Aguas Calientes
“Machu Picchu Town”
If you are going to Machu Picchu, there is a good chance you will spend a little bit of time in Aguas Calientes (frequently referred to as “Machu Picchu Town”).
I took the train in to Aguas Calientes the day before my Machu Picchu visit and had no expectations of this little mountain town.
Since my purposes of being in Aguas Calientes was just to go to Machu Picchu, I didn’t plan much for when I was there. I had also heard there wasn’t much to do in the town, so I figured there wasn’t much planning to do anyway.
I was pleasantly surprised that I found plenty to do in my 24 hours in this cute little Peruvian place at the base of one of the Wonders of the World.
Cost Breakdown
Train
I took the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes the day before my scheduled Machu Picchu visit and the latest train back to Cusco the following day after visiting the site.
My Roundtrip tickets on Inca Rail were $92 (plus what I paid for the taxis when I missed the bus to the train… oops)
Details about my day to Machu Picchu here
Accommodations
I stayed my one night at Hotel Terraza De Luna. I paid with credit points equivalent to $76.50.
This 3-star hotel was more than adequate for my one night stay. The staff was very kind and accommodating, offering luggage storage while I headed up to Machu Picchu and wondered around the city until my evening train. There is also a bathroom available on the ground floor for a quick change and refresh before heading to the train.
Transportation
Aguas Calientes is a walking city, and cars are not permitted in the city center. The train arrives at the Mercado Aguas Calientes and everything within the city center is walkable from there. Just be aware, much in the city is uphill.
My only transportation cost while in Aguas Calientes was the bus to Machu Picchu which is $12usd each way.
Food and Drink
Even being a very (VERY) touristy town, I didn’t find Aguas Calientes to be as pricy as I anticipated. I did make an error, out of fatigue and hunger, and found myself at a touristy restaurant for lunch where I had a pretty crummy little pizza and beer for $16. After that, I did a bit more in depth planning and found much better options in both food and prices.
Souvenirs
I found that Aguas Calientes had the vastest variety and best pried souvenirs of the areas I visited in Peru. I picked up some kids’ T-shirts, a few magnets and stickers, and patches for about $20usd
Tattoo
I was committed to getting a tattoo in Peru, and Aguas Calientes proved the perfect place to do so for about $40, including a hearty tip.
No fee ATM
If you are looking to do some souvenir shopping, eat at some of the smaller local spots or pick up some street food, or get a tattoo, you will need soles.
Being a tourist town, some of the ATMs have pretty hefty fees, but there is a no fee ATM in town (that also offers a fair exchange rate).
BCP ATM is located along the train tracks at 🗺️RFVF+RQW, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru and is the only place I would recommend doing an ATM withdrawal in Aguas Calientes.
Things to See & Do in Aguas Calientes
While there aren’t an abundance of things to do in Aguas Calientes, I had no trouble filling my time before and after my visit to Machu Picchu. I found this little city so intriguing and a great place to just wander about.
Wander the Streets & Alleyways
This was really the highlight of time in Aguas Calientes. There are so many little nooks and crannies stroll through and bridges to walk over to take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of this ancient little town. There are so many cute little shops, cafes and bars to pop in to.
Even on a rainy afternoon, I found myself just wandering around and finding little pockets of the city to explore (and eat in) and taking endless photos.
It is easy to cover the whole town on foot in a day (or day in a half if you stop and eat and take a thousand photos). There are multiple stone sculptures and Machu Picchu signs throughout the city to be found.
Plaza Manco Capac
Plaza Manco Capac, also called Plaza Pueblo Machu Picchu, is the main square of Aguas Calientes. The square is surrounded by restaurants (including the overpriced, bad pizza one) and many tourist-centered restaurants, bars, and shops.
The square also features a large statue of Pachacuti (Pachacutec), the builder of Machu Picchu which is a popular photo-op.
During my visit, there were also food stands, performers and people in traditional garb to take photos with.
Parroquia Virgen del Carmen Church
🗺️RFWF+8Q8, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru
🕰️Daily 8a-9p
Located in Plaza Manco Capac, Parroquia Virgen del Carmen Church is definitely worth popping in to take in the ornate, and unique, decor and architecture.
Mercado Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is a souvenir mecca. There are shops and stalls throughout the city, but Mercado Aguas Calientes has the biggest selection all in one place. It is the perfect maze of trinkets, blankets, T-shirts, sweaters, llama themed-everything, and any other souvenir your heart could desire.
Even if you aren’t looking to do any shopping, the mercado is worth a wander through to take in all the vibrancy.
The Stone Sculptures
To beautify the town of Aguas Calientes, the authorities ordered the construction of 37 stone sculptures that make up the so-called Stone Chronicles circuit. The sculptures were made by artists from Cusco. They all have an Andean theme that attracts the attention of visitors. The tour of the sculptures is free for all.
The stone sculptures can be found throughout the town and all depict unique scenes and characters. I certainly didn’t see all 37 but did come across several and found them all interesting. The description of each is provided on a plaque and is written in both English and Spanish.
Hot Springs
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs, also known as the Machu Picchu Hot Springs, provides a soothing and revitalizing experience for visitors. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, these natural hot springs offer a unique opportunity to relax and unwind amidst stunning natural surroundings.
I actually opted not to do the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, as I heard a lot of mixed reviews about them and didn’t want to have to carry a wet bathing suit. Some people rave about them, and others rant about them; both for a myriad of reasons. It is definitely worth looking at some reviews and/or going and deciding for yourself if they are worth it.
Bathing suits and towels are available for rent at nearby shops.
Baños Termales (Machu Picchu)
*Not my photos
🗺️Avenida Hermanos Ayar, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru
🕰️Daily 5a-8p
💵20 soles (approx $5 USD) cash only
Get a Tattoo
KRANEO studio
🗺️Ave Pachacutec 206, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru
🕰️Mon-Sat 9am-10p
💵$$ (cash only)
I planned to get a tattoo while in Peru and had looked up a couple of studios in Lima, but when I stumbled upon KRANEO in Aguas Calientes, it felt more symbolic to get a tattoo at the base of Machu Picchu. I walked in and set up a time for later that evening with Mati who was very kind and accommodating.
The little shop is set up on the ground floor of a hostel so there were fun people to chat with while getting my little commemorative llama and it just had an overall fun vibe.
While I probably wouldn’t get extensive or intricate work down here, it was the perfect place to get a simple souvenir piece to add to my collection (and at a very fair price).
Where to Eat
I arrived in Aguas Calientes mid afternoon and fumbled looking for a good lunch spot, so my first meal there was a letdown, but my next few meals more than made up for it.
Aguas Calientes is packed with bars and restaurants, so there is something for everyone, from little cafes to touristic club-like restaurants with flashing lights and blaring music, local places featuring authentic Peruvian food to American and British themed restaurants and pubs… and pizza, so much pizza.
This is also where I saw the biggest offering of guinea pig, for those looking to try the famed local dish.
I chose to abstain from the guinea pig, but did find some great eats in Aguas Cali
Restaurant Bistro Bar Indio Feliz
🗺️Pje. Lloque Yupanqui 103, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru
🕰️Daily 12p-10p
💵$$-$$$
Tucked away on a little side street, Indio Feliz was one of the best meals I had in the 5 weeks I was in Peru. While the food was delicious (and in excess!) and affordable, it was the quirky space and amazing service that really made this restaurant an overall great experience. The restaurant was nearly empty when I went so I had a whole section practically to myself and was treated like a guest of honor.
I cannot recommend this place enough, whether you are a solo dinner, with a large group or with a friend or partner.
Tao Dulce Salado
🗺️Imperio de los Incas 520, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru
🕰️Daily 6a-10p
💵$-$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
Tao Dulce Salado was the perfect start to my Machu Picchu day. This little restaurant is cute and cozy, the staff was kind and friendly, and the food was fresh and delicious. I found the prices very reasonable, especially for the quality and quantity. The lunch menu also looked fantastic.
Full House Peruvian Cuisine & Craft Beer
🗺️Imperio de los Incas 620, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru
🕰️Mon-Fri 11a-10p, Sat-Sun 11-9:30p
💵$$
I was a bit hesitant to go to Full House, because it looked extremely touristy, but then I remembered the whole city is touristy and I am glad I didn’t let that deter me.
Yes, it was touristy and there were several tables of large tour groups, but it also had a local feel and warm and friendly vibe. There are several unique craft beer options and the views are worth a visit alone. I wasn’t especially hungry when I went, but a bowl of hot soup was the perfect thing on a very rainy afternoon. If the soup was any indicator, I’d say the rest of the menu at Full House is worth going in for.
This place appears to get quite busy for dinner, so I’d recommend reservations during busy seasons.
Whie Aguas Calientes, for most, is just a brief and necessary stop on the way to Machu Picchu, be sure to take time to sink into the city a bit and enjoy all it has to offer.
There is so much magic to be found in the little pockets of this historic city that is filled with so many colors, tastes, smells and sights.
Find more Peru information and guides here
Machu Picchu: Unguided What to Do In Lima Peru Ultimate Guide to Cusco, Peru
