Aguas Calientes: what to do and why to stay at the foot of Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes, officially Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the base for visiting the citadel. It sits on the Urubamba River and can only be reached by train or on foot. Spending a night here changes the whole experience.
- Altitude
- ≈ 2,000 m
- Access
- train or on foot
- Recommended nights
- 1
Why stay in Aguas Calientes
Sleeping in town lets you catch the first morning buses without a pre-dawn departure from Cusco, and gives you a buffer if the train runs late. You can also take the earliest entry slots, when crowds are thinner.
Key tips
- Book a place near the bus stop if your entry slot is early.
- Leave big luggage in Cusco or at your hotel: a backpack is all you need here.
The bus line
Buses leave from the center of town and climb a zigzag road. In high season the line for the first buses forms before dawn.
Buy your bus tickets the day before and join the line with enough time for your entry slot.
Things to do in town
After your visit, relax in the hot springs that give the town its name, visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum near Puente Ruinas, or walk among the gardens and waterfalls nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Are there ATMs in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, but they sometimes run out of cash. Bring some Peruvian soles from Cusco.
How many nights should I stay?
One night is enough for most travelers. Two make sense if you are climbing a mountain and want to visit twice or rest.
Can I drive there?
No. There is no road into town; vehicles only reach Hidroeléctrica, and from there you walk or take the train.
