Interesting Sights In Aguas Calientes Peru

An Overview of Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes is a mountain resort town at the base of Machu Picchu known for its thermal baths, numerous hiker and tourist amenities and spectacular mountain landscapes. The town has its own unique beauty, created by a combination of marketplaces, unique Inca-themed statues, a rushing central river and towering cliff faces. As one of the most-visited towns in the Urubamba River Valley, there are many interesting sights in Aguas Calientes.

Advice While Staying In Aguas Calientes

There are three main routes visitors take when arriving to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. The first involves booking a tour, usually from the town of Cusco. These tours handle transportation to Augas Calientes through a combination of shuttles, busses and trains.

Travelers who wish to organize their own trip can take a bus or collectivo to the old Inca settlement of Ollantaytambo. From here, it’s possible to book a train to Aguas Calientes.

The most intrepid travelers may choose to trek to Aguas Calientes, following challenging mountain trails. These extended treks take, on average, three or four days.

It’s recommended to take the trains for at least one direction, as some of the trains put on daily music, dancing and traditional performances while winding through the Peruvian mountains.

Aguas Calientes has a wide range of hostels and hotels. Bear in mind, the town is at a high altitude and visitors may need to take a day or so to acclimate. Altitude acclimation involves avoiding strenuous physical activities and consuming a higher-than-normal amount of water.

Aguas Calientes is tiny. With the exception of Machu Picchu, most of the town can be easily explored within a day.

Interesting Sights In Aguas Calientes

Los Jardines de Mandor

This is a gorgeous, serene botanical gardens alive with jungle flora and hummingbirds. The park can be accessed by taking an hour-long out-and-back hiking track alongside the rail tracks. The garden is also home to small waterfalls, art pieces, pedestrian bridges and overnight camping.

Mercado Artesanal

Tucked near the river cutting through Aguas Calientes, this is a sprawling market which sells souvenirs and artisanal handicrafts. The market is unsurprisingly targeted at tourists.

Butterfly House (Mariposario of Machu Picchu)

Also known as Wasi Pillpi (House of the Butterflies in Quechua), this a a thriving butterfly sanctuary with over a hundred different endemic species. When walking, the site is roughly fifteen minutes outside of Aguas Calientes.

Cascadas Alcamayo

Though this takes a short hike, this is an excellent off-the-beaten-track hike leading to a waterfall. The path is well-maintained, but quite steep.

Manco Capac Square

This is a small, but profoundly decorated square in the center of Aguas Calientes. The square is home to a large statue of an Incan King, a small church known as Parroquia Virgen del Carmen Church and several restaurants and hotels.

Statue Tour

Aguas Calientes if full of interesting and compelling artworks. There are numerous sculptures and statues found throughout the town. This includes the Statue of Pachacutec, Condor, Puma and Anaconda, the Santuario de Machupicchu Tallado, the Wiracocha Tallado en Piedra, the Sapallayqui Wakanqui Tallado, Tallados en Roca, Atahualpa Tallado, La Bienvenida de los Incas and many more. There are also carvings found on the cliff walls near the river.

Puente Pantigoso

There are several bridges which cross over Rio Aguas Calientes. They’re somewhat pretty to visit, especially at night. Puente Pantigoso has easy views of upstream rapids and waterfalls.

Amauta Park

Hidden in a far corner of Aguas Calientes, this park has several murals, a plant-covered metal awning and an impressive series of statues depicting Inca figures.

Parque Wiñaywayna

This is a small, wonderful little park which is filled with unique statues and several informational plaques regarding the region.

Massage Parlours

As Aguas Calientes is a major hiking destination, many visitors are often sore after the extended trip over. There are hot springs to soak weary limbs and numerous traditional massage parlors in town to help with soreness.

Phutuq K’usi

This is a dauntingly steep, rounded-top mountain popular for challenging rock climbing adventures and views of Machu Picchu. Even if visitors choose not to summit the difficult peak, it’s still worth looking at from below for the pocket of plants which defy gravity by growing on the cliff’s face.

Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum

Found at the base road of Machu Picchu, this small museum has several displays and artifacts from the famous ruins above.

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