Introduction:-
Aguas Calientes is a small town in Peru’s Cusco Region. It is the starting point for trips to the famous Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is in the Urubamba River Valley, which is full of lush vegetation. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, such as steep mountains, thick tropical forests, and the winding river that gives the town its name, which means “Hot Waters” in English.
Image source: Laslovarga, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to Get to Aguas Calientes
Travelling from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
- By Train: The most popular and straightforward way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train, with two main operators, PeruRail and IncaRail, offering services. Trains leave from three main stations: San Pedro Station in Cusco city, Poroy Station, which is around 20 minutes away from Cusco city by taxi or shuttle, and Ollantaytambo Station, situated in the Sacred Valley, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away from Cusco by taxi or bus. The travel time from Cusco is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, from Poroy around 3 hours, and from Ollantaytambo roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Tickets can be bought online through the PeruRail or IncaRail websites or at the stations. It is recommended to make reservations ahead of time because of the high demand, particularly during busy periods.
- By Bus and Train Combination: Another commonly chosen method is to utilise a bus for transportation to Ollantaytambo, followed by a train journey to Aguas Calientes. First, there are several transportation options available to travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, including buses, taxis, and shared vans (colectivos). The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Ollantaytambo, you can hop on the train and enjoy a picturesque 1.5 to 2-hour ride to Aguas Calientes. You can book train tickets for this route with either PeruRail or IncaRail. This choice is frequently favoured by travellers who wish to discover the Sacred Valley prior to making their way to Aguas Calientes.
- Through Trekking: For those in search of excitement, numerous trekking routes will take you to Aguas Calientes. The renowned Inca Trail is a challenging 4-day journey that culminates at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Securing a permit for this trek is essential and should be arranged well in advance. The Salkantay Trek is a well-liked choice, lasting 5 days and showcasing a variety of landscapes before concluding near Aguas Calientes. The Lares Trek, which typically takes 3-4 days, ends near Ollantaytambo. From there, you have the option to catch a train to Aguas Calientes. Other adventures, like the Inca Jungle Trek, offer a thrilling combination of hiking, biking, and zip-lining, with a final destination near Aguas Calientes.
From Lima to Aguas Calientes
- By Flight and Train: The fastest route to get to Aguas Calientes from Lima is by flying to Cusco and then taking a train. Multiple airlines, such as LATAM, Avianca, and Sky Airline, provide daily flights from Lima to Cusco, with a flight duration of approximately 1.5 hours. Once in Cusco, you have the option to take the train from Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes as mentioned earlier.
- By Bus and Train Combination: Another option is to consider taking an overnight bus from Lima to Cusco, which typically lasts around 20-22 hours. Well-known bus companies such as Cruz del Sur and Oltursa offer comfortable long-distance services. Once you reach Cusco, you have the option to take a train to Aguas Calientes from Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes
When you reach Aguas Calientes, you’ll discover that the town is compact and can be easily explored on foot. The train station is conveniently located near a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, making it easy to explore the area on foot. You can check out the town’s sights, like the hot springs, or get ready for your trip to Machu Picchu.
Tips for Travelling to Aguas Calientes
Planning ahead is essential for securing train tickets, trek permits, and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, particularly during busy tourist seasons. It’s recommended to travel with minimal luggage due to restrictions on trains. Bring the right clothes and gear with you so you can be ready for any weather. It is advisable to spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before heading to Aguas Calientes. This will help you acclimatise to the altitude and make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Places to Discover Near Aguas Calientes
1. Machu Picchu
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Description: Machu Picchu is a highly sought-after destination for travellers visiting Aguas Calientes, known for its historical significance as the pinnacle of Inca civilization. This internationally recognised site and one of the most impressive wonders of the modern world is famous for its remarkably preserved ruins, intricate craftsmanship, and breathtaking mountain views.
How to Get There: From Aguas Calientes, a shuttle bus can be taken to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Buses depart regularly and the journey typically lasts around 25-30 minutes. As an alternative, you have the option to walk up to the site using a steep trail, which typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Mode of Travel at Destination: Once at Machu Picchu, visitors can explore the site by walking. There are a variety of guided tours available that provide in-depth information about the history and importance of the site, or you can choose to explore on your own using a map or guidebook.
2. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
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Description: These two peaks offer stunning views of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is renowned for its demanding ascent, while Machu Picchu Mountain provides a lengthier yet more gradual trek. Permits must be booked in advance for both peaks, as there is a limit on the number of climbers allowed per day.
How to Get There: Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, just look for the signs that will guide you to the trailheads for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The entrance to these trails is situated within the primary site of Machu Picchu.
Preferred Method of Transportation at Destination: Hiking is necessary to reach both peaks. Huayna Picchu can be ascended in 1-2 hours, while Machu Picchu Mountain typically requires 2-3 hours to reach the top. Both hikes are challenging and demand a high level of physical fitness.
3. Ollantaytambo
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Description: Ollantaytambo is a historic Inca town and archaeological site renowned for its magnificent ruins and impeccably maintained terraces. It played a crucial role as a strategic hub for the military, agriculture, and religion in the Inca Empire.
How to Get There: From Aguas Calientes, you can catch a train to Ollantaytambo, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You can purchase train tickets from PeruRail or IncaRail.
Preferred Method of Transportation: The town and archaeological site are most enjoyable when explored by walking. It is highly recommended to take guided tours in order to fully appreciate the historical significance and architectural ingenuity of the site.
4. Sacred Valley of the Incas
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Description: The Sacred Valley is a region in Peru’s Andean highlands that held great significance for the Incas. The area boasts numerous significant archaeological sites, charming traditional villages, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Notable locations to visit are Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines.
How to Get There: From Ollantaytambo or Cusco, you have the option to hire a bus or taxi to explore the Sacred Valley. There are also a variety of guided tours available that offer transportation and visits to multiple sites.
Mode of Travel at Destination: The tours typically include a mix of walking tours at various archaeological sites and transfers between sites using vehicles. The Sacred Valley provides a perfect mix of cultural immersion and breathtaking landscapes.
5. Maras Salt Mines and Moray
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Description: The Maras Salt Mines are a series of salt pans that have been in use since ancient times, creating a distinctive and picturesque landscape. Moray showcases unique circular terraces that are thought to have served as an agricultural experiment site during ancient times.
How to Get There: From Ollantaytambo or Cusco, you have the option to hire a bus or taxi to visit both sites. The journey from Ollantaytambo takes approximately an hour, while from Cusco, it’s roughly 1.5 hours. Maras and Moray are commonly included in guided tours.
Mode of Travel at Destination: Both locations require visitors to explore the terraces and salt pans on foot. The Maras Salt Mines provide a unique opportunity to witness the traditional techniques of salt extraction, while Moray’s concentric terraces offer valuable insights into the agricultural practices of the Inca civilization.
Tips for Exploring Near Aguas Calientes
- Plan Ahead: Make sure to book your train tickets, entrance to Machu Picchu, and permits for Huayna Picchu well in advance to secure your spot.
- Appropriate Footwear: It is advisable to wear durable and comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
- Weather Preparedness: Be ready for any kind of weather by wearing layers and bringing rain gear.
- Altitude Acclimatisation: Take the necessary time to adjust to the high altitude in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before venturing into the higher elevations.
- Local Guides: Hiring local guides can enhance your understanding of the historical and cultural context of each site.
By following these tips and understanding how to navigate and discover each destination, you can fully enjoy your visit to the captivating areas surrounding Aguas Calientes.