Only a short trip from Cusco, Aguas Calientes (Hot Springs) plays host to one of the most spectacular wonders of the world. Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan citadel, sits high above the town on the forest clad mountains and is a stunning representation of architectural ingenuity. Abandoned around the time of the Spanish Conquest, the area fell into ruin. However over recent years Peru has been reconstructing some parts of the citadel to give a better representation of how it would have originally stood.

The site does get very crowded once the sun comes up. So, for the best experience we recommend waking up about an hour before sunrise and walking up the mountain before the buses start shuttling in the masses. There are well-trodden paths leading from the town up to the site but bring a head-torch as it’s not lit.

The town itself also holds a wealth of things to do, from hot springs to zoos. Also don't miss Mariposario de Machupicchu, a butterfly garden featuring numerous species of beautiful butterflies. Below, we’ve selected the best places to stay in Aguas Calientes to use as base camp and relax in afterwards!

Machu Picchu draws visitors globally year round ensuring that the best places to stay in Aguas Calientes are extremely popular so book early to avoid disappointment!

The best places to stay in Aguas Calientes

To Skip the queues!

• Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is an incredibly luxurious way to experience Machu Picchu. Located just outside the site’s entrance the hotel offers great views and fantastic food in a place like no other.

For Affordable comfort

• Enjoy Peruvian hospitality in the heart of the town at the Casa del Sol. Rooms and terraces overlook the Vilcanota River, the sounds of which lull you to sleep when it is in spate. Traditional Peruvian textiles add to the cosy style of this good value hotel.

• El Mapi is another stylish and good value place to stay. The rooms are comfortable and the food is fantastic. Also a great place for a massage at the end of a long day’s walking!

For River views

• Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, like Cas del Sol above, is located next to the river that runs through Aguas Calientes, but if it's views you are after, this hotel fits the bill. Traditional decoration within contemporary architecture the hotel offers luxurious accommodation and an Andean-Asian fusion restaurant.

For Peruvian luxury

• Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel sits at the edge of the town and is a great example of the best of Peruvian architecture. Traditional buildings house cosy areas to relax in, beautifully decorated rooms with working fireplaces and a renowned restaurant.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Aguas Calientes?

• Fly to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, approximately 4 hours by rail from Aguas Calientes with both domestic and international connections.
• One of the most popular ways to reach Aguas Calientes is by rail, and from Cusco, visitors must travel to either Poroy or Ollantaytambo Train Station to get an onward connection to the town.
• If you want to rent a car, for prices visit our online partner Rentalcars
• Best time to visit - the temperature is relatively stable year round and hovers around 30 degrees. Being a tropical environment, rain is quite common but for the least chance of it, aim to visit between May and August. Note that rainclouds will also obscure views from Machu Picchu. Also note that February is when the most rainfall occurs, and during this month the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.

Still not sure?

• Browse our list of the best places to stay in Aguas Calientes,

• Expand your search to include our Cusco recommendations or our pick of the best hotels in the Sacred Valley,

• Or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Aguas Calientes