MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Aguas Calientes

Outdoor Adventures

The mountainous terrain and cloud forest environment provide opportunities for hiking and nature observation.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Machu Picchu Site Circuits

These walks differ in length and difficulty, ranging from easy strolls to moderate climbs within the ruins.

Huayna Picchu

This climb is challenging and sharp, often involving chains or ropes on sections. It needs good bodily fitness and no fear of heights. Permits are limited and sell out quickly.

Putucusi Mountain

This hike is extremely difficult, dangerous, and unmaintained. It is only suitable for experienced and adventurous hikers who are prepared for unsupported climbing. This hike is not recommended for all travelers.

Other Outdoor Pursuits

  • The Lost city of the incas Mountain: This ascent is strenuous but less technical than Huayna Picchu. It entails a longer, continuous climb. Permits are limited.
  • Walk to Mandor Falls: This is an easy, relatively flat walk along the train tracks from The Town at the base of machu picchu. It takes about 1 hour each way and leads to a waterfall and gardens.
  • Aquatic sports and activities: No water sports or activities are available in The Town at the base of the lost city of the incas. The Urubamba River mainly serves for transport and sightseeing trains.
  • Adventure sports and adrenaline experiences: Adventure sports like river rafting are unavailable in The Town at the base of machu picchu itself. You can locate whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River further downstream in the Sacred Valley, accessible as an excursion from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Birdwatching: The cloud forest around The Town at the base of machu picchu has an excellent environment for birdwatching.
  • Look for species like the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, the national bird of Peru.
  • Inkaterra The Lost city of the incas Pueblo Hotel runs a spectacled bear conservation program and keeps a large orchid garden.
  • Visitors can learn about these animals and see them in a protected environment.

Cycling Routes & Mountain Biking

  • Cycling is not a prominent activity in Aguas Calientes.
  • Due to the steep, mountainous ground.
  • Lack of dedicated cycling paths.

Other Wildlife

  • You can also spot various orchids and butterflies in the cloud forest.
  • The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers controlled viewing opportunities.

Important Note: Safety First

The Putucusi Mountain hike is dangerous and unmaintained. Undertake it only if you are a proficient hiker with appropriate gear and awareness of the risks involved.

Cultural Immersion

Opportunities for deep cultural immersion are more limited in Aguas Calientes compared to Cusco or other Sacred Valley towns.

Workshops & Classes

  • Instructional sessions are not commonly offered in The Town at the base of machu picchu.
  • These types of cultural activities are more prevalent in Cusco or other Sacred Valley towns, where it's possible to find textile, pottery, or cooking classes.
  • Language learning opportunities: No formal language schools operate in Aguas Calientes. For Spanish language learning, consider schools in The city of cusco.
  • Cultural festivals and events: Aguas Calientes has minimal local festivals. Major cultural festivals like Inti Raymi (the Inca Feast of the Sun) occur in Cusco.

Cultural Performances & Community Tourism

Live Performances

Some hotels may offer small, informal cultural performances for their guests. The train journey (e.g., PeruRail Vistadome) sometimes includes onboard cultural shows, like traditional dances or fashion shows featuring alpaca products.

Community-Based Tourism Initiatives

Community-based tourism is not a focus in The Town at the base of the lost city of the incas, which functions being a tourist service hub. These initiatives are found in rural communities within the Sacred Valley, offering opportunities to interact without intermediaries to local Quechua communities and learn about their lifestyle.

Focus on Local Interaction

For authentic local interaction and cultural immersion, ventures into the Sacred Valley are recommended over staying solely in Aguas Calientes.

Traditional Dances

Catch heritage performances on some train services, featuring conventional Andean dances and music.

Local Interaction

Personal contact with local Quechua communities mostly exists in rural Sacred Valley communities.

Artisan Displays

Some train services and hotel settings feature fashion shows with alpaca products, a blend of culture and commerce.

Relaxation & Wellness

After exploring Machu Picchu, relaxation is often a priority.

Spa & Wellness Center Recommendations

  • Many mid-range to luxury hotels in Aguas Calientes offer spa services, giving massages and other treatments.
  • Inkaterra The Lost city of the incas Pueblo Hotel: Features a well-regarded spa that focuses on Andean traditions and natural products.
  • Sumaq The Lost city of the incas Hotel: Also offers a range of spa services for guests.
  • These facilities provide a welcome respite after a day of sightseeing.

Hot Springs and Natural Therapy Options

Aguas Calientes Thermal Baths

The town's namesake hot springs feature several pools having a range of temperatures. People believe these waters possess therapeutic properties. The facilities are basic but present a relaxing soak.

Yoga and Meditation Retreats

These are not a focus in The Town at the base of the lost city of the incas. You can find more specialized retreats and wellness centers in the Sacred Valley.

Traditional Healing Practices

Some local vendors may offer traditional remedies. Beach clubs and pools: The Town at the base of machu picchu has lacking beaches. Some upscale-end hotels feature swimming pools, but you will not find dedicated beach or pool clubs.

Post-Adventure Unwind

Soak in the Springs

Ease tired muscles at the The Town at the base of machu picchu Hot Springs after a day of hiking.

Hotel Spa Treatments

Indulge in a relaxing massage or other treatments in your hotel's spa facilities.

Riverside Relaxation

Find a quiet spot by the Urubamba River for thought and tranquility.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Nightlife in Aguas Calientes is generally subdued, with the town winding down relatively early.

Live Music Venues

  • Many restaurants and bars in The Town at the base of machu picchu feature live Andean music in the evenings.
  • These performances often include traditional instruments and songs, adding to the atmosphere.
  • No dedicated theater or performance spaces exist.
  • Nightlife is generally quiet, as most visitors prepare for early morning starts to The Lost city of the incas.

Nightclubs & Bars

Nightclubs and Dancing

You find some little pubs and bars, but no large nightclubs are present.

Bar Districts and Pub Crawls

The main street, Avenida Pachacutec, and the area around the train station have the highest concentration of bars and restaurants. You will not find organized pub crawls.

Late-Night Entertainment Options

Most venues close relatively early, catering to travelers needing early rest for The Lost city of the incas.

Relaxed Evenings

Enjoy a quiet dinner with traditional music rather than a bustling evening entertainment.

Early Bedtime

Many visitors prioritize rest for early morning Machu Picchu adventures, leading to a quieter town after dark.

Riverside Strolls

A calm evening stroll along the Urubamba River provides a peaceful way to end the day.

Overall Nightlife Experience

Town's Atmosphere
  • The town's evening mood caters to early risers.
  • It is perfect for unwinding at the end of a day of exploration.
  • Be ready for a calm environment rather than bustling late-night crowds.
Dining Scene
  • Restaurants are the main evening attractions.
  • Many feature live Andean music for a cultural touch.
  • Bars are generally small and serve as adjuncts to restaurants.

Tip for Evening Plans

Prepare for a relaxing your final meal of the day and an early night, as the town caters to those visiting The Lost city of the incas at dawn.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets & Bazaars

  • The Town at the base of machu picchu Artisan Market: Located next to the train station, this is a large market featuring plenty of stalls.
  • Vendors sell souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. It has a wide selection of items for tourists.
  • Local Food Market (Mercado de Abastos): A basic market mainly serving locals, it offers fresh produce and fundamental necessities. It gives a more authentic glimpse into daily life.
  • Many items are mass-produced. For higher quality and unique, artisan products, Cusco and Pisac markets are generally better sources.

Souvenir & Ethical Shopping

  • Souvenir Recommendations: Popular souvenirs include alpaca wool products (sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves), woven textiles with traditional designs, ceramics, silver adornments, keychains, and small replicas of Inca artifacts.
  • Be aware of quality differences in alpaca products; "baby alpaca" is the softest, while many items are blends or acrylic.
  • Ethical Shopping Guidelines: Support local artisans: Buy directly from small vendors when possible. This means your money directly benefits local producers.
  • Bargaining: Bargaining is common in markets, but do so respectfully and fairly. A few soles difference can mean further things to a local vendor than to a tourist.