Our most recommended things to do in Aguas Calientes

From Cusco: Full-Day Group Tour of Machu Picchu

1. From Cusco: Full-Day Group Tour of Machu Picchu

Travel from Cusco to learn about the majestic Inca city: Machu Picchu and the ancient civilization living there. Discover the secrets that are hidden in it. Go back in time as you explore the streets of these ruins located in the Peruvian Andes.  Begin with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco for transfer to the train station. Get on board and enjoy the comforts offered by the train during the journey to Machu Picchu. Choose from the option of a standard train or a Vistadome train that offers panoramic views. Enjoy the dynamic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Arrive in Aguas Calientes and take a bus to the entrance of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Learn about the history of this wonderful place. Depending on the option you select, enjoy a guided visit of Circuit 5. Visit Qolqas, the Agricultural Zone, the waterway, dry pit, Temple of the Sun, Inka House, water sources, set three covers, Pisonay Square, and the archaeological reserve. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and get recommendations for lunch. Board the train back to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy station where transportation will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco.

From Cusco: Machu Picchu Guided Full-Day Trip

2. From Cusco: Machu Picchu Guided Full-Day Trip

Discover the best of Machu Picchu on a full-day tour from Cusco with a local guide. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, then enjoy some free time to explore it on your own. Afterward, visit the town of Aguas Calientes to savor lunch and get time to visit the thermal baths there. Begin your full-day tour with pickup at your hotel in Cusco. Then, travel to Ollantaytambo before taking the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Once there, enjoy a guided tour of the main points of interest. See the Main Square, the urban sector, the circular tower, the sundial, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Inca cemetery. After your guided tour, take some time to explore the site further independently. Later on, board the bus from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, enjoy time to appreciate the town, eat lunch, and visit the thermal-medicinal baths. In the evening, board the return train to Ollantaytambo and head back to your hotel in Cusco.

Machu Picchu: Full-Day Tour from Cusco with Optional Lunch

3. Machu Picchu: Full-Day Tour from Cusco with Optional Lunch

Discover the magic of the Andes and Machu Picchu on a full-day trip from Cusco. Marvel at mountain views on a train to Aguas Calientes. Hop on a comfortable bus to Machu Picchu and begin a guided tour. Upgrade your experience with the option to include an authentic Peruvian lunch. Start with pickup from your hotel in Cusco and travel to Ollantaytambo Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. This is the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a scenic train journey through dramatic Andean landscapes. The train has ample seats with large windows allowing for grand views of the surrounding jungle and mountains.  Board a coach for a 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Pichu is believed to have been built in the 1450s by the Inca emperor Pachacuti as a holiday retreat. Within a century the city would be abandoned following the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards never found it, so it was spared the destruction they brought on other Inca sites. Instead, it was slowly swallowed up by the jungle and hidden from harm. Take a guided tour of the site which explains the origins behind this awe-inspiring citadel and its most prominent landmarks such as the monumental Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial, and the Burial Grounds. After the tour, be returned to Aguas Calientes where you can take some free time to explore the city, or enjoy an optional lunch.  After some time in the town, return to Aguas Calientes station to take the train back to the Ollantaytambo Station, from there you will be taken back to your hotel.

From Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail Guided Trek to Machu Picchu

4. From Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail Guided Trek to Machu Picchu

Walk the world-famous Inca Trail on this guided trek over 4 days and 3 nights. Follow an ancient footpath through the Sun Gate and into Machu Picchu, passing magical cloud forests on the way. Enjoy scenic camping, tasty meals and the expertise of local guides and porters. Day 1 Start with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo on the first morning. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet your team of guides and porters before an 82km drive to the trail’s starting point. Hike in 2 hour intervals, with regular stops to eat and take a break. The first night’s campsite will be at Ayapata with an elevation of 3300 meters. Relax here with a hot drink, dinner and a well-deserved rest. Day 2 Wake up early for the trek’s longest day which will include the trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4215 meters. Stop here to enjoy the spectacular views before you descend into the Pacaymayu Valley in time for lunch. Next, climb to the Inca site of Runcu Raccay where you can admire two huge waterfalls across the valley before another descent to the remote site of Sayacmarca. After a quick tour, take a short walk to the second campsite, where you can watch the sun set over the Vilcabamba mountains before dinner. Day 3 Start early again for the trail’s most beautiful day. Walk along gradual inclines as you approach the Cloud Forest and Salkantay, the second highest peak in the Sacred Valley. Then, begin the climb to the final peak, Phuyupatamarka, where you’ll get your first views over Machu Picchu. From here, it’s a 3-hour walk down a flight of steps to Wiñay Wayna, where you’ll camp in close proximity to Machu Picchu. Share a relaxed final evening with your guides and porters, and get an early night before your final day of exploring. Day 4 Get up at the crack of dawn to catch a stunning sunrise over the ruins of Machu Picchu. Trek down to the Sun Gate and make your way into the Lost City of the Incas, where your private tour of the ruins will begin. After the tour, head down to Augas Calientes by bus. Take a few hours here to explore the city, or optionally to climb Huayna Picchu, before catching the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. From here, a driver will transfer you back to your hotel by bus.

Cusco: Full-Day Trip to Machu Picchu with Hotel Transfers

5. Cusco: Full-Day Trip to Machu Picchu with Hotel Transfers

Experience a tour ideal for those who have little time, but do not want to miss Machu Picchu, one of the most magical places in the world. Get a guided tour of the archeological site and free time to discover it on your own. Start your journey with pickup from hotels and hostels in the center of Cusco and head to Ollantaytambo to board the train. Enjoy a 2-hour train ride to the city of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, the guide with the names of each traveler will be waiting. Follow your guide to the bus station to board the bus to the citadel. Begin a 2-hour guided tour of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. After your tour, you will have free time to explore the site yourself. Later in the afternoon, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will catch the train back to Ollantaytambo to finally take your last bus trip to Cusco.

Machu Picchu Morning Combo: Entrance Ticket, Bus and Guide

6. Machu Picchu Morning Combo: Entrance Ticket, Bus and Guide

After arriving in Aguas Calientes head to Consettur Bus Station to start your Machu Picchu adventure. Easily hand over your printed ticket, hop on and enjoy the breathtaking drive up through the clouds to Machu Picchu. Ignore the long lines with your pre-purchased entrance ticket in hand, and join your tour group.  Be led through the front gates on a 2-hour journey through the ancient citadel. Listen as your guide answers every question, and after the tour, have free time to explore, take photos, and maybe even make a llama friend.

Aguas Calientes: Machu Picchu Ticket, Bus, & Guided Tour

7. Aguas Calientes: Machu Picchu Ticket, Bus, & Guided Tour

Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World shows you the enigmatic Inca citadel and its history. If you have already bought your train tickets, this private tour is perfect for you! Bus ticket from to Machu Picchu town citadel, admission ticket to Machu Picchu Citadel according with your selected shift and private profesional guidance are included. Machu Picchu has 9 shifts  to go inside and the capacity of each one is 360 around. We suggest to book 12 pm, 1 pm or 2 pm shifts. You will get an intimate time with the lost citadel. Machu Picchu is open during whole year. Some areas will be closed for maintenance, our guide will be explain from the viewpoitns.

From Aguas Calientes: Machu Picchu Entry and Private Tour

8. From Aguas Calientes: Machu Picchu Entry and Private Tour

Visit Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Peru's most popular attractions. Enjoy the sights and learn about the history of this unique place on a private tour from Aguas Calientes. Get the most out of your trip with included entry tickets. Start with pickup at your hotel, then board the bus for a short ride to the sanctuary. Admire the surroundings and natural scenery during the drive. Feel free to ask your tour guide any questions you may have along the way. Once you arrive, take in panoramic views as you head to the lookout point, where you can take some spectacular photos. Next, start your private tour of the area and delve into the history and mysteries of Machu Picchu, exploring every part of the site before returning to Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu: Inca Trail 2-Day Overnight Guided Tour

9. Machu Picchu: Inca Trail 2-Day Overnight Guided Tour

The world-renowned Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the south of Peru. Go trekking on the famous Inca Trail with indigenous guides. Walk through the beautiful rainforest. Rest overnight in a hotel and experience a guided tour of Machu Picchu on day 2. Enjoy breakfast, dinner, and lunch. Start your tour in Cusco as you are picked up early in the morning and taken to Ollantaytambo train station. Board the train and enjoy the view of snowy mountains, and farmlands, as it follows the Urubamba River. Alight from the train and refresh yourself with some snacks. Arrive at KM104, also known as the short Inca trail. Amaze yourself at the water fountains and temples of Wiñay Wayna ruins, on a steep hill, and stare at the Urubamba River. Continue to the Sun Gate, a viewpoint on the side of Macchu Picchu Mountain.  Gaze in wonder at a picturesque view of Machu Picchu from this looking point. Take some photos and descend by bus to Machu Picchu town. Eat dinner and sleep comfortably in a hotel bed. Wake up early and have breakfast. Take the bus to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu. Explore this ancient site in your own time and snap memorable photos. Return to Machu Picchu town and take a train to Ollantaytambo that afternoon. You will Be picked up here and enjoy a drive back to Cusco.

From Cusco: Classic Salkantay Trek with Return by Train

10. From Cusco: Classic Salkantay Trek with Return by Train

Make the most of your time in Peru with a 4 or 5-day hike along the famous Salkantay Trek. Take in panoramic views of Humantay Mountain, enjoy an optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, and watch the sunrise at Macchu Picchu. Campsite accommodation and transfers are included. Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Laguna Humantay - Soraypampa After getting picked up from your accommodation in Cusco, drive through the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo before arriving at Mollepata, where you can buy a light breakfast and water. Continue to Challacancha, where the 3-hour walk to Soraypampa begins. Stop for lunch and then walk around 1-2 hours to the Humantay Lagoon. Return to Soraypampa and overnight at camp with tent and dinner. Day 2: Soraypampa - Soyrococha - Salkantay - Huayracmachay - Chaullay Wake up with the first light of the day at 5:30 AM and have a quick breakfast. Start your walk to the highest point of the trail: the Salkantay Pass (4650 meters/15255 feet), where you can appreciate the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. The downward hike is snake-shaped, leading to the Huayracmachay camp, where you will stop for lunch. At the end of this exceptional hike, arrive at Chaullay Village (2900 meters/9514 feet) for a break from a long day of hiking. Enjoy dinner at the camp before heading to your tent for the night. Day 3: Chaullay - Playa Sahuayaco - Lucmabamba - Santa Teresa (optional Cocalmayo) After breakfast, hike to the small town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa Valley where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, board a bus to the camp in Santa Teresa, where you can enjoy an optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, which have medicinal and therapeutic waters. Enjoy dinner at the camp before heading to your tent for the night. If you choose the 4-day option, you will be taken by bus to Hydroelectric right after your lunch. From there, start a walk on the train tracks through the native jungle to Aguas Calientes, about a 3-hour trek. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, enjoy free time before dinner to rest or walk through the town. Day 4 for 5-day option: Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes After breakfast, start the 3-hour walk to the Hydroelectric through the valley floor. Upon arrival, recharge with lunch. You can add on a zip line adventure after breakfast; in this case, after the activity, you will be taken to the beginning of the trail to Aguas Calientes at Hydroelectric. From Hydroelectric, hike on the train tracks through the jungle to Aguas Calientes, about a 3-hour trek. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time before dinner to rest or walk through the town. Day 4 for 4-day option / Day 5 for 5-day option: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco Get up early to start the trek to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. After a steep 1.5-hour walk, be rewarded with views of the sunrise from the Inca citadel before the crowds arrive (you can replace the hike with a bus ride for an additional cost if required). Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu and the surrounding sites. Enjoy free time to take photos and look around the citadel. If you choose one of the add-on hikes to the mountains, you will split ways with the group to go by yourself to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Leave Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes (walking or by bus, depending on what you choose). Once in Aguas Calientes, board your train to Ollantaytambo, and take a minivan from there to Cusco. Arrive back in Cusco around 9:30 - 10:00 PM. The drop-off will be in Plaza San Francisco in the historic center, near the Plaza de Armas.

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What people are saying about Aguas Calientes

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,321 reviews

We booked with Haku travel but was transferred to a trek with Marvelous adventure, so we can t say anything about Haku travels' tours, only the booking part. We got booked on the cheapest Machu Picchu circuit and not the same circuit or entrance time as the rest of our Group and guide through 4 days, so that was a big disappointment. We only got our tickets the night before our Machu Picchu day. Also the communication was not great in advance, but they answered pretty quickly. All in all we had a good trek but that was thanks to our great guide from Marvelous adventure. We recommended booking at an Office in Cusco rather than online if you want the better and cheaper deal and to be certain about the specifics of your trek. Be sure to request the circuit and entrance time you wish for!!

I had a bit of trouble communicating pre-trip but I didn’t need to worry. They went over and above multiple times in using right before the trip and everything was clear. I got such and they graciously moved everything back a day. A day before the trip. The guides and package were amazing. We had our own personal guide for Machu Picchu. He was highly knowledgeable and lovely. The hotels, service, communication was top notch. Highly recommend and would use them again.

The experience of using a guide that has a long family lineage and experience growing up in the Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu area brought the tour in Machu Picchu alive for us … he was extremely knowledgeable and communicated with us in both Spanish and English … and fielded all kinds of questions from us

It is a superb view. I went in early January, but it was OK with light clothes. It is a well-maintained tourist destination.

Everything about this trip and the organization was amazing. 100% recommend it.