The Aguas Calientes station is the arrival point for the train and the gateway to Machu Picchu. It is located in the heart of the town of Aguas Calientes, also officially known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, at 2,040 meters above sea level and alongside the Urubamba River. This is the final stop before climbing up to the citadel, and knowing how this town works helps organize your day once the train arrives.
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Where is the Aguas Calientes Station?
The station is located in the center of the town, just a few steps from the main square and the commercial street, which hosts most of the restaurants, shops, and local agencies. Unlike Ollantaytambo or Poroy, no additional transportation is needed here to get around; everything is within walking distance. From the station to the bus stop that takes you up to Machu Picchu, it’s a 5 to 10-minute walk following the Urubamba River.
What to do upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes Station?
Upon disembarking from the train, the station can be busy, especially in the early morning hours when multiple trains arrive one after the other. The first thing to do is to calmly exit the station, orient yourself towards the main square, and head to the Consettur bus stop, which is the only authorized company for passenger transport between the town and the citadel entrance. The bus takes about 30 minutes up a winding mountain road and departs frequently every 10 to 15 minutes from the early hours of the day.
What is there in Aguas Calientes besides Machu Picchu?
Aguas Calientes is a small town but with enough amenities to spend a comfortable night before or after visiting the citadel. Its name comes from the natural hot springs located in the upper part of the town, about a 15-minute walk from the square, which are a great option to relax after returning from Machu Picchu. The craft market next to the station offers textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs at reasonable prices. The town has a variety of restaurants, from local food to international options along the main street by the river.
Is it worth staying in Aguas Calientes?
Staying overnight in Aguas Calientes has a clear advantage: it allows you to enter Machu Picchu on the first shift in the morning, when the light is best for photos, the temperature is cool, and the number of visitors is still low. It’s especially recommended for those planning to hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, as these circuits have very early entry times that are not compatible with a same-day round trip from Cusco. The town offers accommodation options for all budgets, from simple hostels to category hotels with views of the river.
Train Return from Aguas Calientes
The Aguas Calientes station is also the departure point for the return train to Ollantaytambo and Cusco. The last trains of the day depart between 6 PM and 9 PM depending on the operator and the season, so it is important to have your return ticket confirmed before heading up to Machu Picchu to avoid missing out on a seat. It is recommended to be at the station at least 30 minutes in advance, as ticket control and boarding take time, especially during peak demand hours.
Arrive in Aguas Calientes with Everything Coordinated
At Peru Sites, we manage the entire transfer from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, including land transportation to Ollantaytambo, round-trip train tickets, and, if preferred, accommodation in the town so you can enter Machu Picchu first thing the following morning. We coordinate every step so that when you step off the train in Aguas Calientes, all you have to do is enjoy.
