12 Awesome Things To Do In Aguas Calientes Peru (Updated For 2024)
A breathtaking small town within the Sacred Valley region of Peru, Aguas Calientes is the main stop-off point for travellers who wish to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Whilst most tourists who head here spend a day looking around the Plaza and perhaps visiting the hot springs, there’s many other incredible things to do whilst here. In fact we’d recommend staying for a couple of extra days if possible so you can see them all without rushing, and really relax in this epic mountainside town.
In this guide we’ll explore some of the very best things to do in Aguas Calientes Peru, which include visiting peaceful waterfalls as well as trying local Peruvian cuisine. We’ll also share how you can have the best experience possible when heading up to nearby Machu Picchu.
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Must-See Destinations And Things To Do In Aguas Calientes Peru
Below let’s now dive into the very best things to see and do in and around Aguas Calientes. Whilst many have their set opening times, with the hikes we suggest heading earlier to enjoy them with little other tourists around.
1. Hike To Mandor Waterfall
A quiet site along with a relaxing hike, this waterfall is highly recommended to visit if you plan to stay a night in Aguas Calientes (before your return train departs the afternoon of the next day).
If you have enough time, then you can combine a quick visit to the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum before then continuing down to Mandor Waterfalls. Here you can also visit the Jardines de Mandor given there is a garden right next to the waterfall. Here you can get lost in nature, enjoy the flow of the stream and also hear birds chirping around.
Also keep an eye out for the many types of Butterflies around here, and if lucky you may even spot the legendary Cock-of-the-rock (which is the National Bird of Peru).
Though the hike itself is pretty easy, it will take a few hours so we recommend planning at least a minimum half-day for it. You’ll first start in Aguas Calientes town, heading down to Puente Ruinas (following the tourist buses). From here you will then follow the train tracks and continue walking until you reach the Mandor sign which marks the entrance.
2. Head To The Butterfly House (Mariposario)
Just outside of Aguas Calientes we can find Pillpi Wasi, which is an area filled with beautiful butterflies.
This is where the many species of butterflies found in Machu Picchu and around the surrounding mountains, which are both protected and studied to learn more about their behaviors.
Here you will also get to see the incredible metamorphosis process, which is how they evolve from a caterpillar into adult butterflies. Entry costs around 10 soles, where you’ll also have a guide teach you about the site.
To get here you’ll first start from the bus station in Aguas Calientes, and then follow the dirt road for around twenty minutes until you find the wooden carved entry sign.
3. Relax In The Aguas Calientes Hotsprings
The name Aguas Calientes actually stands for Hot Springs, which was given to this town as it is home to natural hot springs (although it’s also sometimes referred to as the Machu Picchu Pueblo Town).
Here we’ll find a set of thermal baths that are perfect for taking a dip in, and especially for those who have spent days hiking or have just completed the formidable Inca Trail. If you feel sore, then you’ll find these hot waters both therapeutic and helpful for recovery. (temperatures are are around a perfect 38-42 C°).
Peruvian tourists pay 5 Soles to enter the site, whilst non-Peruvians will need to pay 10 Soles. Getting here is easy as it’s just a ten-minute walk from the main plaza of Aguas Calientes.
4. Hike To Aguas Calientes Waterfalls
There is another waterfall much closer to Aguas Calientes town, and until recently this hidden treasure was barely known to tourists.
It wasn’t until the Covid Pandemic hit that locals revealed it to help get tourism to both Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu back on track.
To get here you’ll first want to head to the Hot Springs, continuing through the jungle for about ten more minutes until you reach Aguas Calientes Waterfalls. The hike is a little bit tough, however is really worth it for the incredible views with the endemic ferns and orchids here.
5. Get To Know Manuel Chavez Ballon Machu Picchu Museum
Manuel Chávez Ballón was a renowned archaeologist from Cusco, and just like Hiram Bingham he also carried out many excavations in and around the site of Machu Picchu.
This small museum houses many interesting artefacts that were found in Machu Picchu, and also shares the story of how Hiram Binham first made it all the way to Machu Picchu. Here we’ll find old photos and original editions from various National Geographic Magazines, as well as short video clips to help us better understand their work.
It really helps to provide a better understanding of Machu Picchu, along with what you have learned from the tour guides.
To get to the museum you’ll want to follow the dirt road that the shuttle busses take to head up to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. It’s around a 30-minute walk from the Aguas Calientes Main Plaza, and once inside you’ll need roughly 30 minutes to see all of the exhibitions and ceramics. Outside in the botanical gardens you’ll also be able to spot many planted orchids and flowers, as well as wildlife such as Torrent Ducks within the Urubamba river.
You can actually ask to include a visit to this museum when buying your Machu Picchu Ticket, which you can then show to the receptionist of the museum. If not, then nationals will have to pay 11 Soles to enter whilst foreigners will pay 22 Soles.
Here you can see a virtual free guide to the museum.
6. Buy Souvenirs At The Handicraft Artisanal Market
Inevitably, every tourist will pass through the middle of the artisanal crafts market when departing the train station in Aguas Calientes. Here we’ll find many sweaters and chompas, some of which even have little whistles and beautiful jewels and silver embroided on them.
The coolest thing about this market is the fact that it’s built into the back of the train station, so it feels a lot different to the usual markets that you will visit in the Sacred Valley region!
To be completely honest though, the prices here are more expensive than that of what you would pay in Cusco, although bargaining still works if you know a few words in Spanish.
7. Take A Stroll Around The Plaza Manco Capac (Plaza De Armas)
This plaza takes the name of the founder of the Inca Empire – the legendary Manco Capac.
In the centre of the square you’ll find a giant statue that resembles Manco Capac, which is made out of iron with a golden wedge which points to Machu Picchu.
Here we’ll see narrow adjacent streets with buildings resembling the real Inca walls, which makes for a great photo. The best thing though is that unlike other Plaza de Armas around Peru, no cars or taxis are moving around, with everyone instead getting around on foot.
We recommend going for an evening stroll in the plaza, where we can enjoy the relaxed plaza scenes as well as the beautiful water fountain in the centre.
8. Eat Traditional Peruvian Cuisine
Sometimes we can often forget that there are more to places than just the sights themselves. And one of the best things to explore in a new destination is the local foods, which is an especially great reason to visit Aguas Calientes..
Now within the town we’ll find a range of restaurants, most of which are touristy and cater to both international and local tastes. Whilst still great in their own right, we instead recommend heading to the Mercado de Abastos, where we’ll find local food vendors on the upper floor.
Here we can find all kinds of traditional tasty dishes such as Papa Rellena and Lomo Saltado, and especially plates like Papa a la Huancaina that hail from the Andes Mountain regions. Best of all is the fact that they cost a very affordable 5-10 Soles each, meaning you can sample many dishes at once without breaking the bank!
9. Get Incredible Panoramic Views On Top Of Huayna Picchu
Visiting Machu Picchu is the hallmark of a trip to the Cusco region, and of course remains the main reason that travellers head to Aguas Calientes. However the alternative peak of Huayna Picchu is highly recommended too.
Whilst also located close to the sacred ruins, this peak is the highest around which allows for even more spectacular views. Whilst the hike up is a little more challenging, there’s a daily restriction on how many people can enter (which means you can relax a little more when compared with the more crowded Machu Picchu Mountain).
You can book your Huayna Picchu tickets here, which we recommend doing before the day of your Machu Picchu tour to guarantee your spot given that there is a limited daily capacity.
10. Visit The Quiet Alcamayo Waterfalls
Aguas Calientes is located in the upper Amazon basin of Peru, meaning that we’ll find the climate to be warmer than that of Cusco – as well as having many beautiful waterfalls dotted around.
We’ve already covered a couple of popular options before in this guide, however those who want a more intimate experience can instead head to Alcamayo Waterfalls which has barely any tourists visiting.
Once you arrive at the trailhead you’ll need to pay a small fee to enter, and then you’ll have the 30 minute path all to yourself! Not only is it a great time to wind down and enjoy your own company, you can also bathe in these refreshing falls too.
11. Enjoy The Views Of The Urubamba River
There really is nothing like the crashing Urubamba River, which is the main river that passes through the Cusco region.
Whilst we will see it many times along the hike to Aguas Calientes via the Hidroeléctrica train tracks (or also if taking the Peru Rail or Inca Rail trains), the town itself here is located right next to the river. We recommend finding a nice spot next to the river to take some memorable photos, or also visiting one of the local restaurants in Aguas Calientes that have terraces that hang right over it.
If you’re lucky to visit during the wet season (which runs from November until April), then you’ll be able to see this river really roar as it flows faster and more powerfully through the mountain valleys and along the banks of Aguas Calientes.
12. Hike Up To Machu Picchu
It’s impossible not to mention the formidable site of Machu Picchu, which is rightfully part of the select New Seven Wonders Of The World.
Starting your adventure from Aguas Calientes is by far the best option, given how close the town is. By bus it’s just a 30 minute drive, whilst walking up will take you around 2 hours (both of which are much quicker than then 5+ hours required when heading directly from Cusco).
It’s important to book your Machu Picchu spot in advance, given tickets can sell-out and that it’s risky to arrive here without having one bought prior. We suggest taking a look at our all-inclusive Overnight Machu Picchu Tour, which includes all transport, meals, a cosy private room as well as a private guide to show you around this incredible ancient site.
Overview Of The Best Things To Do In Aguas Calientes Peru
And that’s all for our guide on the best things to see and do in and around the town of Aguas Calientes in Peru.
Usually a town that is used as a basecamp for exploring Machu Picchu, there’s many worthwhile things to see and do here. This includes visiting beautiful waterfalls such as those of Mandor and Alcamayo, as well as relaxing tired muscles in the hot springs in town.
Have you booked your Machu Picchu tickets yet? Take a look at our various Machu Picchu Tours now as entrance tickets are limited!