Aguas Calientes is the most touristy town in Peru and, paradoxically, one of the worst places to manage your money. The ATMs that do exist charge higher fees than in Cusco, the exchange rate for travelers arriving with dollars or euros is unfavorable, and several basic services such as the hot springs or the market stalls only accept cash in soles. The solution is simple but requires planning ahead: arrive in town with your cash already sorted out in Cusco.
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ATMs in Aguas Calientes
There is at least one ATM in town, located in Plaza Manco Cápac. The options are very limited compared with Cusco, where ATMs from several banks are spread throughout the historic center. The ATMs in Aguas Calientes belong to the Global Net network, which charges higher withdrawal fees than ATMs from banks such as BCP, BBVA, Scotiabank, or Interbank. During the high season, lines can be long, and sometimes the ATM runs out of cash before the day is over.
If you arrive in town and need emergency cash, the ATM in the main square av. Imperio de los inkas works for that, but it is not a reliable solution for the bulk of your travel budget. The smartest approach is to treat it as a last-resort backup, not as your main plan.
Why it is better to withdraw money in Cusco before leaving
Cusco has ATMs from several international banks in the historic center and along El Sol Avenue. Fees are lower, there are more locations available, and there is no risk of the ATM running out of cash. Withdrawing money in Cusco before taking the train to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes is the most practical decision you can make to manage your money well during your trip to Machu Picchu.
The amount you should withdraw depends on how many nights you will spend in town and what activities you plan to do. As a general reference, the hot springs cost 20 soles for foreign visitors, lunch at a mid-range restaurant costs between 30 and 50 soles, the handicraft market works almost entirely on cash, and tips for guides and porters, if you are coming from the Inca Trail or another trek, are also paid directly in cash. With 200 to 300 soles in small bills, you can comfortably cover the expenses of one day and one night in town without depending on any ATM.
Currency exchange in Aguas Calientes
The exchange houses in town offer noticeably worse exchange rates than those in Cusco. Some businesses accept dollars, but the exchange rate they apply at the time of payment is not favorable either. The general rule for the whole region is this: exchange your money before arriving in Aguas Calientes, preferably at authorized exchange houses on El Sol Avenue in Cusco or by using ATMs from recognized banks. Arriving in town with soles already in your pocket avoids any exchange negotiation and allows you to pay the fair price everywhere.
What accepts cards and what does not
Mid-range and upscale hotels in town accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards without any problem. Higher-end restaurants do as well. Some may apply an additional fee of between 3 and 5 percent for card payments, so it is worth asking before requesting the bill.
The stalls in the handicraft market work almost entirely on cash. The food stalls in the market do too. The hot springs must be paid in cash at the ticket booth. Street snack and drink stands also require cash. Anything that is local, informal, and low-cost generally requires cash in soles.
Peruvian travelers can use Yape or Plin in many businesses around town, including restaurants and shops. For foreign tourists, those digital wallets are not available, so cash remains the most universal form of payment in Aguas Calientes.
Small bills: the detail that matters most
Carrying soles in 10- and 20-sol bills is more useful than carrying 100- or 50-sol bills. Many market vendors and food stalls do not have change for large bills, and in practice that can mean not being able to buy something you want or having to wait while they look for change. Withdrawing money in Cusco and asking the ATM or exchange house to provide smaller bills is a precaution you will appreciate once you get to town.
Practical summary
Withdrawing cash in Cusco before leaving is the best decision. The ATM in Aguas Calientes’ main square exists, but it charges more and may fail. Currency exchange in town offers poor rates. Hotels and better restaurants accept cards, but possibly with an added fee. The market, the hot springs, and local food stalls are cash only. Carrying 10- and 20-sol bills makes every transaction easier throughout the day.
Peru Sites coordinates everything from Cusco
At Peru Sites, we include guidance on managing money in each destination along the route as part of the information we give our clients before departure. If you are unsure how much cash to bring based on the activities you plan to do in Aguas Calientes, write to us and we will give you an estimate tailored to your itinerary.
