Aguas Calientes

The majority of travelers to Peru come to see the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and almost all of them will spend at least a little time in the town of Aguas Calientes. The train taking passengers from Cusco to Machu Picchu stops at Aguas Calientes, where day-trippers then board a bus to the ruins. Visitors on overnight itineraries, including those hiking the Inca Trail, often spend the night in the village before rising early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu.

• It’s a good idea to book your stay and Machu Picchu entrance tickets well in advance, particularly during high season.

• Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

• Dress in layers, as conditions can change quickly between town and the ruins.

The easiest way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train, several of which depart Cusco daily for the journey of one hour and 45 minutes. A bus runs from town up to Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes enjoys the best weather from June to August, the busiest season for vacationers. While things are quieter from October to April, this is the rainy season, so expect regular downpours.

Aside from the thermal baths, Aguas Calientes highlights include a hike to the summit of Putucusi Mountain, which offers stellar views of Machu Picchu on a clear day. You can also visit the Butterfly House, Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón) and nearby botanical gardens, or the Gardens of Mandor (Los Jardines de Mandor) with its waterfalls.

Most travelers stay one night in Aguas Calientes if they're getting up early to hike or take the bus to Machu Picchu. However, if you want to relax after a long day of exploring the archeological site, it's nice to spend a second night in the small, yet well-equipped town.

The compact size of Aguas Calientes makes it easy to explore on foot. The Aguas Calientes train station—from which trains to Ollantaytambo and Cusco depart—is right in the center of town and a short walk from most restaurants and hotels. It takes between 1.5–2 hours to walk to Machu Picchu.

The walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is considered difficult as the 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) trek is nearly all uphill via steep stone steps. It generally takes around two hours for travelers of a moderate fitness level to complete, but you can also take the bus to the site instead.

Yes, Aguas Calientes is considered very safe. It's a small town with a large tourist community, so it’s nearly always busy and hailed as one of the safest places in Peru. Like most areas though, keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid going out alone at night.

Aguas Calientes, Peru, is known for being the gateway to Machu Picchu—one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It's also known for its warm waters (the translation of its name) from the hot springs you can soak in after a strenuous trek to the UNESCO-listed archeological site.

The best time to visit Aguas Calientes is between April and October when the weather is dry and sunny—the ideal conditions for exploring Machu Picchu. November through March is the wet season, and while you can still visit Machu Picchu year-round, there's a much higher chance of downpours.