“Machu Picchu Pueblo”, the town below the Inca city of Machu Picchu, is known worldwide as “Aguas Calientes” and it is because less than a kilometer from the town, you can find “hot spring baths”; well, they are actually thermo-medicinal waters, surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains.
Where are the Hot Springs of Aguas Calientes?
The town of Machu Picchu or better known as Aguas Calientes does not have many vehicles, the vehicles are ecological buses that are to transport people to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, if you want to go to Termas de Aguas Calientes can be done walking. In order to get to the Hot Springs of Aguas Calientes, you have to follow the Bajada river that runs through the middle of the town, from the main square of the town the walk takes about 15 minutes.
Where do the Machu Picchu Hot Springs come from?
These hot springs come from a natural spring of volcanic origin and it is possible that they had the end they have now, since the time of the Incas. It emerges from underground channels and sprouts up the rocks at high temperatures; these are taken to the small pools (you cannot swim in them); The water in the pools is opaque yellow, giving the impression of being dirty, but it is the color that gives sulfur. The temperatures of Machu Picchu hot springs range between 38º C and 46º C. There are also crystalline hot springs located in another sector called Cocalmayo.
Benefits of Machu Picchu hot springs
The chemical composition of the water and its temperature give it healing properties, and it is one of the reasons that people from all over the world, take time on their trip to Machu Picchu to “relax and heal”, in these waters with benefits medicinal products proven in diseases of the bones, joints and skin; But there are more benefits:
- It improves metabolism and aids digestion
- Help release toxins
- It’s very relaxing
- Help level blood pressure
- Increase skin oxygenation
- It is recommended as part of medical treatments and physical therapies
Visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes on your trip to Machu Picchu
The hot springs of Machu Picchu are a perfect end to your view of Machu Picchu, especially if you toured the Huayna Picchu mountain or one of the fabulous short walks of Machu Picchu. We do not mention the people who travel the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu because they will surely do it.
When to visit the thermal baths of Machu Picchu?
Most people visit the hot springs after their tour of the Inca city of Machu Picchu; However, many people stay for days only by the hot springs. The rainy season in Machu Picchu also has its own; The thermal baths of Machu Picchu are outdoors and it is a real experience to be inside the hot pools, while a torrential rain falls, sometimes accompanied by a radiant sun, on you, try it.
Basic information for your visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes
Infrastructure of the thermal baths
The hot springs are composed of five small pools, the infrastructure is basic and useful; It has dressing rooms, showers (cold water), toilets and a coffee bar where you can order Pisco Souer, a delicious cocktail based on “pisco” (Peruvian national drink); We recommend measuring yourself with pisco, if you have your visit to Machu Picchu the next day, pisco is delicious and quite addictive.
Office Hours
The thermal baths of Machu Picchu are open from Monday to Sunday from 05 a.m. at 08 p.m .; Sundays are the busiest days. The hot springs are very comforting, there are also many activities to do in the town of Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes.
What to wear?
You will need to bring bathroom implements with you: swimsuit (swimsuit), towel, sandals and personal cleaning items (shamphoo, soap, conditioner); If you did not bring your bathing suit to enter the hot springs, you can rent it on site for a small fee.
