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Aguas Calientes
South America · Peru
Did you know?
- Thermal baths give this riverside town its name.
- Arrivals come by train or on foot because no roads reach the town.
- Gardens of Mandor and a butterfly house add nature stops beyond the ruins.
See also
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Machu Picchu
Peru13.16°S 72.55°W · 2,430 m
Ollantaytambo
Peru13.25°S 72.27°W · 2,792 m
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Choquequirao
Peru13.40°S 72.90°W
Maras
Peru13.33°S 72.16°W · 3,300 m
Urubamba
Peru13.30°S 72.12°W · 2,870 m
Chinchero
Peru13.39°S 72.05°W · 3,754 m
Overview
This compact town on the Urubamba river is a staging point for visits to Machu Picchu. Most visitors stay overnight before continuing to the archaeological site.
Languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish
Why go?
Aguas Calientes is the principal access point to Machu Picchu, perched on the bank of the Urubamba river. The town is pedestrian-only and compact, easy to navigate. Most visitors to Machu Picchu spend at least one night here.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
There are no roads into Aguas Calientes. You must arrive by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, or by foot via the Inca Trail or other hikes. The train station is in town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The town is compact and walkable. There are no vehicles apart from buses to Machu Picchu and a few work vehicles. Everything is within walking distance.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Aguas Calientes has many sleeping options from budget hostels like Hostal John (S/10 per person) to luxury hotels like Inka Terra (US$300-700 per night). There is also a municipal camping ground (S/15 per tent). Budget options include Hostal Joe (S/35-50 for double/treble) and Supertramp Hostel (dorms from $10). Most accommodations are within walking distance of the train station.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
There are many restaurants catering to travelers. Set menus run S/10-15. The town is full of pizza restaurants and Chifa (Chinese) options. Smaller restaurants up the hill often offer more food for half the price. Be aware of hidden charges; agree on a price upfront saying 'No tax, no servicio'. Bars offer 4-for-1 happy hours but are not great deals. Alcohol sales are prohibited after 23:00.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The main attraction is Machu Picchu (S/152 entry). The bus up costs S/45 return. Alternatively, hike Putucusi for views of Machu Picchu (about 1 hour each way). Soak in the thermal baths (S/20) that give the town its name. The Machu Picchu Museum and Botanical Gardens, Butterfly House, and Gardens of Mandor are also worth visiting. Massages available from S/40 per hour.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Some restaurants may add 10-15% to bills as 'tax' or 'servicio'. Always agree on the price first and remind them if needed. Walk on train tracks is prohibited and dangerous. Be cautious when hiking; bring water and snacks as they are expensive at the ruins.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Internet cafes are spread around town with slow connections. They charge S/3-4 per hour and offer CD/DVD burning facilities. There are no details about mobile networks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Prices are relatively high due to isolation. Set meals S/10-15. Bus to Machu Picchu S/45 return. Entry S/152. Dorm beds from $10 (approx S/35). Budget hostel dorms from S/10. Bring snacks and water from Cusco to save money.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
From Aguas Calientes you can hike to Santa Teresa (about 4 hours) or take the train to Ollantaytambo and Cusco. Putucusi is a nearby mountain hike. Gardens of Mandor and the ecological centre are also within walking distance.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Cusco and Ollantaytambo are accessible by train. Santa Teresa is a 4-hour hike downstream. Choquequirao requires camping gear and GPS.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Camping Municipal
Recorded price: S/15 per tent
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Gringo Bill's
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostal Joe
Has friendly staff. The street is quiet without bars or major foot traffic. They will keep your bags securely until you take the train at night. Pickup from the train station
Recorded price: Double/treble rooms for S/35-50
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostal John
There are a couple of hotels at this price.
Recorded price: S/10 per person
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostal Sol de Oro
More of a hotel than a hostel. Quiet and clean. Private bathrooms with hot showers and good water pressure. Breakfast, no kitchen anymore.
Recorded price: US$40 for a double room
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostal Varayoc
Basic, clean rooms with hot showers on main drag across bridge from train station. Price includes simple breakfast. Friendly staff.
Recorded price: From US$20 for a single to US$45 for a triple
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostel Amaru
Has a large Anaconda skin on the wall in the cafe downstairs, there is also a bar, a billiard table and internet access downstairs, the staff are very friendly and helpful, this hostel is great if your on a budget and is just meters from the hot springs.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostel Continental
A nice hostel near the end of the train tracks on the far side of the hot springs. Very reasonably priced and quite well kept.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget dorms from S/10 per person; camping S/15 per tent.
Connectivity
Internet cafes S/3-4 per hour, slow connections.
Money
Prices are high; bring snacks and water from Cusco. Set meals S/10-15.
Safety
Agree on restaurant prices upfront to avoid hidden charges.
Transport
No roads; arrive by train or foot. Town is walkable.