calientes, but you can still take a bus ride to the nearest town to later walk to the so-called Machu Picchu Town.
- First, you’ll have to take a bus ride from Cusco to Hidroelectrica, which usually takes about 6 hours.
- Afterwards, take a walk through the rail tracks for around 3 hours until you reach your destination.
However, it is not advisable to take this transport option during the rainy season due to the instability of the road prone to landslides.
As you can see, Aguas Calientes is a lot more than just Machu Picchu. There are beautiful natural attractions that you would love to know during your trip. We encourage you to add at least one of those to your travel itinerary.
If you’re looking for the best Peru travel package, we have several options that might fit you well, or you can just simply contact us and request a tailor-made itinerary just for you! Dare to live an amazing adventure through Peru with us.