About Aguas Calientes

Situated in the valley next to the magnificent Machu Picchu, this is where many travelers stay when they visit the world famous Inca ruins. Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu, was established in 1901 as a base camp for laborers laying tracks between Cusco and Santa Ana. Visitors began streaming in during the 1970s, leading to greater development and the commissioning of the statue of Inca Emperor Pachacutec, which now greets nearly 1.2 million visitors annually.

Aguas Calientes Vacation Packages

Attractions around Aguas Calientes

Inca Trail

The classic Inca Trail begins just outside of Ollantaytambo in Sacred Valley, and ends at Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. The trek normally takes four or five days to complete, passing through several distinct ecosystems including cloud forest, alpine tundra and tropical rainforest; and myriad Inca ruins and tunnels along the trail. The highest point is reached at Abra Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, roughly 13,800 feet above sea level. Be sure to book your spot well in advance, because tighter restrictions on the daily number of hikers have now made it even harder to secure a place on a guided trek. The Inca Trail is normally closed for maintenance in February, which also happens to be the wettest (and least desirable) month of the year.