All about the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes
Description
The thermal baths of the town of Aguas Calientes have three large pools and three other small pools. Temperatures vary from 38ºC. (100.4 ° F). up to 44ºC. (111.2 ° F). The establishment also has changing rooms, showers, clothes storage and bar service.
These thermal baths gave the name to the town of Aguas Calientes, which is also known as Machu Picchu town. The waters come from a natural spring of volcanic origin that is yellowish in color due to the presence of sulfur.
Where are they?
The thermal baths are located in the upper part of the town of Aguas Calientes following Hermanos Ayar avenue in a straight line, one of the main avenues in the town. This recreational center is only 10 kilometers from the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, so it is very visited by tourists, after visiting the Inca wonder.
The town of Aguas Calientes is located only 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu. All tourists who visit the Inca city must pass through this small town. There you will find hotels, bars, restaurants and all kinds of tourist services of varied quality. There you can also buy your train and bus tickets and tickets to Machupicchu. Its greatest attraction, in addition to the Inca wonder, are its thermal baths.
¿How to get??
To get to the thermal baths, you must first travel to the town of Aguas Calientes, located more than 73 kilometers from the city of Cusco. Once in the town, you must continue the ascent by the street 'Hermanos Ayar', which starts from the main square. Because there are no taxis in town, the only way to get there is by walking (distance of approximately 750 meters).
Mapa
Benefits of thermal baths
The hot waters of the thermal baths offer some advantages for the organism, such as:
- They relax muscles tired from walking.
- They increase the oxygen level in the skin.
- Helps metabolism during digestion.
- Releases toxins.
- Levels blood pressure.
How much?
The entrance to the thermal baths has the following cost:
- Foreigners: 20 Peruvian soles (6 US dollars, approximately).
- National: 10 Peruvian soles (3 US dollars, approximately).
- Cusqueños: 5 Peruvian soles (2 US dollars, approximately).
Hours of Operation
The thermal baths are open to visitors every day of the year from 5 in the morning until 8 at night.
When is a good time to go?
For most visitors, the dry season (from April to October) is the best time of year to visit the thermal baths. On those days the rains are not frequent so people can relax in the pools better. Although, there are some tourists who like thermal baths in the rainy season (from November to March). However, any day is a good time to relax in the thermal baths.
Most tourists visit the thermal baths at night, after touring the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. A good idea is to go in the early hours of the day (from 5 in the morning) when there are not many tourists and one can better enjoy the thermal baths.
Some Rules You Should Know
- Don't play, don't swim.
- Do not spit, do not urinate.
- Do not enter with injuries.
- Do not enter with polo.
Other attractions of Machupicchu town
In addition to Machu Picchu and the thermal baths, the town of Aguas Calientes offers other tourist alternatives to its visitors:
- Mandor Falls – In the midst of an area of abundant vegetation, the walk to the Mandor Falls is made, a 30-meter waterfall, ideal to relax a bit and observe the nature that surrounds Machu Picchu. It is a 40 minute walk from the town of Aguas Calientes. The cost of entry is 10 Peruvian soles per tourist (3 US dollars, approximately).
- Artisan Market – This famous market offers all kinds of handicrafts to the visitor, such as: alpaca clothes, musical instruments, silver and gold jewelry, masks, ceramics, paintings, polo shirts, ornaments and much more. The market is located a few steps from the main square. Inside the market is the train station to the city of Cusco.
- Putucusi Mountain – One of the three mountains that surround Machu Picchu is the Putucusi. This summit offers a difficult hiking route to its summit. From there you have a different view of the Inca city. Due to the difficulty of the route, not all people can reach the highest. This mountain is not a tourist route, so admission is free. The starting point is in the town of Aguas Calientes. The walk lasts approximately 2 hours.
- The Machu Picchu Site Museum – On the road that connects the town of Aguas Calientes with Machu Picchu is the famous Machu Picchu site museum, also called 'Manuel Chávez Ballón'. This museum exhibits Inca objects found in Machupicchu as well as photographs, panels and infographics about the excavation process and staging of the wonder of the world. The entrance has a cost of 22 Peruvian soles (7 US dollars, approximately).
Image gallery
Additional Information
The thermal baths are 200 meters from the ticket office or entry point. To get there, you must walk a slope on the path of which there are rock carvings with figures of the Andean culture. The town of Aguas Calientes also has this type of sculpture that adorns its streets.
To visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes you will need more than 1 day in your visit to Machu Picchu. It is best to spend at least two days in the town. Thus, you can visit the Inca wonder and, incidentally, the thermal baths with tranquility.
Some advices
Didn't you bring swimwear? At the door to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes there are small shops that rent and sell bathing suits for visitors. The costs are inexpensive but don't expect to get great quality garments. In any case, it is always advisable to bring your own swimwear.
Do you like thermal baths? One of the most beautiful is located a short distance from Machupicchu town. It is the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, located in the town of Santa Teresa (just 8 kilometers from Aguas Calientes). For many, it is the best thermal baths in the Cusco region.
When you visit the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes, do not forget to bring with you: bathing suits, towel, soap, shampoos, sandals, mosquito repellent and a little cash in case you want to buy a few beers or a Peruvian cocktail.