A Perfect Day in Aguas Calientes: What to Do Before and After Machu Picchu

When people think about Machu Picchu, they often imagine only the visit to the ancient citadel. However, Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is much more than a stopover—it is the ideal place to rest, slow down, and enjoy meaningful experiences before and after visiting the sanctuary.

With the right planning, you can enjoy a perfect day in Aguas Calientes, combining nature, culture, wellness, and gastronomy in a truly memorable way.

A peaceful morning: waking up by the Vilcanota River

Starting your day in Aguas Calientes feels different. The sound of the Vilcanota River, the morning mist, and the lush green mountains of the cloud forest create a calm and grounding atmosphere—perfect for preparing yourself mentally and physically for Machu Picchu.

What to do in the morning:

Enjoy breakfast without rushing
Take a gentle walk through town
Visit the local artisan market
Have a coffee while observing daily life

This moment is ideal for slowing down, especially if you are arriving from Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Before Machu Picchu: easy exploration and acclimatization

Aguas Calientes is compact and walkable, making it an excellent place to acclimatize before heading up to Machu Picchu.

Recommended activities:

Stroll through the main streets and artisan shops
Visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum to better understand the historical and archaeological context of the sanctuary
Purchase handmade souvenirs created by local artisans

These activities require little physical effort and beautifully complement the archaeological experience.

The highlight of the day: visiting Machu Picchu

Although the visit to Machu Picchu usually takes only half a day, the experience is intense and deeply emotional. Arriving well-rested and without stress makes a noticeable difference.

After exploring temples, terraces, and panoramic viewpoints, returning to Aguas Calientes feels like coming back to a peaceful natural refuge.

After Machu Picchu: time to relax body and mind

After the walk and the emotional intensity of Machu Picchu, your body naturally asks for rest.

Ideal afternoon options:

Relax at the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
Enjoy a massage or wellness treatment
Read, nap, or simply listen to the river

This is a key moment to slow down and fully absorb everything you’ve experienced at Machu Picchu.

Evening in Aguas Calientes: gastronomy and rest

In the evening, Aguas Calientes offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Local restaurants blend Andean, Amazonian, and international flavors perfect for ending the day on a relaxed note.

A calm dinner and a good night’s sleep are the perfect conclusion to an emotionally rich day.

Casa del Sol Machu Picchu: the perfect ending to your day

Located along the banks of the Vilcanota River, Casa del Sol Machu Picchu is the ideal place to experience this perfect day. Its natural surroundings, boutique atmosphere, and personalized service allow the journey to continue beyond the visit to Machu Picchu.

Here, travel is unhurried, focused on comfort, well-being, and a deep connection with nature.

Aguas Calientes is not just the gateway to Machu Picchu; it is an essential part of the journey. Spending time here before and after your visit transforms the experience into something richer, calmer, and more meaningful.

Planning a perfect day in Aguas Calientes is the key to experiencing Machu Picchu with depth, balance, and serenity.

Wonderful stay

The hotel is beautiful, elegant, and decorated very tastefully. The atmosphere very nice. Very comfortable, spacious room with terrace, jacuzzi, and river view !!Spectacular! The shower a delight. All the staff is very friendly and helpful. Congratulations on having such dedicated and cordial staff. The dinners were delicious, very thoughtful, and original dishes. Our stay at the hotel was memorable.

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1/5

Excellent

We stayed one night there and really the service has been exceptional. I have nothing but good words for the establishment. We stayed in a suite which was excellent! It had a jacuzzi. Breakfast very good. The staff is always attentive. And the restaurant is a luxury. We took the 4-step menu and it has been spectacular. I would definitely go back and recommend it.

Lola L

2/5

Beautiful hotel and wonderful breakfast!

We enjoyed our stay here while visiting Machu Picchu. The hotel was very clean, the staff very friendly and polite, and the breakfast was amazing! Seriously, the breakfast was really a beautiful spread of so many options. It is in a nice location and easy to explore from there.

Overall a really nice and would recommend it!

Martin

3/5

Unforgettable

I went to Machupicchu with family and stayed at the Casa Del Sol hotel again. The hotel is just beautiful. There have been renovations since I was last there, the dining room is beautiful and crisp! An absolute delight to dine in. But the best part of the hotel is the people. The staff really goes above and beyond to make sure we have every need attended to! The staff welcomed us back like old friends, and even helped us celebrate my mother's birthday with a bottle of wine! We stayed for 2 nights, but we could have stayed longer just to enjoy the rooms and the spa.

Chrissy

4/5

Beautiful Hotel in Aguascalientes

I loved staying at the hotel so much! As soon as we got off our bus we were greeted by very friendly staff and walked less than 100 meters to the hotel. Their food is amazing and staying in this hotel is so relaxing, especially after a day spent in Machu Picchu. Every single one of the staff is so friendly and makes sure you are as comfortable and happy as you can be. I especially loved how the hotel was just next to the river and the beautiful rooms they provided. I hope I can go back someday!

Mikenzie T

5/5