Aguas Calientes: Gateway to Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is a small town in southern Peru, located at the base of the famous Machu Picchu ruins. Nestled in the lush valley of the Urubamba River and surrounded by towering green mountains, Aguas Calientes is the main gateway for travelers visiting the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu.

Nature’s Warm Embrace at the Foot of the Andes

As soon as I arrived at the train station in Aguas Calientes, one of the guys from the hotel was already there waiting for me. He greeted me with a smile and helped with my bags. On the way to the hotel, we passed through the marketplace, filled with colorful souvenirs and clothing stalls, which made me excited to explore later. The town had such a lively energy with all the small shops and vendors.

It took about 15 minutes to reach the hotel, and along the way, he pointed out where the long lines for the bus to Machu Picchu start. He mentioned I should come an hour before my scheduled bus ride to avoid any delays, which was super helpful advice. The lines can get pretty long!

Once I got to the hotel, I settled in and took a little rest. After a quick break, I headed straight to the bus ticket office to get everything ready for my 5-day trip to Machu Picchu. I wanted to make sure everything was in order for my back-and-forth rides. I brought along my passport and Machu Picchu tickets, which I had already purchased. The ticket office staff was friendly, and after checking my documents, they gave me my printed bus tickets on bond paper. Now, everything was set, and I was ready to explore the magic of Machu Picchu in the days ahead!

My hotel is right next to the river, and I absolutely love hearing the rush of the water as it flows by. The cool air coming off the river is so refreshing, especially in the morning. The hotel breakfast is fantastic—fresh bread, delicious jams, and a variety of juices. My favorite is the papaya juice; it’s so refreshing! I also enjoy a cup of coffee with scrambled eggs to start my day. The whole experience feels relaxing and peaceful, making my stay even more enjoyable.

Your Pathway to Ancient Wonders

This statue is located near the Machu Picchu sign, close to the railroad tracks, in the heart of Aguas Calientes. It’s a popular spot for tourists to take photos, not just because of the statue itself, but also for its proximity to the iconic Machu Picchu sign, which marks the gateway to the ancient site. The area around the statue and railroad tracks is often bustling with activity, as many visitors pass through this point on their way to and from Machu Picchu. The statue of Pachacuti in Aguas Calientes, Peru, stands as a tribute to one of the most famous Inca emperors, Pachacuti, who is credited with expanding the Inca Empire and possibly commissioning the construction of Machu Picchu. The statue depicts Pachacuti in a regal pose, holding a staff, symbolizing his leadership and power.

A Hidden Gem Below the Incan Citadel 

In Aguas Calientes, there’s a small bridge that connects the marketplace with the bus station and most of the restaurants in town. It’s a handy little spot because as you cross over, you’ll find yourself moving between the lively market, where vendors sell souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts, and the area where buses depart for Machu Picchu. The bridge also leads you closer to many of the town’s restaurants, which line the streets near the river, offering plenty of options for a good meal before or after your journey to the ruins. It’s a central spot where everything seems to come together, making it easy to explore the town on foot. 

Relax, Explore, and Discover Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is a charming town at the base of Machu Picchu, and its marketplace is a must-visit! The market is a colorful and lively spot where you can find a mix of local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Peruvian goods. As you stroll through the stalls, you’ll come across vibrant textiles, handmade jewelry, alpaca wool products, and much more. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts or keepsakes to remember your trip by.

The vendors are friendly and often eager to share the stories behind their products. Don’t hesitate to bargain a bit—it’s part of the fun! Along with souvenirs, you’ll also find food vendors selling delicious local snacks, perfect for recharging after exploring Machu Picchu. The atmosphere is bustling but welcoming, and the mountains surrounding Aguas Calientes give the market an extra magical touch. It’s a great way to experience local culture and take home a little piece of Peru!

A Journey Through Nature and History

The bus line in Aguas Calientes heading to Machu Picchu is always long, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid delays. As you get closer to boarding, agents will check your passport, bus ticket, and Machu Picchu entrance pass, so make sure to have everything ready. At night, the rain is common, so it’s a good idea to bring a poncho to stay dry. Near the bus stop, there are plenty of stores where you can pick up any last-minute necessities. While waiting, I met many solo travelers from around the world, and I noticed a lot of Spanish-speaking visitors were also there, eager for their own Machu Picchu adventure. The bus stop is located next to the river, so when you get bored, you can listen to the soothing sound of the water and watch its flow as you wait for the bus. It’s a peaceful way to pass the time while anticipating the journey ahead.

Rest, Recharge, Rediscover

As I strolled around the town, I headed toward the market. The market was bustling with people, and the stalls were filled with colorful clothes, beautiful scarves, and intricate silver jewelry—Peru is known for its fine silver, after all. I couldn’t resist picking up a few t-shirts and some silver pieces as souvenirs. Afterward, I bought some delicious empanadas to snack on, and the papaya juice I tried was incredibly refreshing, perfect for the warm day. A useful tip for anyone visiting, always carry some coins with you, as most public restrooms charge about 2 soles to use.