Aguas Calientes: A Guide to Machu Picchu Pueblo

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is a bustling town that serves the thousands of visitors who go to Machu Picchu each week.

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Two train lines run to Aguas Calientes, from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. There are no roads, so you can't drive or take a taxi.

⏱ Video Timeline ⏱
00:00 Intro to Aguas Calientes
00:25 PeruRail from Ollantaytambo
00:45 Drone Video of Aguas Calientes
00:53 The Streets of Aguas Calientes
01:00 Retaurants in Town
01:08 Machu Picchu Pueblo
01:15 Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
01:28 Waterfall
01:38 Buses to Machu Picchu
02:05 Hike Down from Machu Picchu
02:15 Markets in Aguas Calientes

It’s worth spending a night here before your visit to Machu Picchu, and a second night after.
The streets are lined with hotels and rentals, along with shops and restaurants.
Many have outdoor seating, which is perfect for the area’s year-round mild climate.
They serve everything from traditional Peruvian dishes to pizza.

A few years ago, the town’s name changed to Machu Picchu Pueblo, to further connect it to the ancient Inca site up the mountain.
But its original name, Aguas Calientes, was born from the thermal hot springs nearby.
They’re right along the river and walkable just outside town.
The water in the pools is just under 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re looking for a more natural swimming hole, just up the trail you’ll find a big waterfall with very few people around.

Mornings in Aguas Calientes begin before 6:00am, with the first round of buses picking passengers up for the ride up to Machu Picchu.
It may seem chaotic, but they have a pretty good system down, and it’s easy to find your bus.
The ride itself isn’t enjoyed by all. It’ll take you up a narrow road open only to the buses, which winds around tight curves for 25 minutes before arriving at Machu Picchu.

If the weather permits, I always suggest taking the bus up, and then hiking the stone path down to Aguas Calientes.

At night, you’ll find plenty of restaurants to check out and markets to explore as you rest up and figure out your train out of town to continue your adventure elsewhere in Peru.


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