Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

What to do In Aguas Calientes

What to do In Aguas Calientes

4MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-08-12

Machu Picchu Pueblo, traditionally known as Aguas Calientes, is the last stop before entering the Machu Picchu archaeological site, which is why the activities in this gateway to Machu Picchu are usually overshadowed. Most people would not visit Aguas Calientes on its own, yet this quirky little town is the main way to enter the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu! Aguas Calientes will show you why the region is the gateway to a number of adventures. Hike Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu inside The Machu Picchu site; Explore the Andean landscapes from the comfort of an elegant train. Take part in cultural and mystical activities. Head to a waterfall where the journey is part of the adventure. Raise your adrenaline when you soar on a zipline, then calm yourself with a soak in the town´s hot springs. Named after these hot springs, Aguas Calientes Peru is the service town for Machu Picchu. There are hotels and restaurants that cater to most tastes. The average restaurant is considerably more expensive than Cusco due to its proximity to Machu Picchu, but there is a fun village-style atmosphere that makes this an excellent place to hang out. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels as well as internet cafes, though these are also more expensive than elsewhere. It is also the terminus for trains to Machu Picchu from Cusco, with the tracks running through the main street. There are some great things to do in Aguas Calientes if you have the time on either side of your Machu Picchu visit. Here are some recommendations.

 

The Vilcanota River or Urubamba River is the water source of the whole valley where Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu above it are found. On your Machu Picchu vacation packages, you will come across the long winding river on Sacred Valley tours from Cusco and even on rating trips in the region.

Vilcanota River, Aguas Calientes

Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum

Manuel Chavez Ballon was a renowned archaeologist from Cusco, and as did Hiram Bingham, he too directed excavations of Machu Picchu. This museum on the road from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu displays interesting artifacts found in Machu Picchu and a brief story of how Hiram Bingham made it all the way to the Inca City. It also hosts old photos and original editions of National Geographic magazines, plus short video clips of the history of the region. Explanations are both in English and Spanish. The museum´s collection consists of ceramic, lithic, textile, and anthropological relics found by researchers at the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.  A small botanic garden is also part of the museum, where you can take it easy and contemplate. Expect to spend half a day there, and your ticket to Machu Picchu will grant you access to the museum.

 

One of the entrance ticket options to Machu Picchu includes a visit to the Manuel Ballon Museum. This museum has excellent information in Spanish and English on the archaeological excavations of Machu Picchu and the Inca building techniques. Stop here to get a general perspective on your Peru Machu Picchu trip about this enigmatic site on your Peru vacation packages.

Machu Picchu Museum in Aguas Calientes

 

Hike To Mandor Waterfall

This peaceful, quiet walk, is recommended if you are spending a night in Aguas Calientes and your return train departs in the afternoon of the next day. Reconnect with nature, the flow of the stream, and birds chirping all around. This outdoor activity is perfect for the mind, body, and soul as you walk through the grounds and the cloud forest. Butterflies are abundant and it may even be possible to spot a Cock of the Rock, the national bird of Peru!

 

A beautiful, family-owned private piece of land, defined by its simplicity, is an excellent place to spend some downtime. Looking to preserve the natural richness of the cloud forest, the Alangóns opened its gates to visitors with basic yet original options, including an organic restaurant. Swim at the base of a waterfall after hiking, birdwatch or enjoy the surrounding natural environment, blessed with a variety of flowers and butterflies as well as many other creatures hidden in the lush vegetation. 

 

Mandor Gardens offers welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of your Machu Picchu vacation packages. The gardens are a 2 hour walk but well worth it to appreciate the great diversity of the flora. There are large trees, fruit trees, and some small sectors with the planting and exclusive care of orchids. To get to Mandor Falls, you only have to follow the well-signposted path.

Mandor Gardens

 

Visit the Butterfly House

Mariposario de Machu Picchu is a butterfly sanctuary close to the lower entrance gate of Machu Picchu. The butterfly house is run by a resident who has been trying to revive the declining butterfly population in the region for over ten years. Take a tour with a naturalist, usually a volunteer, to understand the cycles of these insects and a simple reminder that we must co-exist with all creatures. A very well-organized initiative, locally managed and scientifically run by committed staff that helps you discover the magical world of these stunning and essential insects. Participate in the activities and spend a few hours here marveling at these creatures with an onsite cafe.

 

If you’ve got free time to spend in Aguas Calientes on your vacation packages to Peru Machu Picchu, visit the Butterfly House! A stop at the Butterfly House can teach you more about the biodiversity in the Machu Picchu region. Follow the same trail as you would to take a visit to the Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum or Mandor Gardens to see a wide range of these beautiful creatures. The entrance is just s/. 10 soles!

Monarch Butterfly, Aguas Calientes

 

Handicraft Market

Everyone will pass through the middle of artisanal crafts stalls when taking the train station in Aguas Calientes. Thousands of Alpaca sweaters and wall hangings, little whistles and cups with beautiful designs on them, silver jewelry, and Inca trinkets, create a truly colorful scene. Haggle efficiently as prices are generally over-priced compared to other markets in and around Cusco. If you have some spare time before your train departs, a stop-off at the market is the perfect distraction! As with most markets, you can find various assorted handicrafts to remind you of Machu Picchu and beyond.  The best place to buy last-minute gifts or souvenirs if you are looking for a colorful distraction. Bargain prices are somewhat elevated due to its location near the world's wonder.

 

Aguas Calientes is also home to an enormous handicraft market. This artisan market is packed with colorful weavings, jewelry jumpers hats, and many other items that are souvenirs of your Machu Picchu tours from Cusco. While a lot of the products are available in markets throughout Peru, of you look hard you can find unique and artistic products at a reasonable Price!

Handicraft Market

Relax in the Hot Springs

Aguas Calientes was named after the hot springs in the town, and relaxing in these hot springs is one of the most popular things to do in the area. There are six pools at the hot springs, all with varying temperatures, allowing you to choose the best one for you. While relaxing, wave down a server to enjoy a beverage while soaking in the springs. This experience is one of the best things you can do when visiting Aguas Calientes. Be aware that these springs fill up unless you manage to go off peak hours. 

 

Aguas Calientes is also home to some lovely hot springs. In fact, this is where the own got its name! What could be better than hiking to Machu Picchu along the Salkantay Trek or hiking the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, knowing that that these soothing and relaxing warm waters are waiting for you, to ease the aching muscles?

Hot Springs

Climb Putucusi Mountain

Located opposite Machu Picchu is Putucusi Mountain, an incredible mountain to climb, offering fantastic views of Machu Picchu and the ruins. Though the climb is not too difficult, it takes considerable effort due to the steep ascent, and temperatures can get very hot. The ascent includes some rickety steps along the way, so the hike is not for vertigo -suffers and not for the faint-hearted!

 

If you find yourself at Machu Picchu but have not been able to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Putucusi is an excellent trek that can hike from Aguas Calientes. The summit has panoramic views over Machu Picchu as well as the surrounding valleys and mountain peaks. The Putucusi Mountain is composed of near-vertical, perfectly smooth stone walls with steep gullies intersecting them. They are covered by lush cloud forests.

Putucusi

Hike to Cascadas Allcamayo

The rainforest surrounding Aguas Calientes offers beautiful trails to hike through, which lead to breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls. The hike to the Allcamayo waterfalls is a bit challenging, especially for those with limited mobility. However, if you brave the trails, you will be rewarded with the opportunity to splash around in the cooling, fresh mountain water. Perfect after a day of hiking the ruins.

 

The Mandor Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural resources that can be found when visiting Aguas Calientes. The Mandor waterfall has a slope of only thirty meters and its waters are characterized by their crystalline presence. You have to keep in mind when visiting the waterfall, that this natural scene, is the habitat of important species, some in danger of extinction, such as the spectacled bear, which is often seen, so you have to be respectful of the territory when you visit Peru.

Waterfall, Aguas Calientes

 

Visit Plaza Manco Capac

Plaza Manco Capac is the small central plaza in Aguas Calientes. Surrounded by municipal buildings, monuments, and a beautiful church, many like to take pictures in front of the statue of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, which stands in the plaza. Also, please visit Iglesia Virgen Del Carmen, which is small and humble but has a colorful altar decorated with icons. 

This plaza takes the name of the founder of the Inca empire, the legendary Manco Capac. Indeed, there is an iron statue in the center of the square, resembling Manco Capac facing Machu Picchu.  At night-time, enjoy a stroll in the plaza, with reflected water fountains spitting water up the air into the pools, and the narrow streets with Inca replica buildings resembling the real Inca walls, with trapezoidal windows. There are no cars in Aguas Calientes and everyone goes on foot, which adds to the intimate atmosphere of the town.

 

Plaza Manco Capac is the main square of Aguas Calientes. At the center of the square is Pachacuti (Pachacutec), or at least a large statue of him! He stands with other statues and Peruvian & Inca flags beside him. Naturally, this spot is a selfie heaven, so you may even have to wait in line for your chance to take a shot with this Golden Inca on your Peru vacation packages!

Pachacutec Monument

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