Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu. Staying here for a night or two will give you intimate access to this incredible Inca site.
Aguas Calientes was once a poor and somewhat rundown town, but recent improvements in business and infrastructure have helped bring about a new vitality to the area. New hotels and restaurants are working their way into the limited space of this valley.
The small town spreads into the hillside above the Río Aguas Calientes, and hotels are beginning to populate the Orquideas neighborhood on the other side of the river. Aguas Calientes has a scattering of hotels and restaurants (pizzerias abound here), as well as a few sites that are worth visiting.
The town’s thermal baths offer travelers a place to soak and relax. They are cleanest in the morning, but can be fairly dirty by nighttime. A trail leads uphill past the baths to a few impressive waterfalls—these are good places to swim and take photographs. There are a few other waterfalls in this area that can be visited as well.
On the road to Machu Picchu, you’ll find a new museum dedicated to the famous Inca site. The museum is small but modern, and has a number of good exhibits dedicated to the culture, history, and geography of Machu Picchu. The museum also has a botanical garden.
Putukusi is a forested rock dome above Aguas Calientes. It’s a good half-day hike to get here, and travelers are rewarded with wonderful views of Machu Picchu. During the hike you’ll pass through cloud forests and have the opportunity to spot a range of tropical birds. Do note, however, that you’ll have to ascend a 600-foot (200-m) wooden ladder along a cliff face to reach the final lookout.
Aguas Calientes is the end of the line for the train that runs between Cusco and Machu Picchu. There are frequent bus shuttles to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, and you can also hike through the forest to reach the ancient site.
Aguas Calientes itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Aguas Calientes itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Family Expedition Across Peru
Elisa and her Greek family explored Peru’s diverse landscapes on a memorable 20 day adventure. They journeyed from the Paracas desert and Huacachina dunes to the high Andes of Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu. Friendly local guides shared traditions and stories, letting the family feel Peru’s warm hospitality and leaving them with a deeper appreciation for its vibrant heritage.
Andean Peaks to Lake Titicaca
The Anywhere team was planning and helping us thru out the process. Right from picking us up from the airport to dropping us back to the hotel. They created a WhatsApp group to communicate with us every day and answered our questions within a few minutes. Thanks to Lisbeth and Jose in Cusco. Eduardo in Machu Pichu, Anna Maria in Puno and Sara and Samuel in Lima. They are worked like a team to ensure our trip was well planned and executed. Big thanks to Cesar for the great planning and suggestions along the way.
Peru for Two on a Budget
Embark on a vibrant Peruvian adventure where bustling city life meets ancient Andean wonders, contrasting modern Lima’s coastal energy with the mystique of the Sacred Valley. You'll wander Lima’s historic streets, then soar to Cusco’s high-altitude charm before trekking to the misty ruins of Machu Picchu and the colorful heights of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you'll taste traditional cuisine, hear Andean legends, and leave with a deeper connection to Peru’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Our Multigenerational Journey
My sister and her family want to come next year, and possible another friend's family as well, so will definitely tell them to use Anywhere!!!
We Conquered Huayna Picchu
This was a very personal experience and Anywhere.com does an amazing job of having agents who are cultured and/or very familiar with the country to which you wish to visit. This allows the agent to listen to what you want to experience and then match you up with the right outfitter, vendor, excursion group, etc...I felt like Sara Nizama truly listened to my wants/needs and made them a reality. I am so happy with my Peru experience, thanks to Sara and her team. I want to go back soon and explore more of Peru with the help of Sara and her team. Thank you!
Wow, We Did it!
Excellent coordination and very helpful staff throughout the trip. Sara is the boss...she has good command of all aspects of our trip and provided the necessary help & support ...right from planning stage to boarding our flight back to US.
We Explored Incan Lands
Thank you Anywhere for planning an excellent vacation.
Experience The Heart of Peru
Very professional service, very good organization overall. Everything went smoothly. We ABSOLUTELY will recommend Anywhere.com to our friends. And for our future trips, we will first look at what anywhere.com is offering before looking elsewhere.
Romance in The Andes
After debating on which country to visit for our special trip, we finally decided on Peru. It was the best decision ever. Anywhere.com helped us arrange and make the most of our dream vacation!
Culinary Delight and Family Adventure
I learned so much of it's history and have such respect for it's culture.
Envy-Inducing Adventures in Peru
This isn’t your ordinary family getaway — it’s way better! Explore Peru’s great outdoors, and pass your wanderlust and spirit of adventure onto your children.
Peruvian Highlights for One
Take yourself to a whirlwind adventure through one of South America’s most vibrant countries with this ‘best of’ expedition through Peru.
Plug into Adventure in Peru
Unplug from work and connect to adventure when you treat yourself to this solo expedition of Peru. Visit iconic sites and enjoy amazing scenery between destinations.
Peru—Beyond Machu Picchu
Famous sites are just the beginning of this Peruvian grand adventure. Indulge in internationally award-winning cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting activities.
Honeymooning in The Incan Skies
Want to walk in the footsteps of the ancients whilst touching the sky? Then you’ll love this incredible Peruvian adventure that will have you living the high life.
Experiences in Aguas Calientes
Explore hand-picked Aguas Calientes tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Andean Wedding - Arac Masin
Cultural Tour to Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu Hiking Tour
Mandor Waterfall Hiking Tour
Machu Picchu Mountain Hiking Tour
Hiram Bingham Machu Picchu to Cusco
Second visit to Machu Picchu by your own
Vistadome Train - Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Expedition Train - Aguas Calientes to Poroy
Expedition Train - Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Vistadome Train - Aguas Calientes to Poroy
Vistadome Train #304- Aguas Calientes to Urubamba
Vistadome Bimodal - Aguas Calientes to Cusco
The 360°Bimodal - Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Machu Picchu Sun Gate & Panoramic View Tour
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Aguas Calientes accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Sonestas Posadas del Inca Yucay
Sonesta Posadas del Inca is located in the small town of Yucay, just outside of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Before you visit nearby Machu Picchu or Ollantaytambo, set aside some time to explore the unparalleled Andean landscape of the Sacred Valley.
Taypikala Valle Sagrado Hotel
Taypikala Deluxe sits near the banks of the Urubamba River, offering luxury amenities in the midst of one of Peru’s most beautiful landscapes. The white water rapids are at their best from December until May, rushing with the high waters of the rainy season. No matter what time of year you visit, this deluxe hotel offers a gorgeous place to get in tune with nature.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is one of Peru’s best hotels. It’s set just outside Agua Calientes on a beautiful, jungle-clad piece of property.
Casa del Sol Boutique
This luxurious hotel offers rooms with views of either mountains or the Vilconata River. Casa del Sol is just a few steps away from the bus that takes visitors to Machu Picchu.
Sumaq Machu Picchu
The Sumaq Hotel is located in Aguas Calientes. From here, travelers will have exclusive access to the incredible site of Machu Picchu.
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Hotel
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba Hotel is located as its name says in Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, 50 minutes from the center of Cusco and only 10 minutes from Ollantaytambo, the starting point for exploring Machu Picchu and last train station before arriving at the wonderful citadel.
El MaPi Hotel Machu Picchu
El MaPi Hotel is set in Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. The hotel has a central location and acts as a good home base while visiting Machu Picchu.
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu
The Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu hotel is located in Aguas Calientes. This hotel is comfortable and modern and the location gives travelers ideal access to Machu Picchu.
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
