Aguas Calientes Cuzco And The Sacred Valley, Peru Travel Guide
Machu Picchu is the main attraction. Built in the 15th century, it sits on a mountain ridge at 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level, overlooking the Sacred Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu likely served as a royal estate or a sacred religious site for Inca leaders.
Its well-preserved structures and stunning location give a profound historical experience.
Museums give valuable background to your visit, enhancing your the total experience.
Aguas Calientes itself does not have a historical district. Its architecture is modern, developed to support the tourism industry, and lacks the colonial charm found in cities like Cusco.
No specific industrial or armed forces heritage sites are significant in Aguas Calientes.
The town's development mainly supports the visitor experience to Machu Picchu.
The infrastructure is geared towards transit and services for visitors.
Unlike Cusco, the town itself is not a historical site.
The surrounding cloud forest has its own beauty and opportunities for relaxation.
These natural thermal baths give the town its designation. They include several pools of varying temperatures and are a popular spot for relaxation after visiting Machu Picchu.
Typically 5 AM to 8 PM. Fees approximately S/. 20 (USD $5.50) for foreigners. You can rent towels and Swimsuits on site.
A private reserve that features a short jungle walk to a waterfall and a butterfly garden, giving a peaceful escape into nature.
The entire town is surrounded by dramatic cloud forest mountains. The train journey to The Town at the base of machu picchu also gives breathtaking scenery of the Urubamba River valley, mountains, and lush vegetation.
The cloud forest has various orchids and butterflies. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel runs a spectacled bear conservation program and maintains a large orchid garden inside its grounds, giving controlled viewing opportunities.
The hot springs themselves signify a natural geological feature, heated by geothermal activity. The steep, verdant mountains are part of the vast Andean cordillera, demonstrating impressive geological formations.
This prominent peak rises at the back of the Machu Picchu citadel. It features challenging but rewarding hikes and panoramic views of the citadel from above. A separate, highly limited permit is needed, booked well in advance.
This peak features a less steep but longer climb than Huayna Picchu. It gives different panoramic views of the citadel and the surrounding cloud forest landscape. This climb also needs a separate permit, booked with your Machu Picchu entry.
A private ecological reserve situated a few kilometers from The Town at the base of machu picchu. Reachable by walking along the train tracks. This area features a nature walk to a waterfall and some minor Inca agricultural terraces.
The Urubamba River flows directly through Aguas Calientes. There are no sandy shores or lakes in the immediate vicinity.
Beyond the main attractions, some less-visited spots deliver unique experiences.
Putucusi Mountain: A very steep, challenging hike directly opposite Machu Picchu. This trail gives an unique, albeit strenuous, perspective of the citadel. It is not officially maintained and needs extreme caution and good fitness. This hike is not recommended for all travelers.
While Aguas Calientes itself is a well-established destination, exploring the entire extent of the Sacred Valley (including sites like Pisac, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo) beyond the common tourist stops can lead to more local insights and less crowded experiences.
Maximize your scenic shots with these pointers.
Get the true feel of Aguas Calientes and its surroundings.
The Town at the base of machu picchu serves as the main gateway to the ancient Inca citadel, Machu Picchu, a site of immense historical and natural significance. Beyond the main ruins, the surrounding cloud forest and a dedicated museum complement the what visitors experience.
The iconic Inca citadel, an UNESCO World Heritage site, offering well-preserved structures and stunning panoramic views. It is the main reason for seeing the region.
Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón provides valuable historical and archaeological context with artifacts found at Machu Picchu.
Termas de Machu Picchu offers natural thermal baths, a popular spot for relaxation following a day of exploration.
These adjacent peaks offer challenging climbs with unique panoramic views of the citadel. Separate permits are necessary.
Book Your Climb HereA peaceful ecological reserve reachable by walking along the train tracks, having a nature walk and subtle Inca agricultural terraces.
Capture misty morning shots, iconic panoramic views from the Guardhouse, or creative shots along the train tracks.
Visit Machu Picchu later in the afternoon (after 2 PM) or during the wet ideal time for a more serene experience with fewer crowds.
The local market (Mercado de Abastos) offers a glimpse into local life away from the tourist hustle.
Machu Picchu, built in the 15th century, sits on a mountain ridge at 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level. It overlooked the Sacred Valley.
The town is surrounded by dramatic cloud forest mountains. The Urubamba River flows directly through Aguas Calientes.
Entry to Machu Picchu is staggered by hourly time slots. Booking tickets well in advance is advisable, especially if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as permits for these are limited.
An official guide is needed for your first entry into Machu Picchu.
Beyond the main iconic sites, Aguas Calientes and its immediate surroundings hide lesser-known spots that offer unique perspectives and local insights for the adventurous traveler.
Putucusi Mountain offers a very steep, challenging hike directly opposite Machu Picchu, for an unique and strenuous perspective of the citadel. It is not officially looked after and needs extreme caution and good fitness.
The Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón (Machu Picchu Museum) is often overlooked by visitors rushing to the main site, but it delivers valuable context and historical objects.
If your Machu Picchu ticket circuit permits, a take a walk to the Sun Gate from the main citadel gives great views and is often less crowded than the central parts of the ruins.
A rewarding extension to your Machu Picchu visit without needing to hike the entire Inca Trail.
If accessible on your circuit, the Inca Bridge provides another distinct view and a look into Inca engineering.
A short detour for those interested in the marvels of Inca infrastructure.
This small local market serves the residents of Aguas Calientes, offering fresh produce and daily necessities.
A worthwhile stop for those interested in a more genuine local experience.
For the adventurous, Putucusi Mountain offers an extreme challenge with incredible views, but safety precautions are paramount.
The Machu Picchu Museum gives rich context, while local markets give a peek into daily life.
The Sun Gate and Inca Bridge offer different perspectives of Machu Picchu away from the main crowds.
