Located in the Urubamba River Valley, Aguas Calientes is a city with thermal baths and gateway to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. It is also home to the famous Mandor Gardens, a garden of orchids. The town has a thriving center with a Mercado Artesanal, a central market.

Machu Picchu

Located in the Andes Mountains in Peru, Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel built in the 15th century. Today, the city is renowned for its dry-stone walls, complex astronomical alignments, and sophisticated buildings.

Tickets to visit Machu Picchu are sold in Aguas Calientes or Cusco. During the high season, tickets sell out fast, so it is best to purchase them as far in advance as possible. You can also buy them online.

If you are short on time, you can still reach Machu Picchu via the train. The trip from Cusco takes about four hours. You should arrive at the Poroy station at least 30 minutes before your train departs. The ticket is US$12 for adults and US$7 for children.

The train ride is a popular way to get to Machu Picchu. The ticket can be purchased from the station, but you can also buy them online.

Mandor Gardens

Located near the town of Aguas Calientes, Mandor Gardens are a beautiful botanical garden. They are a great way to get to know the flora and fauna of the Machu Picchu region.

The main attraction of the Mandor gardens is the 30-meter waterfall. It is one of the most scenic landscapes in Aguas Calientes. The path that leads to the falls takes you through an ecological reserve. It is a short walk of just over a mile.

Located in Aguas Calientes, this is a privately run ecological conservation project. It opened its doors to the public in the 1990s. It offers total immersion into the natural scenery. You can hike through the valley, enjoy a picnic, and watch the waterfalls. The garden is also home to several different species of birds and butterflies.

Hot springs

Whether you want to relax after a long trek or just enjoy a relaxing bath, the hot springs in Aguas Calientes are an excellent option. Located in a lush green mountain range, the springs are surrounded by large vegetation. They are an easy walk from the center of town.

The hot springs in Aguas Calientes have five different pools of varying temperatures. There are also bathrooms and changing rooms. There is an entrance fee of 10 soles for foreign visitors and 2 dollars for locals. The entrance fee includes a locker rental.

The best time to visit the hot springs in Aguas calientes is in the morning. The water is generally murky yellow. The temperature varies from 38oC to 46oC. It is recommended to shower before entering the pools.

Bird watching

Among the world's top ten birding locations, Peru is an ideal destination for bird lovers. It offers diverse habitats, ranging from temperate to subtropical. There are more than 800 species of birds, including some endemics. The best time to go bird watching in Peru is in September.

The western slopes of the Andes are home to many endemic birds. These include the mighty woodpecker, the sickle-winged guan, and the Bay-vented Cotinga. The Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and the Golden-headed Quetzal are also found in the park.

The south zone of Peru has over 1,000 species of birds. There are over fifty endemics that are only found in this region. The best places to see these birds are the Carpish Tunnel, the Puna Tinamou, and the Unchog Forest.

Trains

Getting to Machu Picchu by train is the most popular way to get there. The train ride offers beautiful views of the Sacred Valley, as well as unique Andean flora and fauna.

The train travels along the Urubamba River and through the Andes. It is also a great chance to buy local souvenirs. This train is a good option for budget travelers.

The trip takes about two and a half hours. During the journey, passengers are offered live music, Peruvian food, and a variety of products. The train also offers panoramic windows for a view of the Sacred Valley.

There are several companies offering train service to Machu Picchu. The most luxurious trains are run by Peru Rail. It includes an open bar, observatory car, and a welcome show.

Located below the ruins of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes is a small tourist town. It is surrounded by mountain ranges and rivers. It is home to a variety of restaurants and hotels. The town also offers several activities and excursions.

One of the popular attractions in Aguas Calientes is the Mandor waterfalls. These waterfalls are located only a short walk from the town. The falls are home to several species of wild animals and birds.

Another popular attraction is the butterfly farm. It is also home to many other birds and insects. There are a number of hotels in Aguas Calientes, but the quality/price ratio is not the best.

There are several day trips from Aguas Calientes. Some of these include hiking Huayna Picchu. This mountain rises up to eight hundred and ninety-two feet and towers over the ruins of Machu Picchu. It is a two-hour hike. You can also visit the temple of the Sun, a site where Incan solstice records were made.

Aguas Calientes is also home to Putucusi mountain. The mountain is also home to a number of other attractions. You can also relax in the hot springs in the area.

If you want to see other parts of the Peruvian Andes, you can take a three-day trek. You can start your trek from the town of Mollepata, which is located in the 4,900-meter high mountains. You will then head through subtropical forests and altitudinous camping grounds. You will cross the Pachacutec pass.