Aguas Calientes Tours and Tickets
What are people saying about Aguas Calientes
Manfred_V, Apr 2026
Convento de Santo Domingo, Sagsaywamon and Q'Enco
Our guide Richard (Ricci) was so knowledgeable, kind and caring. The altitude was difficult and he took his time. We learned so much and he would have shown us more, but we were too tired. We highly recommend Richard for an excellent Cusco tour.
Jordan_F, Feb 2026
BOOK THIS ONE! Great English, special access, elite knowledge.
My friend and I visited from the US and this was a highlight of our vacation. Our guide John spoke English very well and answered our endless questions about the site. He took us to sections other groups did not get to go. This experience is way better with a guide that will tell you the story of the land and the people. It’s worth it.
Jeffrey_K, Jan 2026
A Must See
It is a must see. Our guide, John, was excellent and informative. There is a lot of walking but definitely well worth the trip
Anson_W, Mar 2025
Friendly and...
Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Enjoyed the experience. It’s worth a try . Thank you for taking us.
Cindy_P, Nov 2024
Eduardo was wonderful....
Eduardo was wonderful. This was a group tour that ended up as a private group. Eduardo picked us up at our lodging and helped with one guests train ticket snafu. He was very patient with us. He went at our pace and never pushed us to move faster. He was so knowledgeable and respectful of Machu Picchu. He taught us the history the meaning of the condo puma and snake. I was mesmerized by the tour. Definitely would do this again achy pichhu great tour
VIvian_M, Oct 2025
Incredible tour of...
Incredible tour of Circuit 2, getting to walk through the majority of the uncovered ruins. John was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide and provided us with so much insight.
Elisa_G, Jul 2025
Roberto was an excellent...
Roberto was an excellent tour guide! He was on time, informative and patient with us. His knowledge knows bounds and I can’t begin to explain how much we learned. Thank you Roberto!!
Marshall_D, May 2025
Roberto was an amazing...
Roberto was an amazing guide. Made the experience unforgettable. Tons of knowledge and great insight. Highly recommend.
Johnnie_V, May 2024
Awesome experience
Our tour guide, Edward, was excellent! He had a lot of knowledge to share about the Incas and their history. He also takes great photos at specific locations throughout the site. Highly recommended!
Charlie_N, Apr 2025
Great Experience
Amazing experience with very knowledgeable guide who could not have done more to make the experience an unforgettable one. Could not recommend more.
Fabian_L, Apr 2024
Great value!
Good price, excellent guide and very well organized.
The guide made the visit very entertaining and instructive.
Highly recommended!
Horst_D, Jun 2023
Great Tour Guide
Our guide was a gentleman name Edward, who spoke really good English. He brought graphic materials with him to show us the before and after shots of Machu Picchu. He was very knowledgeable and gave us quite an extensive history lesson about the site. The company is lucky to have a Gentlemen’s like this working for them. I would highly recommend booking your tour, and requesting Edward as your guide.
Aguas Calientes
5.0
(42,480)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit

It’s a good idea to book your stay and Machu Picchu entrance tickets well in advance, particularly during high season.
Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Dress in layers, as conditions can change quickly between town and the ruins.
People Also Ask
How many days do you need in Aguas Calientes?
Most travelers stay one night in Aguas Calientes if they're getting up early to hike or take the bus to Machu Picchu. However, if you want to relax after a long day of exploring the archeological site, it's nice to spend a second night in the small, yet well-equipped town.
How do you get around Aguas Calientes?
The compact size of Aguas Calientes makes it easy to explore on foot. The Aguas Calientes train station—from which trains to Ollantaytambo and Cusco depart—is right in the center of town and a short walk from most restaurants and hotels. It takes between 1.5–2 hours to walk to Machu Picchu.
How hard is the walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
The walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is considered difficult as the 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) trek is nearly all uphill via steep stone steps. It generally takes around two hours for travelers of a moderate fitness level to complete, but you can also take the bus to the site instead.
Is Aguas Calientes safe?
Yes, Aguas Calientes is considered very safe. It's a small town with a large tourist community, so it’s nearly always busy and hailed as one of the safest places in Peru. Like most areas though, keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid going out alone at night.
What is Aguas Calientes Peru known for?
Aguas Calientes, Peru, is known for being the gateway to Machu Picchu—one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It's also known for its warm waters (the translation of its name) from the hot springs you can soak in after a strenuous trek to the UNESCO-listed archeological site.
When is the best time of year to visit Aguas Calientes?
The best time to visit Aguas Calientes is between April and October when the weather is dry and sunny—the ideal conditions for exploring Machu Picchu. November through March is the wet season, and while you can still visit Machu Picchu year-round, there's a much higher chance of downpours.
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