Aguas Calientes, officially known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the gateway town for travelers visiting the famous Inca citadel by train. Although many visitors spend only one night here before heading to Machu Picchu, the town offers hot springs, cultural attractions, botanical gardens, waterfalls, and nature trails worth exploring.
If you’re wondering what to do in Aguas Calientes, you can choose from free walks around town, cultural visits, and outdoor activities in the surrounding area. The best options depend on how much time you have, your budget, and your Machu Picchu entry time.
In this guide, you’ll discover 10 things to do in Aguas Calientes in 2027, including estimated visit times, practical tips, and information about entrance fees whenever reliable published details are available.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Aguas Calientes?
Machu Picchu Pueblo is located in the Urubamba province of Peru’s Cusco region. Surrounded by steep mountains, lush vegetation, and the Urubamba River, this small town is an important stop for travelers exploring the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The town center is compact, and many attractions can be reached on foot. However, some sites are located outside the main urban area and require additional walking.
Trains connect Aguas Calientes with other destinations in the Sacred Valley and Cusco through the available railway services. Tourist buses also depart from town and travel uphill to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Before planning your activities, keep these points in mind:
- Transportation: Most of the town center is best explored on foot. Tourist buses use a designated road to reach Machu Picchu.
- Weather: Rain and humidity can affect outdoor activities, especially on forest trails.
- Entrance tickets: Your Machu Picchu ticket is separate from admission fees for other attractions in town.
- Available time: If you’re visiting Machu Picchu early the next morning, avoid strenuous hikes the day before.
1. Relax at the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
The Aguas Calientes hot springs are among the town’s best-known attractions. Located in the upper part of town, approximately 800 meters from the main square, the complex features pools with different water temperatures.
It’s a popular place to unwind after exploring Machu Picchu or spending several hours traveling by train. Facilities include basic visitor amenities such as changing rooms and showers.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours, including the walk to and from the pools.
Entrance fee: Check the current rate at the ticket office. Prices published in travel directories may change and should not automatically be considered valid for 2027.
Tips for your visit:
- Bring a swimsuit, sandals, and a towel.
- Ask about the least crowded visiting times.
- Check the facility’s rules and conditions before entering the pools.
- Avoid hot-water bathing if you have a medical condition that makes it unsuitable.
If your trip also includes Santa Teresa, consider visiting the Cocalmayo hot springs. This is a separate excursion that requires additional transportation planning.
2. Visit Manco Cápac Main Square
Manco Cápac Main Square is one of the main landmarks in Aguas Calientes. It’s a convenient starting point for exploring the town center, finding restaurants, and walking through the surrounding shopping streets.
You can take photographs, rest for a while, and get your bearings before continuing to other attractions. It’s also a useful place to identify the route to your hotel, the train station, and local tour services.
Recommended time: 20–40 minutes.
Cost: Free.
This is an ideal activity if you arrive in town in the afternoon and only have a few hours before dinner. No guided excursion or additional tourist ticket is required.
3. Explore the Artisan Market
Located next to the railway station, the Aguas Calientes artisan market has stalls selling souvenirs, textiles, decorative items, and other products aimed at visitors.
It’s a convenient place to browse local crafts and buy a keepsake before returning to Cusco. Prices vary, so it’s worth comparing similar products before making a purchase.
Recommended time: 30–60 minutes.
Shopping tips:
- Carry some Peruvian soles in cash.
- Compare prices before buying.
- Ask about the materials and origin of an item if you’re looking for traditional handicrafts.
- Keep your receipts when applicable.
You don’t need to set aside half a day for the market, making it easy to combine with a walk around the main square and town center.
4. Visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum
If you’re interested in the history and archaeological heritage of Machu Picchu, consider visiting the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum.
The museum is located in the Puente Ruinas area, near the road leading to the citadel. Its exhibitions help visitors understand the historical and archaeological context of Machu Picchu, while the botanical garden offers an opportunity to learn about the region’s plant diversity.
According to the official museum listing consulted for this guide, the published opening hours are Monday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The listed general admission fee is S/ 22 for adults and S/ 11 for higher-education students. Certain groups may qualify for free admission under the applicable regulations. Confirm the current prices and eligibility requirements before your visit.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the exhibitions and garden.
Visitor tips:
- Check the opening hours for your planned visit.
- Bring identification if you intend to claim a student or other discounted admission rate.
- Ask about photography rules inside the exhibition rooms.
- Allow enough time for the walk from town and the return journey.
It’s an excellent option for travelers who want to complement their visit to Machu Picchu with more information about its archaeological heritage.
5. Discover the Machu Picchu Butterfly House
The Machu Picchu Butterfly House, known locally as the Mariposario de Machu Picchu, is a small center dedicated to butterfly breeding, research, and environmental education.
Visitors can learn about butterflies and observe different stages of their life cycle. According to the MINCETUR tourism inventory, the attraction is approximately 1.2 kilometers from Manco Cápac Main Square, around a 20-minute walk depending on your pace and trail conditions.
Recommended time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Entrance fee: The published tourism listing provides different rates for adults and children, with separate prices for domestic and international visitors. Confirm the current fees and admission conditions before arriving.
This is an interesting activity for families, nature enthusiasts, and travelers looking for something beyond archaeological attractions.
You can combine it with the site museum, but check both opening schedules and allow sufficient time for walking between locations.
6. Hike to Mandor Gardens and Waterfall
Mandor Gardens offer a nature excursion outside Aguas Calientes. The walk takes visitors through a lush environment where they may encounter native vegetation, birds, and a waterfall within the area.
According to the MINCETUR tourism inventory, access to Mandor was restored and reopened in July 2025 following damage caused by rainfall and a landslide in 2024. However, that historical information does not guarantee that the route will remain open without changes in 2027.
Recommended time: Set aside at least half a day to account for the journey, time at the site, and the return walk. The actual duration depends on access conditions, trail status, and your walking pace.
Entrance fee: Check the current rate with the site’s operators. Some published references have listed a general admission fee of S/ 20, but this should not be treated as a confirmed 2027 price.
Important tips:
- Confirm that the gardens and waterfall are open before setting out.
- Ask about trail conditions, especially after rainfall.
- Bring water, insect repellent, and shoes with good grip.
- Stay away from restricted areas and unstable ground.
- Follow local instructions when walking near railway infrastructure.
Mandor is a good choice if you have extra time in Aguas Calientes and would rather explore nature than spend the afternoon shopping.
7. Explore the Alcamayo Waterfalls
The Alcamayo waterfalls are another option for travelers looking for a nature walk without organizing a long excursion outside the district.
The access route and walking time depend on the starting point, trail conditions, and local circumstances. Although some travel references describe relatively short walks, exact times should not be guaranteed without checking the current route.
Recommended time: Allow 1–2 hours, depending on access conditions.
Entrance fee and opening hours: Confirm the latest information with the site’s operator or a local tourist information office before leaving.
Things to keep in mind:
- Trails can become wet and slippery.
- Avoid approaching waterfalls when rocks are wet.
- Do not attempt the walk at night.
- After heavy rainfall, ask whether visiting is advisable.
If you’re traveling with young children or anyone with limited mobility, check the actual trail difficulty before planning the visit.
8. Discover the Crónicas de Piedra Stone Sculptures
Crónicas de Piedra, or Chronicles in Stone, is an outdoor art collection that visitors can discover while walking around Aguas Calientes.
According to the MINCETUR tourism inventory, the collection consists of 32 granite sculptures created by local and national artists. The works depict elements of Andean cosmology, mythical figures, animals, and other cultural themes.
The sculptures are distributed throughout public spaces in town, including areas around the Wiñaywayna park and routes toward the hot springs.
Recommended time: 20–40 minutes, depending on your route.
Cost: Free, according to the tourism listing consulted.
This is an excellent activity for travelers who want to experience the cultural side of Aguas Calientes without paying an admission fee or traveling far from the center.
You can easily combine the sculptures with a visit to Manco Cápac Main Square and the artisan market.
9. Admire Putucusi Mountain
Putucusi is a mountain located across the river from the Machu Picchu area. It forms part of the dramatic mountain landscape surrounding the citadel and is known for its steep terrain and dense vegetation.
It’s important to distinguish between viewing the mountain and attempting to climb it. Although historical descriptions mention a steep route with wooden ladders and exposed sections, visitors should not assume that the trail is currently open or authorized for tourism in 2027.
For this reason, do not plan a Putucusi ascent without first confirming the official trail status and current safety conditions.
If you’re interested in the mountain, you can admire it from accessible viewpoints around town and ask local tourism authorities whether any climbing route has been officially reopened.
Never attempt to climb through improvised access points or use deteriorated ladders, unstable terrain, or restricted areas. Rain, humidity, and steep slopes can significantly increase the risks.
10. Enjoy Local Food and a Relaxing Dinner
Food is one of the easiest ways to round out your stay in Aguas Calientes. The town has restaurants serving Peruvian dishes, trout preparations, soups, pasta, and international cuisine.
You don’t need to dedicate an entire afternoon to this activity. Instead, enjoy lunch or dinner after exploring the town and use the time to relax.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours.
Tips for choosing a restaurant:
- Check the menu and prices before ordering.
- Ask about portion sizes and ingredients.
- If you’re visiting Machu Picchu early the next morning, have dinner early enough to get sufficient rest.
- If you’re leaving town by train that afternoon, allow enough time to reach the station.
Choose a restaurant that fits your budget and schedule, and leave yourself enough time to rest before continuing your journey.
What to Do in Aguas Calientes Based on Your Available Time
You don’t need to visit every attraction to make the most of your stay. Choose activities based on your itinerary and Machu Picchu entry time.
| Available time | Recommended activities |
|---|---|
| 2–3 hours | Manco Cápac Main Square, artisan market, and Crónicas de Piedra |
| Half a day | Site museum and botanical garden, or butterfly house and a walk around town |
| One extra day | Mandor, if access is open, or a combination of nature and hot springs |
| Two nights | Spread the attractions across several visits without rushing your walks |
If your Machu Picchu entry is early the following morning, prioritize shorter activities. Nature trails can take longer than expected, particularly in wet conditions.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Aguas Calientes?
The ideal length of your stay depends on your itinerary and how much you want to explore beyond the citadel.
One night: Usually enough to arrive by train, explore the town center, have dinner, and visit Machu Picchu the following day.
Two nights: Gives you more flexibility to visit the citadel without rushing and set aside time for the museum, butterfly house, hot springs, or a nature excursion.
A day trip without an overnight stay: Can work if your itinerary allows you to arrive, visit Machu Picchu, and return on the same day. However, you’ll have limited time to explore the town itself.
If you want to enjoy the attractions at a relaxed pace, consider spen
