Aguas Calientes

Also known as Machu Pichu Pueblo, Aguas Calientes is the city that is just below the Machu Picchu ruins and it's a must see when visiting them.

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Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes

Located between leafy mountains at the end of the Inca Valley, is the small town of Aguas Calientes. Also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, it is the obligatory base place to visit Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca ruins in the world.

Aguas Calientes city is a pedestrian town where the only motorized vehicles are the buses that go up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. A town located just below the Inca citadel, only 6 kilometers from its entrance.

This town surrounded by jungle vegetation, exotic birds, furious rivers and huge cliffs, has become a small cosmopolitan center where travelers of different nationalities gather to wait for the anticipated ascent to one of the New Wonders of the Modern World.

Built in 1911, 10 years after the discovery of Machu Picchu in 1901, Aguas Calientes city has developed a tourism and hotel infrastructure since then, which now includes hostels for backpackers, exclusive hotels, restaurants, and bars.

What to do in Aguas Calientes?

Sleeping and waiting to enter Machu Picchu is not the only thing that can be done in Aguas Calientes. As its name says, this town is founded 800 meters far from thermal waters, perfect for relaxing after the hike to Huayna Picchu.

On the side of the train line, there is a colorful craft market where visitors buy alpaca wool products and handmade fabrications; and throughout the town, there are restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the famous Peruvian cuisine.

Where is Aguas Calientes city located?

Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes city is located 112 kilometers northwest of Cusco and just 6 kilometers far from the Machu Picchu Archaeological Center in the province of Urubamba, Department of Cusco.

When to go to Aguas Calientes

It is advisable to visit Aguas Calientes in the dry season that runs from April to October. If you do not like crowds it is preferable that you avoid the months of June, July, and August.

Weather in Aguas Calientes

The weather in Aguas Calientes is temperate with a high percentage of humidity and an average temperature of 16ºC. From April to October, it is the dry season and from November to March the presence of rains increases.

How to get to Aguas Calientes

To get to Aguas Calientes from Cusco you can take a train from Cusco. You can also take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

A second way is to take a vehicle to Santa Teresa or Hydroelectric and then a train to Aguas Calientes.

The third option is to reach the Inca Trail by trekking 3 days and 4 nights.

Recommendations

Buy tickets to enter Machu Picchu at least 6 months in advance.
Buy bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu in advance.
If you are going to trek to Huayna Picchu, make sure you wear appropriate clothing and shoes to walk.
Bring cash for bathing, food or souvenirs.