Although Aguas Calientes is just a bridge between Machu Picchu and Cusco for most travelers, the beautiful village offers the perfect setting to get involved in the exuberant nature of the region. For that reason, we’ve come up with this section where you’ll get to know about the best things to do in Aguas Calientes.
The fairytale scenery of Machu Picchu Town will make you wish to add an extra day to your itinerary through the Inca Citadel.
If you’ve been following our Aguas Calientes travel guide you must know what we are talking about, but here we’ll show you what you’ll be missing if you overlook this magical place during your trip.
When it comes to adventure activities, the small village may not be the wildest location you’ll encounter in Peru but it does provide a unique trekking experience, where the local flora and fauna will captivate you from start to finish.
These beautiful gardens are located a few minutes from the city, a fairytale landscape that you surely can’t miss. The Ecological Reserve looks to preserve the distinctive flora of the region, housing hundreds of plant species including orchids!
The Mandor Gardens are located about 3 kilometers away from Aguas Calientes town. The gardens are situated right at the foothills of the Huayna Picchu Mountain. To get there, you just need to follow the rail tracks in the direction of Hidroelectrica.
After walking a bit more than 2 kilometers, you’ll find a sign pointing in the direction of Mandorpampa, you just need to follow the trail that will lead you to the ticket office, pay the entrance fee, and start exploring!
Make your way to the summit of the towering Putucusi mountain, a peak that rises to 2,560 meters above sea level and serves as a natural viewpoint of the Machu Picchu citadel. However, the trail to its summit is very challenging, especially since you will have to climb a wooden ladder to reach the top.
It is worth mentioning that there’s no entrance fee to climb this mountain. We do not recommend taking this trail during the rainy season or without a guide. Unfortunately, the mountain remains closed until further notice.
Santa Teresa is a small town located 10 kilometers away from the Aguas Calientes town, it is a touristy city in the heart of the cloud forest known for the beautiful Cocalmayo hot springs.
Santa Teresa is one of the alternative routes to get to Machu Picchu which is why many travelers taking the Inca Jungle Trek pass by this beautiful town. The trek takes you through the outstanding scenery of the region, where the rumbling vilcanota river is. It takes about 2.5 hours to get there by foot.
Important Note: It is worth mentioning that we do not operate any of these activities. If you wish to do any of these activities make sure to contact our travel agents for recommendations on how to do so.
Would you like to know more about Peru? Here you’ll find all the information you need for your trip. Our local expert team has prepared the most complete informative guides for you!
Also, if you’re eager to know Peru at its fullest, check out our travel packages and live an authentic experience with Viagens Machu Picchu.
