More about Aguas Calientes
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.
Moments to look forward to
Incredible Stays
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.
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.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel is located near the ruins of Machu Picchu. The hotel provides guests with unrivaled access to the crown jewel of Peruvian archeology.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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