7 Fun and Cool THINGS to DO in AGUAS CALIENTES (Besides Machu Picchu)

Aguas Calientes is a small town, and most places of interest are within walking distance. You can easily explore the town on foot and get to restaurants, shops, and other attractions.

If you’re up for some adventure, you can hike to nearby attractions from Aguas Calientes.

Some places in Aguas Calientes offer bicycle rentals, which can be a fun and efficient way to get around the town and explore nearby areas.

It’s worth noting that Aguas Calientes is a pedestrian-only town, so no cars are allowed within its limits.

Also, keep in mind that the terrain in and around Aguas Calientes is steep and hilly, so be prepared to give your heart and legs some exercise

• Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel

My first choice is Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel. First of all, the location is great. It is close to the train station and right by the bus stop that leaves for Machu Picchu.

The rooms are nice, the beds are comfy and the shower has hot water. Breakfast. is included and it offers a variety of fruits, bread, and yogurts. They have an on-site restaurant which is very convenient.

Also, there is always coca tea available at the reception or they will take it up to our room as well. They provide towels for free to be used at the thermal pools.

What is really lovely, is that they will meet you at the station when you arrive and take care of your luggage, then store it when you go to Machu Picchu and deliver it to the train station when you are ready to board the trail.

When you book, get a room with a river view.

• Casa del Sol Machupicchu

Casa del Sol Machupicchu is another good one in Aguas Calientes. The location is perfect!

The rooms are a good size with comfortable beds. You will like their breakfast with lots of choices.

Make sure to book a room with a river view.

Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum, also known as Machu Picchu Museum,  is one coolest things to do in Aguas Calientes before heading out to Machu Picchu.  It will give you an understanding of the Inca culture and insight into the construction of the Machu Picchu citadel.

• Exhibits on Machu Picchu

The museum features exhibits that provide information about the history, discovery, and significance of Machu Picchu. You will learn about the Incas, the construction techniques used at Machu Picchu, the purpose and function of different structures within the site, and the cultural and religious practices of the Incas.

• Archaeological Artifacts

The museum displays a variety of archaeological artifacts that were found at Machu Picchu and the surrounding region. These artifacts include ceramics, tools, textiles, and other objects that provide insights into the daily life, technology, and artistic skills of the Incas.

• Ethnographic Exhibits:

The museum also showcases exhibits on the indigenous cultures of the region, including the Quechua people who are the descendants of the Incas. You will learn about their customs, traditions, and ways of life through displays of textiles, clothing, and other cultural artifacts.

• Scale Model of Machu Picchu

One of the highlights of the museum is a large-scale model of Machu Picchu that provides a detailed overview of the site’s layout and architecture. It can help visualize the overall structure of Machu Picchu and understand its complex design.

• Multimedia Presentations

The museum offers multimedia presentations, including videos and interactive displays, that provide additional information about the history, archaeology, and significance of Machu Picchu so that you can gain a deeper appreciation of this world-renowned archaeological site.

Personally, it was fascinating to read about the very purposeful planning for the site as well as the process of transforming the granite stones into buildings, terraces, and walls. Also, it was interesting to read about the construction of the stone terraces which recreated the microclimates suitable for a variety of plants.

What caught my attention was the original National Geographic magazine published in April 1913. It was entirely dedicated to Hiram Bingham’s discovery of Machu Picchu.

Also, check out the copies of letters from the Peruvian government authorizing Hiram Bingham’s team to take artifacts to Yale University for analysis for 18 months. All in all, as we know, Peru did not reacquire back these artifacts until 2011.

To get to Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum follow the road that the buses take to Machu Picchu. It should take you no more than 30-40 minutes to reach the museum from Aguas Calientes.

Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum in Aguas Calientes is open every day of the week. The opening hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm.

The Mariposario de Machupicchu, also known as the Butterfly House Machupicchu, is a butterfly sanctuary and a local conservation project dedicated to studying local butterfly species as well as increasing the butterfly population through a reproduction-and-release program. The project is run by Leonardo Serrano Gutierez.

My recommendation is to take one of their guided tours. It lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and costs 10 soles. You will learn about the butterfly’s life cycle, anatomy, and behavior, as well as plants and flowers that attract butterflies and their role in the ecosystem.

I was impressed by how well-camouflaged some varieties of butterflies are. They blend so absolutely perfectly with certain local plants. If it was not for the guide pointing them out to me, I would have never been able to find them.

All in all, if you decide on stopping by the Butterfly House, keep in mind that it’s best to visit between 8 am and 11 am, as the butterflies are more active in the mornings. It’s also better to visit between April and September, as the frequent showers of the October through March rainy season cause the butterflies to seek cover.

To get to the Butterfly House Machupicchu follow the road that the buses take to Machu Picchu. It should take you no more than 15-20 minutes to reach the Butterfly House.

The Butterfly House is open year-round. The opening hours are 8 am to 5:30 pm.

The Mandor Gardens, also known as the Mandor Pampa Ecological Reserve, is a private botanical garden and nature reserve that covers an area of about 11 hectares (27 acres).

The Mandor Gardens are situated in a lush and tropical environment, with diverse flora and fauna. There are several nature trails that meander through the reserve.

The Mandor Gardens are known for their diverse collection of plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns, among others.

One of the main attractions of the Mandor Gardens is the Mandor Waterfall, which is a beautiful waterfall located within the reserve.

If you are into birdwatching, you will not be disappointed and you will be able to check several bird species off your list. The Mandor Gardens are known for their rich birdlife, including various species of hummingbirds and tanagers.

To get to Mandor Gardens and Waterfall follow the railroad tracks that run between Aguas Calientes and Hidroelectrica, with Mandor Station being one of the stops along the way.

The hike along the tracks is relatively easy and straightforward. The hike is approximately 6.2 kilometers (3.9 miles) from Aguas Calientes to Mandor Station where the Mandor Gardens and Waterfall are located. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace.

While hiking along railway tracks be cautious of any train traffic.

Once you get to the entrance to Mandor Gardens, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the waterfall.

Stop by the Main Square called Plaza Manco Canac in Aguas Calientes.

This is a perfect spot to take a couple of pictures in front of the statue of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui.

The Artisan Market is right next to the train station. Once you get off the train, you will have to go through this maze of shops and stands selling a wide array of colorful handicrafts, such as textiles, clothing, bags, jewelry, pottery, and other traditional Peruvian crafts. Some of these items are often handmade by local artisans and can be unique souvenirs or gifts to take back home.

Also, you can get postcards, keychains, magnets, t-shirts, and other trinkets to take home mementos of your trip to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

Some shops sell travel essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, rain ponchos, water bottles, and other items that can be useful for exploring Machu Picchu and the surrounding area.

Aguas Calientes has numerous restaurants and cafes where you can sample delicious Peruvian cuisine.

Don’t miss out on trying local dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, or cuy (guinea pig) while you are there.

• Sumaq Machu Picchu Restaurant

This upscale restaurant, located within the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, offers a gourmet dining experience with a focus on Peruvian cuisine.

The restaurant features a diverse menu that includes traditional Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and alpaca steak.

• Indio Feliz

Known for its eclectic fusion of Peruvian and French cuisine, Indio Feliz is a popular restaurant in Aguas Calientes. The menu features a variety of creative dishes with unique flavor combinations, such as alpaca tenderloin in passion fruit sauce or trout in ginger sauce.

The restaurant also has a cozy and charming atmosphere.

• MAP Cafe

Located within the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, MAP Cafe is a fine dining restaurant that offers a fusion of Peruvian and international flavors.

The restaurant features a contemporary menu with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.

If any of these restaurants sound good to you, then make reservations as soon as possible because they will fill up quickly.

A visit to the Hot Springs is a perfect way to end the day! And, your muscles will thank you!

The Hot Springs are located in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of the Vilcanota River, so take your time and relax, unwind, and appreciate the serene atmosphere of the hot springs.

The Hot Springs are open seven days a week from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm. The entrance fee is 20 soles.

You will need a towel and a bathing suit, however, it is not a problem at all if you do not have one! You will be able to rent whatever you need at one of the stands along the way. By the way, you will get a locker. So, no worries, all your personal belongings will be secure.

All in all, there are six pools with varying water temperatures, so take your pick. If you need a drink, just wave your hand and a server will take your order.