What to Do in Aguas Calientes, Peru- Machu Picchu’s Nearby Town

When planning my trip to Peru, I was advised by multiple people to do Machu Picchu as only a day trip.   After looking into it further, I was baffled at why everyone was suggesting this.  It seemed like it would be such a long day, 75% which would be spent a train or tour bus. Why rush through one of the world’s greatest wonders, just to make it back to another long train ride on time?

So after talking with my sister, we decided to spend a night in nearby Aguas Calientes.  I am so glad we were able to experience this majestic little town nestled into the Andes!

At first glance, Aguas Calientes may look sleepy.  The only reason it gets any recognition at all is because it’s the main hub all tourists must pass through on their way to Machu Picchu.  That’s roughly 2,500 tourists every single day!  And most of them choose to visit Machu Picchu just for the day and go back to Cusco the same night. 

However, eliminating Aguas Calientes from your Peru itinerary is a huge mistake.  It’s charming curved streets and unreal mountain views make it so much more than an everyday tourist trap.  Don’t get me wrong- it definitely has those aspects too, but the charm and excitement radiating through this small town is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

Here’s what to do in Aguas Calientes and seven reasons I recommend you stay at least one night:

1. TAKE IN THE VIEWS SURROUNDING AGUAS CALIENTES

At 6,693 feet above sea level, Aguas Calientes is located in a valley surrounded by the spectacular Andes Mountains. Therefore, you can imagine the incredible views at every turn.  The rapid Urubamba River runs through and it’s roaring sound can be heard from most parts of town.  (I dozed off to the sound of the Urubamba, and slept very well!)  The place is filled with hilly streets and gorgeous walking bridges, and some of its architecture is built into the cliffs, almost as one with the surrounding landscape. 

2. VISIT AGUAS CALIENTES’ HOT SPRINGS

Literally meaning “hot waters,” Aguas Calientes got its name for the  many natural hot springs found here.  And what’s more ideal after a long day of hiking around Machu Picchu than a long soak?

Open to the public from 5am to 8pm, the springs cost roughly $3 USD.  By walking up the main hillside in town for about 15 minutes, you’ll reach the thermal baths, where you can pay, change quickly in the changing rooms, and make your way to one of the four baths. 

Make sure to bring:

• Bathing Suit
• Towel
• Flip Flops
• Change of clothes

Note:  If you forget any of these things, there are many shops that sell most of these items.   There are also storage lockers to keep your things safe while you enjoy the hot springs.

The water tends to be a murky yellow, which is a natural characteristic of the hot springs.   It can look a little off-putting, but even the smell of sulfur is worth the spectacular 360-degree mountain views.  After a long hike at Machu Picchu, the thermal baths are a great way to rejuvenate your body and to feel renewed.

3. FIND HIDDEN GEMS WITH FANTASTIC CUISINE

Many restaurants in Aguas Calientes  serve a variety of dishes that will appeal to all tourists.  For this reason, many of them have similar options on the menu, making it less than an authentic Peruvian dining experience.

Moreover, chefs and waiters will try to “sell” you on their restaurants by walking next to you on the street and pointing out their favorite dishes on the menu.  I can’t tell you how many times we had to say “no gracias” and keep walking.  Some would even run up to us and try to get us to go to their restaurant by extending happy hour for us.  (Which I have to say almost worked.)

However, we ended up finding a quite unique restaurant, The Tree House, a gem in the hidden back streets of Aguas Calientes.  It may have been one of our favorite places to eat the whole trip! 

Note:  It’s extremely hard to find, even with directions, but search for the Rupa Wasi Hostel- it’s right next to it.

The Tree House has what they call a “Peruvian fusion” menu, combing traditional flavors of Peru and popular international dishes.

It also offers Cuy, known as guinea pig, which is considered a delicacy in Peru. 

We ended up getting traditional Pisco sours (cocktails), fried wontons and an alpaca burger.   The  burger was cooked to a perfect pink and topped with a fried egg.  It was hearty yet mouthwatering after a long hike.   Overall, everything was phenomenal and the service was top-notch. 

4. MEET PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

I enjoyed seeing how many different cultures were packed into one little town.  People from every continent flock here, and you will hear many languages being spoken.  We ended up having lunch with an older American couple who had lived all over the world.  They were impressed to see people like my sister and I prioritizing traveling at a young age. 

Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, Plaza Manac Capac is the perfect spot to rest your legs.  It was really fun to just hang around the main square and people-watch.  

5. SPEND HOWEVER MUCH TIME YOU WANT AT MACHU PICCHU

Imagine waking up at 3am, boarding a train for almost two hours, taking a 15 minute bus ride and then exploring Machu Picchu.  So many people do this, and then take another two hour train ride back to where they started their day.  When they get back into Cusco around midnight, their entire day has been jam-packed.

My favorite part about staying in Aguas Calientes is that you can spend as much time as you want at this ancient wonder that’s been on your bucket list for so long.  Once you are done, you can finally relax for a bit, grab something to eat, and take in your surroundings.  No rush, no exhaustion. So much better than boarding a train!

6.  SEE MACHU PICCHU A SECOND TIME

Staying in Aguas Calientes will allow you the opportunity to enjoy Machu Picchu a second time if you want to.  Because we stayed there one night, we were able to do this.  It was perfect because we never felt rushed- The first day we had a guided tour, so we learned everything about it we may have never known, and the second day, we explored on our own and did the Hyauna Picchu hike early in the morning.

This is especially ideal during the rainy season, since sometimes the weather can be foggy, which can often obscure the iconic view.  Imagine going all that way to not really see Machu Picchu!  That would be the worst!  At least going back a second time gives you another chance to let the fog clear.

Tip:  If you stay in Aguas Calientes, you can also be one of the first to enter Machu Picchu in the morning.  It typically opens around 6 am, and you need to be at the bus stop at 5 am at the latest to get on one of the first buses.  I think it’s absolutely worth getting up early to be one of the only people in Machu Picchu!

7. EXPERIENCE THE VIBE OF AGUAS CALIENTES

Everyone comes here to experience the magic of Machu Picchu.  Most have been waiting their whole lives to see it.

In the morning you can feel the excitement wafting through the air like humidity before a storm.  The day they can check it off their bucket list has finally arrived!

You know the feeing you get after you accomplish something you’ve always wanted to do? After people return from exploring Machu Picchu, the vibe walking around Aguas Calientes feels exactly like this.  I remember it being unlike anything I have ever felt.  Although everyone was sore, wet, and hungry, the positivity that radiated through this town made me so happy.

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Aguas Calientes is often seen strictly as a tourist trap.  Although it does have some of that feeling, I found it extremely quaint and charming.  I’m really glad I didn’t listen to the advice of others.  I thoroughly enjoyed exploring its cobblestone streets and brightly colored shops.  It has a whole different vibe than the rest of Peru, and for these reasons alone, I highly recommend spending some time there.

This is a once in-a-lifetime kind of trip.  So take your time and enjoy every second of one of the most memorable moments of your life!

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