Aguas Calientes, also known as the City or Town of Machu Picchu, is the essential starting point to reach the Inca citadel. But don’t be fooled by its name, since it is not a typical town, but rather a vibrant tourist center full of energy and with endless activities that you can do. So before visiting the very renowned citadel, first consider exploring and getting to know the charm of Aguas Calientes, enjoying its tourist offer that goes beyond being just the door to the Inca citadel.
Aguas Calientes: The City Near Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes, more than just a town, is a vibrant place full of history and culture in the heart of the Sacred Valley. What’s more, its streets overflow with energy, animated by travelers from all over the world who converge on its cozy bars and restaurants. So before your visit to Machu Picchu, consider exploring this incredible place and delight in its gastronomy, in which its exquisite typical dishes and its wide range of cocktails made with pisco shine; Later, you can explore the place in search of outdoor activities, where its hidden sites stand out, such as its large butterfly garden, its fascinating museum and many other places.
The 10 best activities to do near Machu Picchu
The town of Aguas Calientes is a town entirely dedicated to the wonder of Machu Picchu and there you will find many things to do, here are some of them:
- Visit the Mandor Gardens and Waterfall
Walking for about 50 minutes through the humid forest, following the train tracks to Santa Teresa, we arrive at a magnificent green oasis called Mandor Gardens. This natural reserve is a true paradise to walk and admire the wild flora and fauna, in fact, you will marvel at its imposing waterfall. - Relax in the hot springs
The town of Aguas Calientes precisely gets its name from its hot springs. Which is a complex of 5 pools of sulphurous water with a temperature ranging between 38˚C and 46˚C. These natural waters come directly from various sources of volcanic origin and have numerous therapeutic properties. Also, this place is a perfect environment to relax after visiting Machu Picchu while waiting for the return train. - Learn at the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum
You will be able to visit the Machu Picchu Site Museum – Manuel Chávez Ballón, this visit will give you a clearer panorama of what you saw or will see in Machu Picchu. Also, keep in mind that this place has two exhibitions and a botanical garden: An exhibition about the Inca vestiges found in Machu Picchu and surrounding areas (around 250 objects, including ceramics, bronze and copper tools, bones and different objects used in Macchu Picchu). The other exhibition shows the Inca construction artifacts that allow us to understand how the citadel was built and finally its botanical garden with more than 200 types of orchids, these species are largely native to the area. - Climb Putucusi Mountain
You will be able to climb the incredible Putucusi mountain (Phutuq K’usi or happy mountain in Quechua, also known as the guardian of Machu Picchu, it is the only free mountain that is part of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu), it is one of the best hikes you can take on your trip to the Inca citadel, however you must be very careful; Since its access is free, it is not exactly well preserved, so before undertaking the ascent, you should find out about the state of the trails in Aguas Calientes. - Cocalmayo Hot Springs
Tired of the crowded hot springs in Aguas Calientes? Then it’s time to discover a hidden treasure, so embark on a day trip to the town of Santa Teresa and relax in the pristine pools of Cocalmayo. Each of these natural pools has a different temperature, perfect for relieving tired muscles after a long walk; Furthermore, the surroundings will leave you breathless: the roar of the Vilcanota River accompanies the dreamlike landscape. - Visit Plaza Manco Cápac
Plaza Manco Capac, an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Aguas Calientes, where you can pause your journey and enjoy its surroundings. Likewise, it is surrounded by municipal buildings, monuments and the beautiful Virgen del Carmen Church. What’s more, the square offers a perfect setting for taking photographs, especially next to the statue of the Inca Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. The church, despite its modest size, surprises with its colorful altar and icon decoration, creating a space conducive to reflection and gratitude. - Marvel at a multitude of butterflies
A 25 minute walk from Aguas Calientes, taking the bus route to Machu Picchu, is the Mariposario, a butterfly farm that houses an interesting collection of species, in addition to the different stages of development. Dedicated volunteers manage this site, working to safeguard the incredible diversity of 300 butterfly species that call the surrounding area home. - Bathe in a waterfall surrounded by nature
Venture beyond the crowds and discover the beauty of Allcamayo Falls, a hidden wonder within easy reach. Immerse yourself in a nature walk surrounded by towering trees, vibrant orchids, fluttering butterflies, and melodic birdsong. This enchanting path ultimately leads you to a breathtaking reward, three cascading waterfalls; the last of them, Allcamayo, which is also the highest (30 meters). Without a doubt, it is a fantastic environment to discover and enjoy in peace within the heart of nature. - Walk through the streets of Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is a small tourist town that lives off Machu Picchu. For this reason, there is not much to see, since everything is more or less made to be just a practical stop for travelers who, furthermore, do not usually spend a lot of time in the town. Even so, if you have a little time before or after visiting Machu Picchu, there are some things you can do on your way through Aguas Calientes: See the small church of the Virgin of Carmen, visit the main square Manco Capac and pass by the Mercado de Abastos, even if you don’t go to eat there, is a really local and pleasant experience. - Enjoy the bars and gastronomy
Aguas Calientes will not only captivate you with the magic of Machu Picchu, but will also delight you with its vibrant gastronomic and entertainment offer. Hundreds of restaurants await you so you can taste the exquisite Peruvian and world cuisine, and discover why local gastronomy is an unmissable experience. In addition, dozens of bars invite you to enjoy a refreshing drink before or after your adventure in Machu Picchu. Just remember to take your precautions and return in time to board your return train.
Discovering the Towns of the Sacred Valley
Nestled between the imposing mountains of the Andes, the towns that surround Machu Picchu are more than just tourist destinations, they are guardians of an ancestral legacy, windows to a glorious past and places where life flows with a slow and harmonious rhythm. Therefore, walking through its cobbled streets, visiting its colorful markets and admiring its ancient constructions is embarking on a journey of knowledge.
- Pisac: Pisac, also known as Pisaq, is the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Located in the province of Calca, this town preserves the charm of an ancient Inca city, its winding streets lead to a main square dominated by an imposing artisan market, where you can find multicolored textiles, silver jewelry and traditional ceramics. The experience is completed with a visit to the Inca ruins of Pisac, located on the slopes of the mountains, offering stunning panoramic views of the valley.
- Ollantaytambo: Impenetrable Inca Fortress: Ollantaytambo, a prosperous Inca city, stands majestically in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Its colossal platforms, its imposing stone walls and its defensive towers tell stories of greatness. So touring this archaeological complex is to delve into the secrets of Inca engineering and admire the mastery with which they built their fortresses.
- Chinchero: Textile Treasure of the Sacred Valley: Chinchero is the home of the textile industry in the Andean region. Its narrow streets and adobe houses house workshops where skilled artisans masterfully weave, using ancestral techniques, colorful blankets, ponchos and bags. In Chinchero you can breathe living tradition and you can appreciate the passion for weaving that has been passed down from generation to generation.
- Maras: Maras, located on a picturesque plain, invites contemplation and tranquility. Surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains and with the Sacred Valley at its feet, this town offers panoramic views that take your breath away. Likewise, in Maras you can visit the famous Salineras de Maras, a set of pre-Inca platforms where salt is extracted in a traditional way.
Beyond Machu Picchu
The towns of the Sacred Valley are more than simple complements to the visit to the Inca citadel. They are destinations in themselves, full of history, culture and natural beauty. Touring them is an enriching experience that allows you to better understand the Andean worldview, appreciate the majesty of the landscapes and connect with the warmth and kindness of the local people.