The town of Aguas Calientes

 Machu Picchu pueblo

Aguas Calientes is a very small town on the Urubamba River in Peru. Aguas Calientes is located in the district of Machu Picchu, province of Urubamba, department of Cusco. It is located at the western spring of the Vilcanota Mountains, bounded by the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers. It’s Altitude is: 7,920 feet above sea level, and it’s average temperature is 55ºF/13ºC. It’s rainy season is from November to March.

Just about the only reason that tourists travel to Aguas Calientes is that it is a place where the tourist catches a bus to be transported to the ruins of Machu Picchu, which is 8km distant. As such, quite an industry has developed there which brings income to the local people in the area.

Aguas Calientes is also known for its natural hot baths, which give the town its name (“hot waters” in Spanish).

Another interesting bit of trivia is that the main street is actually a railway line rather than a road.

Trains, as well as helicopters always leave their passengers at this small village before they are taken by busses to Machu Picchu.

The village is located about 2 km from the Puerto Ruinas station and it is the place chosen by most travelers to spend the night. This small town has a few hotels, hostels and restaurants as well as discos with different prices.

About 800 m east of Aguas Calientes, are its famous thermal waters, which give their name to this town. They are sulfur waters at different temperatures, springing up from the rocky soil.

Pools have been constructed to serve as thermal baths. The average temperature of these waters is between 38º to 46º Celsius. Also, there are cloakrooms, restrooms and a small snack bar. The pools are open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Presently, the Pueblo Hotel at Aguas Calientes is the most luxurious.

Currently the government of Aguas Calientes prefers to call the town Machu Picchu.

PLACES TO VISIT IN AGUAS CALIENTES MACHUPICCHU
Mandor Gardens:

Mandor gardens a nice opportunity to experience the flora and fauna in Machu Picchu , are within an hour of Aguas Calientes, following the railroad in the direction of Santa Teresa, accompanied by the Vilcanota,find our way as coffee plantations, fruit, papaya, bananas, (avocado) and herbal medicines, find our way as coffee plantations, fruit, papaya, bananas, (avocado) and herbal medicines, soon to go slowly in sub-tropical nature of the jungle. Lost in the changing vegetation and wildlife, hanging ferns begin to appear, variety of orchids, bromeliads holding onto trees and rocks, from stretch to stretch adorned with magnificent waterfalls, is home of the Cock of the Rock, the national bird who expect to find, hummingbirds, etc. The walk through the rain forest is beautiful.

You can visit all the time (tricks and evening) the cost is for foreign S/10.00
and for nationals S/5.00 .

Peru Tour Operator: Classical Inca Trail, Short Inca Trail, Salkantay trek, Machu Picchu tours Cuzco.Back to top

The hill Putucusi – Mirador:

Located 15 minutes away, nestled in the middle of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu peak is Cerro Putucusi surrounded by lush vegetation, ascends 45min . on the road we find various forms of road, including: wooden stairs on slopes of 80 and 85 degrees embedded in the rocks, small bridges in the middle of the vegetation, but most striking is the staircase almost 5 floors height. When you reach the top you obsevar the people and part of the citadel of Machu Picchu, stay rewarded with beautiful views and tranquility of nature.

Peru Tour Operator: Classical Inca Trail, Short Inca Trail, Salkantay trek, Machu Picchu tours Cuzco.Back to top

Baths of Machu Picchu:

10 minutes from the hotel, sulphurous waters are out of the ground
around 40 degrees.

hours 5:00 am to 8.00 pm

Rates

Foreign …………………….S/10.00
National …………………….S/3.00

 Peru Tour Operator: Classical Inca Trail, Short Inca Trail, Salkantay trek, Machu Picchu tours Cuzco.Back to top