Aguas Calientes — the town at the base of Machu Picchu — gets its name from the thermal springs just above it. After a day of walking the citadel, soaking in them is a reasonable idea.
Locally called the Baños Termales, the pools are fed by natural hot springs rich in iron and sulfur. Temperatures range across four pools from around 38°C to 44°C, so you can pick your tolerance. The complex sits in a narrow valley at the end of a 10-minute walk up from the town center; the setting is more concrete than scenic but the water is the point.
They are especially welcome after the Inca Trail or the Huayna Picchu climb. The mineral content helps with sore muscles, and the altitude (about 2,000 m, lower than Cusco) means your body has an easier time recovering.
If you’re planning the trip, Peruways can bundle the tickets, train, and hotel so you aren’t solving three different booking sites. We also tell you when the pools are quietest — typically before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Pair a Machu Picchu visit with a soak in the Baños Termales for a lower-key second day. Peruways can arrange both.
