How Long Should You Stay in Aguas Calientes, Peru?

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? You're probably wondering how long you should stay in Aguas Calientes. Is one night enough, or is it worth spending two nights in this little mountain town?

During our family trip to Peru, we discovered that Aguas Calientes has more to offer than just a place to sleep before visiting Machu Picchu. There are little restaurants, markets, shops and plenty of interesting corners to explore.

So, how much time do you really need? Let me share our experience, what you can do in town and how to plan your stay without feeling like you're missing out.

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Pueblo

Where Is Aguas Calientes, Peru?

Aguas Calientes is a small town in the Peruvian Andes, nestled between steep green mountains along the Urubamba River. It's the main gateway to Machu Picchu and the place where most visitors stay before exploring the famous Inca citadel.

One of the most interesting things about Aguas Calientes is that there are no regular roads connecting it to the surrounding road network. You can't simply drive into town from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

Most visitors arrive by train from Ollantaytambo. It's also possible to reach the area by hiking, including routes from the Hidroeléctrica area, although these require advance planning and a considerably longer journey.

Because of this unusual location, getting to Aguas Calientes takes a little more organization than visiting most towns in Peru. You'll need to plan your train journey, accommodation and Machu Picchu tickets together.

Once you arrive, though, the town is small enough to explore on foot. You'll find restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, a local market and plenty of places to stop for a meal before or after visiting Machu Picchu.

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Aguas Calientes?

My recommendation? One night in Aguas Calientes can be enough if your main goal is to visit Machu Picchu and explore the town a little. You don't necessarily need to stay two nights to enjoy the experience.

We managed to visit Machu Picchu on two different circuits and still had time to walk around town, browse the shops and market, and enjoy the local restaurants.

The secret is planning your train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance times and accommodation together so you can make the most of your time.

One night in Aguas Calientes

I'd recommend one night if Machu Picchu is your priority and you're following a set Peru itinerary.

With an early train arrival, a visit to Machu Picchu on the first day and another circuit the following morning, you can also fit in some exploring around town. We walked around before heading to Machu Picchu and again afterwards, checking out different stores, the market and restaurants.

You won't have time to do absolutely everything, but you can experience the town beyond just arriving, sleeping and leaving.

Two nights in Aguas Calientes

I'd consider two nights if you want a slower pace or plan to do more than visit Machu Picchu.

An extra night gives you more flexibility to enjoy the thermal baths, go hiking, explore nearby natural attractions or spend longer wandering around town without watching the clock.

It's also a good option if your train schedule doesn't allow enough time for the activities you want to do.

My advice: If you're mainly visiting Machu Picchu and want a little time to explore Aguas Calientes, one night can work very well. If hiking, the hot springs and a more relaxed experience are high on your list, two nights may be worth it.

Can you visit Machu Picchu as a day trip?

Yes, but it can make for a long day, especially if you're travelling from Cusco. You'll need to coordinate your transport to the train station, train journey, bus or hike to Machu Picchu, entrance time and return connections.

I'd prefer staying overnight if your itinerary allows it. You get to enjoy the experience without squeezing everything into one day.

Our 1-Night Itinerary in Aguas Calientes

We spent one night in Aguas Calientes, and honestly, it worked out perfectly for our family. We had enough time to visit Machu Picchu twice, explore the town, browse the shops and market, and enjoy a nice dinner without feeling like we had to rush through everything.

Here’s how we planned it.

Day 1: Train from Ollantaytambo and Our First Visit to Machu Picchu

Our train from Ollantaytambo was at 8:45 AM, so we arrived in Aguas Calientes early in the morning. This gave us time to walk around town before heading up to Machu Picchu.

We explored a little, took in the atmosphere and enjoyed having some time before our afternoon visit. Our Machu Picchu entry time was 3:00 PM, so we had to plan the rest of our day around catching the bus.

Taking the bus to Machu Picchu

If you're taking the bus, don't leave it until the last minute. We recommend getting in line around 1 to 1.5 hours before your entry time, especially if you're visiting during a busy period. Queues can vary, and you'll want to leave enough time for the bus ride and the walk to the entrance.

The bus station is on Avenida Hermanos Ayar in Aguas Calientes, near the train station and before Puente Ruinas.

You can buy bus tickets online through the official Consettur ticket website or in person at the Consettur ticket office in Aguas Calientes on Avenida Hermanos Ayar, near Puente Ruinas.

Remember that the bus ticket is separate from your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. You need both if you're planning to take the bus up to the archaeological site.

We spent the afternoon at Machu Picchu, staying until the site closed at approximately 5:30 PM. Standard visits are generally planned around 2 to 2.5 hours, although the time available depends on your ticket and route. Check the official Machu Picchu visiting hours before your trip, as entry times and visiting rules can change.

After returning to Aguas Calientes, we still had time to explore the town. We walked around, looked in different shops, visited the market and checked out the restaurants. We finished the day with dinner before heading back to our hotel for the night.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Sign

Day 2: Another Visit to Machu Picchu and Our Train Back

The next morning, we had another Machu Picchu entry time, this time at 11:00 AM.

This second visit gave us the chance to experience a different circuit and see more of the site. We didn't have to squeeze everything into one visit, and that was one of the reasons I was happy we planned it this way.

After our visit, we returned to Aguas Calientes and caught our train back to Ollantaytambo at 4:13 PM (16:13). From there, we continued to Cusco by taxi.

As you can see, we managed to fit in two visits to Machu Picchu and still had time to explore Aguas Calientes. We didn't spend two full days in town, but we also didn't feel that we missed out on everything beyond the ruins.

Is One Night in Aguas Calientes Enough?

For us, one night was enough. We arrived early, explored the town before our first visit, spent the afternoon at Machu Picchu, enjoyed the shops, market and restaurants that evening, and returned to Machu Picchu the next morning.

The key is planning your train times and Machu Picchu entry slots carefully. You also need to allow enough time for the bus queues and travel between the town and the entrance.

I'd recommend staying two nights if you want a slower pace, visit the thermal baths, go hiking or spend more time exploring the surrounding area without watching the clock.

But if your main goal is to visit Machu Picchu and get a taste of Aguas Calientes, one night can work really well. You don't necessarily need to stay longer just because you're visiting one of Peru's most famous places.

Of course, check your train schedule and the current entry rules before booking, because your available time will depend on the tickets you can get.

Where We Stayed in Aguas Calientes

We stayed at 1911 Hotel, and we loved it for our one-night visit.

The location was one of the biggest advantages. It was conveniently close to the train station, the bus area for Machu Picchu and the local market. When you're arriving with luggage and have an early start the next morning, being close to everything makes life much easier.

We also found it to be a great price, which is always a bonus when you're travelling as a family and trying to keep your overall Peru travel budget under control.

Since we were spending most of our time exploring rather than staying in the hotel, we wanted somewhere practical, comfortable and conveniently located.

For our itinerary, it worked really well.

If you're looking for a reasonably priced hotel in Aguas Calientes for a short stay before visiting Machu Picchu, it's worth checking out.

Check the hotel: 1911 Hotel, Aguas Calientes

You can also browse my Expedia travel shop when planning your trip.

Hotel prices and availability vary by travel date, so compare your options before booking.

What to Do in Aguas Calientes Besides Machu Picchu

If you decide to spend two nights in Aguas Calientes, you'll have more time to enjoy the town instead of treating it as just a place to sleep before your Machu Picchu visit.

Here are a few things worth adding to your itinerary.

1. Walk Around the Town Centre

Aguas Calientes is small, lively and surrounded by incredible mountain scenery.

Take some time to walk around the centre, explore the streets, look at the shops and enjoy the atmosphere. You'll see travellers arriving and leaving, restaurants preparing for the next wave of visitors, and people getting organized for their Machu Picchu adventures.

And of course, take a photo by the Aguas Calientes town sign!

It's one of those little travel moments that might not seem important when planning your itinerary, but you'll be glad you stopped for the photo.

2. Browse the Local Market

The local market is a good place to browse souvenirs, textiles, handicrafts and Peruvian products.

Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's worth walking through and seeing what's available. You might find something to bring home or a little souvenir to remember your trip.

Because the town is so compact, it's easy to fit in a visit without dedicating an entire day to it.

3. Eat at the Little Restaurants and Cafés

One thing I enjoyed about Aguas Calientes was discovering its little restaurants.

After spending hours exploring Machu Picchu, sitting down for a good meal is exactly what you need. There are plenty of places to eat around town, from casual cafés to restaurants with more elaborate menus.

One restaurant we particularly enjoyed was Restaurante Bistro Bar Indio Feliz.

The food was amazing, but the decor was what really made the experience memorable. The interior is colourful, quirky and full of interesting details, giving the restaurant a personality of its own.

It's not just somewhere to stop for dinner. It's a place where you want to look around, take in the decor and enjoy the experience while eating.

If you enjoy discovering restaurants with character rather than choosing the first place you see, I'd definitely add Indio Feliz to your list.

Restaurant details: Restaurante Bistro Bar Indio Feliz on Google Maps

Restaurante Bistro Bar Indio Feliz Aguas Calientes

4. Visit the Aguas Calientes Thermal Baths

If you're staying an extra night, consider visiting the thermal baths, also known as the Aguas Calientes hot springs.

After walking around Machu Picchu, soaking in warm water can be a relaxing way to spend some time.

Bring your swimsuit, towel and sandals, and check the current opening hours, entrance fees and conditions before visiting.

This is one of the activities I'd consider if I had more time in town. If your only goal is Machu Picchu, though, you don't need to add the thermal baths just to fill your schedule.

5. Explore the Surrounding Nature and Hiking Trails

Aguas Calientes is surrounded by lush mountains, making it an interesting base for people who enjoy being outdoors.

If hiking is your thing, staying an extra night gives you more flexibility to explore trails and nearby natural attractions without worrying about rushing back for a train.

Choose routes that match your fitness level, check local conditions and allow enough time to return safely. Some longer hikes require more planning than a casual walk around town.

For travellers who love nature and want to see more than the main archaeological site, an additional night may be worthwhile.

6. Dog Lovers, You'll Feel Right at Home!

And now for one of my favourite little observations about Aguas Calientes: the dogs!

If you love dogs, you'll probably notice them everywhere as you walk around town. There was something lovely about seeing dogs around the streets while people went about their day.

It's one of those unexpected things that makes a place memorable. You travel to Peru to see one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, but sometimes it's the small everyday details that make you smile.

Just remember to admire unfamiliar dogs respectfully and avoid approaching or feeding them without knowing whether it's safe.

Aguas Calientes Dogs

Is It Worth Visiting Machu Picchu Twice?

For us, absolutely.

We chose Circuit 1-B for the panoramic experience and Circuit 2-A for a different perspective on the archaeological site. Having two visits meant we didn't have to treat Machu Picchu as a quick photo stop.

However, visiting twice means paying for two entrance tickets, so it's worth considering your budget and how much time you have available.

If you're short on time or want to keep costs down, one carefully chosen circuit can still be a wonderful experience. If you want both the classic panoramic viewpoint and a route through more of the archaeological site, two circuits may be worth considering.

Remember that circuits and entry times are subject to availability. Check the official ticket information before booking and confirm that your chosen routes provide the experience you're looking for.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Aguas Calientes Stay

Before you book your trip, here are a few things I'd keep in mind.

Book your Machu Picchu tickets in advance. Popular circuits and entry times can sell out, especially during busy periods. We booked ours 4 months in advance!

Coordinate your train tickets and entrance times. Make sure you have enough time to arrive, check in, travel to Machu Picchu and return to the train station.

Choose your hotel location carefully. If you're staying for only one night, being close to the train station and the bus departure area can make your trip easier.

Pack light for your overnight stay. If your accommodation in the Sacred Valley or Cusco can safely store your larger luggage, consider bringing only what you need for Aguas Calientes.

Bring comfortable walking shoes. You'll be walking around the archaeological site and the town, so comfort matters.

Check the current rules before your visit. Circuit access, ticket availability, bus arrangements and site regulations can change, so verify the details for your travel dates.

Allow time for the journey back to Cusco. If you're taking a train to Ollantaytambo and then a taxi to Cusco, remember that you still have another leg of the journey after leaving Aguas Calientes.

Final Thoughts: One Night or Two Nights in Aguas Calientes?

For our family, one night in Aguas Calientes was enough because our main goal was to visit Machu Picchu.

We arrived from Ollantaytambo on an early train, checked into our hotel, visited Circuit 1-B that afternoon, returned for Circuit 2-A the next morning and took a late-afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo before continuing to Cusco.

It was a practical way to experience two different circuits without adding another hotel night to our itinerary.

But if you enjoy hiking, want to visit the thermal baths, spend more time in the market, discover the little restaurants or simply slow down and enjoy the town, I'd consider staying two nights.

Aguas Calientes may be small, but it's an interesting place in its own right. And if you're a dog lover, you'll have another reason to smile while exploring its streets!

My advice? Decide what matters most to you, plan your Machu Picchu tickets and transport together, and choose the number of nights that fits your trip.

Happy travels!

Peru Rail Train Going Through Aguas Calientes

More Peru Travel Guides

Planning your own Peru adventure? Check out my other guides from our family trip:

And if you're planning your Machu Picchu visit, look out for my upcoming separate guide to visiting Machu Picchu twice: our experience with Circuits 1-B and 2-A.

Travel Essentials for Machu Picchu

Before heading to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, make sure you're prepared for changing weather and a lot of walking. I recommend bringing a comfortable daypack, a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, lip balm, and a portable power bank for your phone and camera. Don't forget your passport, entrance tickets, and train tickets! You can check out my Amazon Hiking Essentials to get ready for your Peru adventure.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Popular Posts

Best Places to See Fall Colors in Upstate New York: Waterfalls, Scenic Bridges & Beautiful Views

Image
There is something about fall that makes me want to get in the car, go somewhere new, and enjoy the beautiful colours of the season. And if there is one thing Upstate New York does really well in autumn, it is combining colourful forests with dramatic waterfalls, deep gorges, and scenic bridges. Last fall, we took a road trip from the Toronto area and visited two beautiful state parks: Letchworth State Park and Watkins Glen State Park. And honestly, it was such a beautiful way to experience autumn! From waterfalls surrounded by colourful trees to stone bridges tucked inside rocky gorges, these parks offer so many incredible views.  If you love nature, photography, scenic walks, and finding those places that make you stop and say, “Wow, look at this!”, you will want to add these destinations to your fall bucket list. In this guide, I’m sharing the places we visited, along with a few more New York state parks worth adding to your itinerary if you want to see more waterfalls, bridges,...
Read more

The Perfect Peru Itinerary: 15 Days in Peru from the Andes to the Amazon

Image
Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Paracas, Huacachina, and the Amazon — our complete 15-day Peru itinerary Peru had been on my travel list for years, and when we finally planned our trip, I knew I didn't want to visit Machu Picchu and call it a day. I wanted mountains, ancient ruins, colorful markets, desert landscapes, wildlife, and the Amazon — and I wanted to experience it all as a family. So we planned a 15-day adventure that took us from the high Andes to the Pacific coast and deep into the Amazon rainforest. Along the way, we discovered just how much this incredible country has to offer. If you're planning your first trip to Peru and want to experience more than the typical Lima–Cusco–Machu Picchu route, this 15-day Peru itinerary will show you how to combine the country's most iconic sights with unforgettable adventures beyond the usual tourist trail. Start Planning Your Peru Trip Looking for flights and hotels for your Peru adventure? You can search and compar...
Read more

Cusco Altitude: What It Actually Felt Like for Our Family

Image
If you're planning a trip to Cusco, there's one thing you probably can't stop thinking about: the altitude. At around 3,400 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level, Cusco is high enough that even simple activities like walking uphill can feel surprisingly difficult. But reading about altitude sickness and experiencing the effects of high altitude yourself are two very different things. We visited Cusco as a family of three — two adults and our 15-year-old — and I quickly realized that knowing what to expect is one thing, but figuring out how your body will actually react is another. Here's what the altitude felt like for us, how it affected our first few days, and what helped us adjust during our time in Cusco. Planning a trip to Peru? I put together our complete 16-day Peru itinerary, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Paracas, Huacachina and the Amazon. Read our full Peru itinerary → Arriving in Cusco: "Why is breathing so hard?" We arrived in Cu...
Read more

10 Best Day Trips from Toronto: Charming Towns, Beautiful Streets & Hidden Gems in Ontario

Image
Sometimes you don't need to plan a big vacation, book flights or spend hours packing suitcases to discover somewhere beautiful. Sometimes, all you need is a full tank of gas, a free weekend and a little curiosity. Ontario has so many wonderful places worth exploring, from historic small towns and picturesque downtown streets to waterfront parks, beautiful bridges, waterfalls and unexpected attractions. Over the years, I've discovered that some of the nicest places to visit aren't necessarily the ones everyone talks about. Some have adorable downtowns, others have fascinating history, and a few have attractions you probably wouldn't expect to find just a short drive from Toronto. In this guide, I'm sharing 10 places in Ontario that are worth adding to your day-trip bucket list. I've included a little bit of everything: charming villages, bigger towns, historic cities, scenic walking trails, interesting museums and even a few unusual attractions. Whether you enjoy...
Read more

Cusco, Peru: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to the Inca Capital

Image
Cusco is so much more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu. With its colorful streets, fascinating Inca history, lively markets, rooftop restaurants, and breathtaking Andean surroundings, it's a city that deserves more than a quick stop on your Peru itinerary. But there's one thing you need to know before you arrive: Cusco is HIGH. At around 3,400 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level, the altitude can literally take your breath away, so it's worth planning for before your trip. We explored Cusco during our family trip to Peru, and it quickly became one of those places where I wished we'd given ourselves more time. Between the incredible Inca stonework, narrow cobblestone streets, artisan shops, local food, and archaeological sites nearby, there's so much more to discover than you might expect. If you're visiting Cusco for the first time, this guide covers what you need to know before you go, from the city's fascinating history and must-see sights to altitud...
Read more

Driving in Peru: What You Need to Know Before Renting a Car

Image
Driving in Peru was one of the parts of our trip I was most nervous about — and for good reason. Before our visit, I had read plenty of stories about chaotic traffic, aggressive drivers, police stops, and challenging roads. I wondered whether renting a car would give us more freedom or simply add unnecessary stress to our trip. After driving from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina before returning to Lima Airport, I learned that driving in Peru is absolutely doable, especially if you're an experienced driver. But it's not always easy, and you need to be prepared for a very different driving style. This road trip was just one part of our larger 16-day Peru itinerary, which also took us to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon. If you're considering renting a car in Peru, here's what I wish I had known before getting behind the wheel, from what driving is really like to the practical tips that can make your trip less stressful. Renting a Car in Peru We ...
Read more

The Best Way to Get to Ollantaytambo and See the Sacred Valley

Image
Visiting Machu Picchu? Here's how to get to Ollantaytambo without the guesswork . If you're planning a trip to Machu Picchu, there's a good chance you'll need to get to Ollantaytambo first. It's one of the main departure points for trains to Machu Picchu, but getting there from Cusco doesn't have to be just a transfer from one place to another. What if you could explore the Sacred Valley along the way, instead of spending a day sightseeing and then having to backtrack to Cusco? That's exactly what we did, and it turned out to be one of the smartest decisions we made during our Peru trip. There are several ways to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, including private drivers, public transportation, and organized tours. The best option depends on your budget, schedule, and how much of the Sacred Valley you want to see. Here's a breakdown of your options, including the one we chose and why I'd recommend it if you want to make the most of your time in Peru....
Read more

Why Peru Is One of the Hardest Countries to Plan a Trip To

Image
When I first started planning our trip to Peru, I looked at the map and thought: “Okay… Peru. How hard can this be?” Famous last words. 😂 Peru looks surprisingly manageable on a map, but once you actually start planning a trip, you quickly realize that this country is huge, incredibly diverse, and not always easy to get around. You can go from the Pacific coast to the Andes, from the Andes to the Amazon rainforest, and from desert dunes to ancient Inca cities — all within the same country. Sounds amazing, right? It is. Planning it? That's a completely different story. Peru looks small… until you start connecting the dots One of the first things I learned while planning was that distances on the map don't tell the whole story. Peru's geography is complicated because the Andes run right through the country, creating enormous changes in elevation and terrain. You have the Pacific coast, massive mountains, canyons, high-altitude valleys, desert, and the Amazon rainforest. And ...
Read more

How to Save Money on Hotel Bookings: My Best Tips for Finding Cheaper Hotels

Image
Hotels can take a huge chunk out of your travel budget. And when you're planning a family vacation, those accommodation costs add up pretty quickly! I love travelling, but I also love finding a good deal. I'd much rather save a couple of hundred dollars on a hotel and spend that money exploring a destination, trying local food, or doing something memorable with my family. Over the years, I've developed a few habits that help me save money on hotels. I compare prices, book in advance, keep checking my reservations, and take advantage of discounts whenever I can. And while I always compare my options, I keep coming back to one booking platform: Expedia . I've personally found that Expedia often offers competitive hotel rates. I also like the convenience of comparing different accommodation options, earning rewards on eligible bookings, and getting additional benefits at selected hotels. So, if you're planning your next vacation and want to spend less on accommodation ...
Read more