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Aguas Calientes, whose official name is Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, at about 2,040 m (6,690 ft) beside the Urubamba River. No road reaches it: you arrive by train or on foot, and from there a bus climbs to the citadel in about 25 minutes. Most travelers spend one night here to visit Machu Picchu early and without rushing.
We are local guides based in Cusco and several of our tours sleep in Aguas Calientes. In this guide we explain how to get there, how to go up to the citadel, what to do in town, how many nights to stay and what to bring.
Aguas Calientes at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Machu Picchu Pueblo |
| Altitude | About 2,040 m (6,690 ft): lower than Machu Picchu (2,430 m) and much lower than Cusco (3,400 m) |
| Climate | Warm and humid, on the edge of the cloud forest; rain is frequent from November to March |
| How to get there | By train (about 1 h 30 from Ollantaytambo) or on foot from Hidroeléctrica (about 10 km, 2 to 3 hours) |
| To the citadel | Bus of about 25 minutes, or on foot along a steep stone footpath |
| Nights | One is usual; it is included in our 2-day tour and several treks |
| Our tours with a night here | Machu Picchu 2 days, Short Inca Trail, Lares Trek and Salkantay Trek |
Where Is Aguas Calientes?
The town lies in a narrow valley of the Urubamba River, surrounded by steep forested mountains, right below Machu Picchu. It grew from a camp for the workers who built the railway in the early 20th century, and it takes its popular name from the hot springs at the upper end of town.
It is a small town that you can cross on foot. The train station, the craft market, the main square and the bus stop for Machu Picchu are all close to each other.
How to Get to Aguas Calientes
By train
It is the most common and comfortable way. From Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, the ride takes about 1 h 30; there are also departures from Poroy, near Cusco. From about January to April many trains sold “from Cusco” are bimodal: a bus to a valley station and then the train. We explain the stations and classes in our train to Machu Picchu guide.
Carry-on luggage on the train is limited. Leave your suitcase at your hotel in Cusco and travel with a small backpack for one or two nights.
On foot from Hidroeléctrica
It is the road alternative: several hours by car through Santa María and Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica, and then about 10 km (6 miles) on foot beside the railway, 2 to 3 hours, to Aguas Calientes. It takes almost a full day. This is how the Salkantay Trek arrives. We compare every route in our guide on how to get to Machu Picchu.
On a trek
- Short Inca Trail: you hike to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu and sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Lares Trek: after three days in the mountains you take the train from Ollantaytambo and sleep in town.
- Salkantay Trek: on day 4 you walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the next day.
From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
The Consettur bus climbs the switchback road to the entrance of the citadel in about 25 minutes. In the morning there can be a line, so add that time to the entry time printed on your ticket. The bus fare is in our guide to the cost of Machu Picchu, and the circuits and entry times in our Machu Picchu tickets guide.
You can also walk up a steep stone footpath that crosses the bus road several times. It is a good workout, but it takes much longer than the bus: on our tours the bus is included.
What to Do in Aguas Calientes
- The hot springs: the thermal baths that give the town its name, a short uphill walk from the center. They are ideal after a day of trekking.
- The craft market: near the train station, with textiles, ceramics and souvenirs.
- Plaza Manco Cápac: the main square, a good place to rest between the train and dinner.
- The Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum: by Puente Ruinas, on the way to Machu Picchu, with exhibits on the history and rediscovery of the citadel.
- The butterfly house: also on the road toward Machu Picchu, a short walk from town.
- Mandor Gardens and waterfall: a privately run nature area about an hour’s walk along the railway, quieter than the town.
- Putucusi: the mountain opposite Machu Picchu, with a very steep trail. Ask in town whether it is open before you go.
Opening hours and fees change, so check them locally. On our 2-day tour the afternoon in Aguas Calientes is free for the town, the market or the hot springs.
How Many Nights to Stay in Aguas Calientes
One night is enough for most travelers, and it is what our tours include. It lets you go up to Machu Picchu early and rested, without the 4:00 a.m. departure of a day trip from Cusco, and it is the easiest way to add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. We compare both options in Machu Picchu in 1 or 2 days.
If you want more time, for example to visit Machu Picchu one day and climb a mountain or walk to Mandor the next, a second night is worth it.
Weather and Altitude in Aguas Calientes
At about 2,040 m (6,690 ft), Aguas Calientes is much lower than Cusco, and many travelers notice they breathe more easily. The climate is warmer and more humid, with cloud forest vegetation. From November to March it rains often; from April to October there are more dry days. See each month in our Machu Picchu weather guide and choose your dates with our guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Tips for Your Stay
- Travel light: a small backpack is enough for one or two nights.
- Your original passport: you need it for the train and the Machu Picchu entrance.
- Cash in soles: for meals that are not included and small purchases.
- Insect repellent and a poncho: the cloud forest is humid. More in our list of what to pack for Machu Picchu.
Book with 40%: our tours with a night in Aguas Calientes are booked by paying just 40% online; the balance is paid when you arrive in Peru. The hotel, the train, the bus and the Machu Picchu ticket are included.
Tours with a Night in Aguas Calientes
| Tour | Night in Aguas Calientes | Price | Pay online (40%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu 2 days | Day 1, after the train | US$350 | US$140 |
| Short Inca Trail 2 days | Day 1, after the hike to the Sun Gate | US$450 | US$180 |
| Lares Trek 4 days | Day 3, after the train from Ollantaytambo | US$450 | US$180 |
| Salkantay Trek 5 days | Day 4, after the walk from Hidroeléctrica | US$550 | US$220 |
| Machu Picchu Full Day | No night: you pass through on the same day | US$300 | US$120 |
Prices are per person. The balance is paid when you arrive in Peru; each tour page lists what is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth spending a night in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, if you have time. You visit Machu Picchu early and rested, without the long day trip from Cusco, and it is easier to add Huayna Picchu. Our 2-day tour includes the hotel.
How do you get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes?
By train, from Ollantaytambo (about 1 h 30) or from Poroy, near Cusco. The alternative is the road to Hidroeléctrica and a walk of about 10 km beside the railway.
Can you drive to Aguas Calientes?
No. No road reaches the town. The closest you can get by car is Hidroeléctrica, and from there you walk or take the train.
What is the altitude of Aguas Calientes?
About 2,040 m (6,690 ft), lower than Machu Picchu (about 2,430 m) and Cusco (about 3,400 m). See our Cusco altitude guide for the rest of the region.
How long is the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
About 25 minutes, plus the line in the morning. On our tours the bus is included.
Are there hot springs in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. The thermal baths that give the town its name are a short walk from the center. They are a good plan for the afternoon you arrive or after a trek.
Planning your night at the foot of Machu Picchu? Book our Machu Picchu tour 2 days by paying 40% online, or contact us and we will help you choose.
