What to do in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
The town known officially as Machu Picchu Pueblo and colloquially as Aguas Calientes sprung up as a base for visitors to Machu Picchu Archeological Complex. It’s a vibrant and colorful one-street town firmly esconced on the ‘Gringo Trail’ and set in an overwhelmingly beautiful natural environment. Despite its desirable location, its a tiny town, prompting many to wonder just what there is to do there…
Well, if you have extra time before or after your visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu, there are several things you can do in order to take advantage of that. After all, this is part of the protected area known as Machu Picchu Sanctuary, whose high-altitude rainforest boasts hundreds of exotic bird, butterfly, and orchid species.
Here are our suggestions:
You’ll find the small, often-overlooked, but excellent Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum at the base of the footpath that to leads to Machu Picchu, about a 25 minute walk from Aguas Calientes. If you have time, it’s a recommendable stop in order to learn about the construction and purpose of Machu Picchu as well the history of the area’s archaeological excations and what they found. You’ll be able to examine maps and video presentations as well as some artifacts (just the ones which remained after Hiram Bingham took the bulk to Yale University), so this is a great way to gain some context for what you’ll be seeing at the ruins. The museum also boasts its own Botanical Garden, a great stop for Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary protects not just the Inca ruins, but also a high Andean rainforest whose plantlife includes more than 90 classes and 200 species of orchids as well as native trees such as the pisonay, aliso, puya, and q’eofia trees.
The protected area known as Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary also boasts more than a hundred distinct butterflies. At the Butterfly House, just a 15 minute walk along the footpath from town that leads to Machu Picchu, you can examine some of these striking species up close during a 15 to 20 minute guided visit that costs S/.10.00 (soles). Currently the tour is only available in Spanish.
A longer, 2 hour, walk along the same path will take you to privately-owned Mandor Gardens & Waterfalls where for a fee of S/.10.00 (soles) you can explore its rainforest paths, in search of rare orchids and exotic birds. There’s also a small waterfall and a few small ruins but the paths do not lead to the ruins. If you’re not up for the walk, you might be able to catch a cab to Mandor. Or, along the same path but much closer, near the Ruinas Bridge, you can visit the Ecological Center and explore their own rainforest paths.
One popular spot, and the reason why the town became known as Aguas Calientes, is the hotsprings. Especially for tired trekkers who have been walking for days to arrive at the town, these sulfurous thermal baths are a soothing stop just 15 minutes from town. The pools vary between approx. 38 and 46 degrees Celsius. You should remember that swimsuits, sandals, and towels are mandatory, but if you forgot yours there are items available for rent.
After occasional periods of being out of commission due to rainy season damage, the trail to climb Putucusi (Happy Mountain) is open again. If the series of vertical ladders (and the steel rope which was installed to replace a missing ladder) doesn’t deter you, you can win a view overlooking Machu Picchu Citadel before you even get there.
Pirwa Machu Picchu is located nearby the Aguas Calientes train station, which is why we like to send someone from the hostel to come help guests with their bags and to the hostel. If you’re looking you’ll have access to comfy beds and 24 hour hot water, as well as internet and wifi and a locale to store your luggage should you need a place to leave things while exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu or the town of Aguas Calientes. The continental breakfast is not only included, but it can be served in the early hours for those of you looking to get a head start on your Machu Picchu adventure. We hope that you’ll stop by during your trip to Machu Picchu!