Going to Machu Picchu is a dream of most travelers that journey to Peru. The Inca site is located on top of a hill, high in the Andes mountain range waiting for people with a spirit of adventure. But to get to Machu Picchu you will need to pass through the charming little town of Aguas Calientes below the Inca Citadel. So why not spend some time and enjoy before your journey to Machu Picchu.
The History of Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes was created before the discovery of Machu Picchu when a railway was built to connect Santa Teresa and Cusco. Santa Teresa is situated 208 kilometers northwest of Cusco, deep in the jungle. Later, the workers built a base camp to rest. The Rail Company then ordered the installation of a small train station, becoming the first building in the future of Aguas Calientes town. They didn’t know that years later, Machu Picchu would be discovered near that point.
In 1911, Hiram Bingham unveiled Machu Picchu to the world, which brought archaeologists and researchers to the area. Over time, the train station attracted trade and tourism. However, during the 1970s and 1980s, the town’s population density decreased dramatically due to terrorism in the area. It was not until the 1990s that Aguas Calientes began to experience further growth. It was due to the tourist growth of Machu Picchu.
How to get to Aguas Calientes?
The most popular way to get to Aguas Calientes is to take the train from Cusco and the Sacred Valley. There are trains all hours of the day and for all budgets. The popular tourist train is the best for those on a budget, the more luxurious Vistadome Train for those with more to spend, or for the train lovers the Hiram Bingham train is the best of the best catered for those who want to travel in style.
Becoming more popular way to reach Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes is by trekking. There are a variety of treks on offer, ranging from 1 day to 7 days, trekking through the Andes on ancient Inca pathways, discovering ancient Inca Ruins and see wonderful Andean Landscapes. Trekking is those who love adventure and a challenge.
What is there to do in Aguas Calientes?
Market, At the entrance to the train station there is a Market to explore. See all the wonderful Peruvian craft and souvenirs on offer. Here you can buy gift for the people at home.
Hot Springs, This is the principal attraction of the zone, and it is the origin of the town’s name. These yellow hot water with sulfur are good for relieving the pain of rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and poor circulation. These have a temperature of around 38 – 46 degrees Celsius. These pools are located northeast of the town, 700 meters from the main square.
The Butterfly Farm, this is a conservation, and breeding center. It is located just before getting to the municipality camp zone and the Vilcanota River bridge. 20 minutes of walking and following down the railway from the town.The experience includes a brief view-guidance through the metamorphosis process of the butterfly. The tour includesan explanation of the butterfly wings’ color.
The Spectacled Bear Conservation Center, The luxury Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel has a Spectacled Bear conservation center. In it live 4 Spectacled bears, who were affected by humans’ influence in their habitat. The entrance cost and schedules of visits with and hotel biologist or zoologist depend on the reservation. The experience is not cheap, but worth each cent!
Allcamayo Waterfalls, The Allcamayo waterfalls are another great option in Aguas Calientes. You will take a walk among exotic trees, butterflies, orchids, and beautiful plants to reach some amazing waterfalls. Among them, stands out a large one of more than 30 meters, called precisely Allcamayo. If you want to visit them, you will have to head to the back of the local train station. And follow a footpath for 1 hour approx. After, you will have to climb some wooden steps up to reach a cabin with the sign “Cascada de Allcamayo”. To enter, you will have to pay an entrance fee of S/. 10 Soles per person.Bring a swimsuit as you will be tempted to cool off in the waterfall.
The Best time to visit Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is a pleasant spot to visit all year round, the town has a temperate climate. As with the rest of the highlands of Peru there are 2 season, the wet season and the dry season. The wet season is from October to March and the dry season is from April to September.
Restaurants
The town of Aguas Calientes features many restaurants and cuisine to suit every taste. Around the main square you will find many different restaurants and cafes featuring Peruvian and International offerings. Some even with balconies to watch the world go by. There is something for every budget for meals with 3 courses and wine to small friendly pizza places.
Hotels
Many choose to stay the night before they visit Machu Picchu, this is wise decision as you will go up to Machu Picchu the next day fresh and ready to explore. Aguas Calientes features many different types of hotel, from Budget hostels to 5-star luxury properties. It is wise to book in advance at the many hotels in Aguas Calientes especially in the high season as the properties tend to book out in advance. Note that in the high season prices will be more that if you visit in the low season.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes.
Here you have the option of going by shuttle bus or by walking. Most people choose the shuttle bus which takes around 25 minutes to reach the gate of Machu Picchu. You can’t miss the bus station in Aguas Calientes as you will see the people lining up for the bus from early in the morning. Equally when you want to come down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes you will see the line for the bus just outside the gate of Machu Picchu. The return cost for the bus is US$24.
If you choose to walk then it is a 2 hour walk up and around 1.5 hour walk down. You will need to be careful as you will be crossing the road that the bus takes. Make sure you look both ways when crossing the road. The trek up and down are challenging due to the stairs. You will need to be in good shape to do this trek.
Spend some time in Aguas Calientes, whether it be before you tour to Machu Picchu or after, this pretty little town nestled in mountains Aguas Calientes is a must visit on your way to Machu Picchu.
