Essential Aguas Calientes Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Pueblo, is a small Peruvian town that welcomes travelers visiting Machu Picchu. Set deep in the cloud-covered Andes, it combines dramatic mountain scenery, tropical vegetation, and a lively atmosphere shaped by visitors from around the world.

Although many travelers stay for only a short time, Aguas Calientes is more than a transit point. Its compact center is easy to explore on foot, with restaurants, cafés, craft stalls, and paths leading into the surrounding landscape. The town’s natural hot springs offer a relaxing contrast to its steep streets and active sightseeing, while nearby trails reveal the lush character of the Urubamba Valley.

Things to Do in Aguas Calientes

Visit Machu Picchu

The main attraction is the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes provides a practical base for visiting the ruins, particularly for travelers hoping to arrive early, when the mountain light is softer and visitor numbers may be lower.

Relax in the Natural Hot Springs

Aguas Calientes is known for its natural hot springs, which provide an opportunity to unwind after exploring the town or visiting Machu Picchu. They are one of the destination’s most appealing ways to slow down and enjoy its mountain setting.

Explore the Town and Surrounding Landscape

The town center can be explored on foot, with restaurants, cafés, and craft stalls creating a lively local atmosphere. Paths and nearby trails lead into the surrounding landscape, where tropical vegetation and the lush scenery of the Urubamba Valley highlight the area’s natural character.

Weather and Altitude in Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes sits at around 2,040 meters above sea level—lower than Cusco, although some travelers may still notice the altitude. The climate is generally warm and humid during the day and cooler after dark. Rain can arrive quickly, so carrying a light waterproof jacket is useful.

Comfortable footwear is essential because the settlement is built on uneven, sloping ground.

Why Visit Aguas Calientes?

For travelers researching what to do in Aguas Calientes, the town’s appeal lies in its combination of relaxation, local energy, and access to one of South America’s most remarkable archaeological sites. It is a small destination, but its lush mountain setting gives it a memorable identity of its own.