What to Do in Machu Picchu Town: A Gateway to the Ancient Wonder

Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring destinations of south america, but before you embark on the journey to the wonder of the world, it’s essential to know what to do in the little and charming town “Aguas Calientes” that serves as the gateway to this historical wonder—Aguas Calientes. This guide explains What to Do in Machu Picchu Town to help you make the most of your visit. Nestled in the valley below Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes offers plenty of activities and experiences that should be on your list if you have a time to spend here or as you prepare for your unforgettable adventure.

Relax in the Thermal Springs

The town of Aguas Calientes owes its name to the natural hot springs that flow from the upper part of the town. After a long day of exploring or hiking, there is nothing better than soaking in the warm, relaxing waters. The hot springs are located very close to the village, a short walk from the center, about 15 minutes from the central square, and offer a perfect way to relax and unwind while enjoying the stunning mountain scenery. The entrance fee is 25 soles for foreigners and 20 soles for Peruvians, the place is open until 8 p.m. and it is possible to find bathing clothes to buy or rent.

Explore the Town’s Vibrant Market

Thanks to tourism this small town is vibrant and bustling, full of colorful markets and craft stores. The market is a good place to distract the eye with local handicrafts such as weavings and jewelry. Here you will find hand-woven alpaca scarves, beautiful ceramic pieces and traditional Andean artwork, although in our opinion it may be more convenient to do your shopping in the city of Cusco, for convenience, variety and prices. The market is also a good place to sample local snacks and interact with the friendly locals. If you have some free time to stroll around and would like to check out the local artistic offerings, this is a good option.

3. Visit the Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón)

Before or after your trip to Machu Picchu, a visit to the Machu Picchu Museum is a good way to delve into the history of the site. Located a short distance from Aguas Calientes, on the road to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the museum offers exhibits on the history of the Inca empire, the archaeological findings of the site and the story of the scientific rediscovery of Machu Picchu by anthropologist Hiram Bingham in 1911. The museum offers an insight into the cultural importance of Machu Picchu and the surrounding region. The Manuel Chávez Ballón site museum has the following rates: 22 soles for adults and 11 soles for students, the opening hours are from 9:00 am to 16:00 pm.

4. The Butterfly Farm

The butterfly farm of Machu Picchu is a place where you can enjoy nature and at the same time you can learn about the great variety of butterflies that exist in the area and its ecosystem. This place promotes the conservation of butterflies in their natural habitat, research on lepidoptera, disseminates information generated from research and studies. If you prefer outdoor activities, nature and especially butterflies, you can not miss this experience.

The entrance fee is 20 soles for foreign adults, 10 soles for foreign children, 10 soles for Peruvian adults and 5 soles for Peruvian children. The hours of operation are from 9:00 am to 17:00 pm.

5. Visit The Orchid Conservation Center

For nature lovers, Aguas Calientes is home to a beautiful orchid garden located just outside of town. The region is known for its diverse and vibrant flora, and the orchid garden exhibits over 370 species of orchids found in the area of which 19 are endemic, meaning that these species are a natural treasure of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Guided tours offer fascinating information about the different types of orchids and the biodiversity of the Andean region. Visit the Orchid Conservation Center. This place is open between 9:00 am and 16:00 pm.

6. Hike to Mandor Waterfalls

If you like nature or just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, you can take an excursion to the Mandor Waterfalls. This short but scenic hike takes between 1.5 and 2 hours and takes you through lush jungle, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Machu Picchu cloud forest. The waterfall itself is beautiful and an ideal place to cool off after the hike. Along the way, you will also be able to spot local wildlife, such as birds and butterflies. You can enjoy this experience to disconnect from the traditional tourist circuits. As basic recommendations, take into account sunscreen, hat, waterproof clothing, repellent and calculate the time for your return in daylight.

7. Hike to Alcamayo Waterfalls

In case you have little time to do a hike like Mandor Waterfalls, visiting the Alcamayo Waterfalls may be a better option. This hike takes approximately 30 minutes from the town of Machu Picchu, and you can still enjoy the experience of walking in the middle of the cloudy mountains watching the birds and animals that live in the area. The recommendations are the same as the visit to the Mandor Waterfalls, take into account sunscreen, hat, waterproof clothing, repellent and calculate the time for your return in daylight. Do not forget to take the best pictures.

Conclusions

Although Machu Picchu Pueblo is small, it is packed with activities that will enrich your visit to this iconic destination. From relaxing hot springs and scenic hikes to cultural experiences and delicious food, there is no shortage of things to do in Aguas Calientes. Whether you are preparing for your trip to Machu Picchu or simply want to relax after your visit to the citadel, this magical little town has something to offer everyone. For more detailed tips on What to Do in Machu Picchu Town, take the time to explore all that Aguas Calientes has to offer, you won’t be disappointed!