The thermal baths of Machu Picchu are a must-visit if you come to explore this historic town. Located less than a kilometer away, the site resembles a thermal-medicinal oasis surrounded by mountains, ideal for relaxation after immersing yourself in the wonders of the Inca marvel.
Therefore, let's delve a bit deeper into what they are, their characteristics, their origins, and how to reach the Aguas Termales thermal baths.
These are thermal waters fed by volcanic springs, possibly utilized since the time of the Incas, emerging from underground channels. These waters maintain a temperature between 38° C and 46° C and offer medicinal properties thanks to sulfur and other minerals.
The thermal baths of Aguas Calientes are distinctive due to their sulfur component, giving the water a yellowish and opaque hue, revealing its therapeutic richness.
The entrance fee to the Machu Picchu thermal baths is 5 soles for local tourists, 10 soles for national tourists, and 20 soles for foreign tourists.
Due to the abundance of minerals, these waters possess therapeutic and healing properties that provide relief to tired muscles and various joint pains. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals suffering from joint ailments to visit these medicinal waters.
The thermal waters contain minerals such as silicon, magnesium, calcium, iron, sulfur, and potassium.
The thermal waters of Aguas Calientes originate from an underground spring, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 40°C, making it a natural and medicinal gem. These waters are distributed across several pools where visitors can relax and enjoy the water and the surrounding natural environment.
To reach Aguas Calientes from Cusco, you can travel by either car or train. Here's more information on these two options:
From Cusco, take a car to Ollantaytambo, following the Sacred Valley route. Once in Ollantaytambo, head to the Ollantaytambo train station (remember to purchase your train ticket beforehand). This mode of transportation will take you to the Aguas Calientes station. From there, you can walk to the thermal baths. The town is quite small, so you shouldn't have trouble finding your way around.
There are two ways to take the train: the first option is to go to the Ollantaytambo train station and catch a train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). There are only two operating companies, PeruRail and InkaRail, both of which will take you to the town.
The second option is to depart directly from the Poroy train station, located on the outskirts of Cusco. This train will also take you to Aguas Calientes.
While traveling independently has its advantages, allowing you more time to explore perhaps the town of Ollantaytambo or Machu Picchu, the safest and most reliable option is to travel with a travel agency.
Therefore, I recommend exploring this town with Illapa Culturas Andinas, which helps you acquire your train ticket, provides a private guide, accommodation, and offers insight into the history of this town and its tourist sites. Essentially, they organize your entire trip, leaving you to fully enjoy each place you visit.
