Nestled amidst the breathtaking wonders of the Andes Mountains, Aguas Calientes, or Machu Picchu Town, offers travelers a warm embrace of Peruvian hospitality. While this vibrant village boasts a variety of culinary delights, lively nightlife, and cozy accommodations, its most cherished treasure lies in the soothing thermal-medicinal waters.
- Perfect Post-Machu Picchu Retreat: After exploring the ancient ruins during any of our Machu Picchu Tours, you can find relaxation in Aguas Calientes’ hot springs. These thermal baths serve as the perfect finale to a day filled with wonder and adventure, especially for those who have trekked the Inca Trail.
- Location and Fee: Depending on your tour arrangements, you’ll either board a train directly from Cusco to Machu Picchu Town, or you’ll travel by vehicle from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (another inca village), where you’ll catch the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Once you’re there, the thermal baths are conveniently located just a short stroll from Aguas Calientes’ town center. They’re a mere 200 meters from the ticket office. If you feel lost, you can also simply ask any local for directions. Reservations aren’t necessary, and the entrance fee is S/20 per person. You can find the exact location here.
- Availability and Facilities: The thermal baths of Machu Picchu are open daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Sundays. Thursdays are particularly ideal for a visit. While modest in size, the hot spring facility offers five small pools equipped with basic amenities such as dressing rooms, showers, and a coffee bar. Everyone can enjoy it, especially seniors who can benefit from the water’s therapeutic properties.
- What to Bring: Ensure a comfortable visit by packing your swimsuit and a travel towel. While towels can be rented nearby, having your own adds a personal touch to the experience.
- Embrace the Healing Powers: Flowing from a natural spring of volcanic origin, the hot springs offer more than just relaxation; their chemical composition provides therapeutic benefits, aiding digestion, releasing toxins, and even leveling blood pressure. That is why many tourists take time on their Machu Picchu Tours to relax in this place.
- Other Hot Springs Nearby: For those looking to explore further, Aguas Calientes serves as a gateway to a myriad of natural wonders. The nearby town of Santa Teresa hosts the Cocalmayo thermal baths, while the town of Lares offers its own set of cloudy pools, each providing a unique and memorable experience. If you opt for our Lares trek tour to Machu Picchu, we can customize these relaxation spots into your itinerary.
- Best Time to Visit: Most visitors prefer to indulge in the hot springs after a tour, often in the late afternoon or evening. In the Machu Picchu-Sacred Valley Tour (our most popular tour), you will be spending at least one night in Aguas Calientes, giving you plenty of time on the next day for a relaxed visit and ensuring a truly rejuvenating experience.
- Other Places to Visit in Aguas Calientes: Beyond the hot springs, you can explore the Butterfly Garden and the local Museum for a touch of nature and history.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene and natural beauty of Aguas Calientes’ hot springs. Whether you seek relaxation, rejuvenation, or simply a moment of peace amidst your travels, these sacred waters promise an unforgettable escape amidst the breathtaking beauty of Cusco’s landscape.
