Things to Do in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Discover cultural activities, natural attractions and places to relax before or after visiting the Machu Picchu citadel.
In Machu Picchu Pueblo, you can visit the hot springs, explore the artisan market, discover the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum, visit the butterfly sanctuary, enjoy natural surroundings and sample the local cuisine.
You can enjoy these activities before or after visiting the citadel, depending on your available time and the times shown on your Machu Picchu admission ticket and train ticket.
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Altitude
2,430 masl -
Dry season temperatures
17°C - 19°C -
Rainy season temperatures
19°C - 21°C
Are Machu Picchu Pueblo and the Machu Picchu citadel the same place?
Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Train station
- Hotels and restaurants
- Artisan market
- Hot springs
- Museum and activities
Machu Picchu
Citadel
- Archaeological site
- Access from Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Admission ticket with a specific time and route
- Official visitor circuits
Choose What to Do in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Explore the destination’s main attractions and find the activities that best suit your available time, interests and travel style.
Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum
Discover the history of Machu Picchu
Explore archaeological artefacts, maps and interpretative resources about the Inca civilisation and the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu.
- Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours
- Category: Culture
- Admission: Check the current entry conditions
Machu Picchu Pueblo Main Square and Streets
Explore the destination on foot
Wander through the main square, cross the town’s bridges and discover the streets of Machu Picchu Pueblo, surrounded by mountains.
- Suggested time: 30 to 60 minutes
- Category: Walking tour
- Admission: Free
Botanical Garden
Discover the flora of the sanctuary
Explore a natural setting featuring representative plant species from the area and several varieties of orchids.
- Suggested time: 45 to 60 minutes
- Category: Nature
- Admission: Check current entry conditions
Butterfly Sanctuary
Discover the local biodiversity
Learn about the life cycle, breeding and conservation of the butterflies found around Machu Picchu.
- Suggested time: 45 to 60 minutes
- Category: Nature
- Admission: Ticket required
Hot Springs
Relax after your visit
Take a relaxing break in the thermal waters located in the upper area of Machu Picchu Pueblo.
- Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours
- Category: Wellness
- Admission: Ticket required
Artisan Market
Find a souvenir from your journey
Browse the artisan stalls located next to Machu Picchu train station.
- Suggested time: 30 to 60 minutes
- Category: Shopping
- Admission: Free
Local Cuisine
Take a break during your visit
Discover restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a meal before or after visiting the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours
- Category: Food and drink
- Admission: Subject to each establishment’s conditions
How Much Time Do You Have in Machu Picchu Pueblo?
Select the amount of time available and discover activities you can combine before or after visiting the Machu Picchu citadel.
Make the most of a short visit near the train station
If you only have a few hours in Machu Picchu Pueblo, the most convenient option is to explore central attractions that do not require lengthy transfers. This will allow you to enjoy the destination without worrying about arriving late at the station or at the departure point for the citadel.
Suggested itinerary
- Main square and surrounding streets: Begin with a walk through the town centre and discover the mountain setting, bridges and streets of Machu Picchu Pueblo.
- Chronicles in Stone Route: See the granite sculptures displayed across different public spaces as you explore the town.
- Artisan market: Finish near the train station with a visit to the market, where you can discover regional products and handicrafts.
Alternatively
If you prefer a culinary experience, replace one of the activities with coffee, breakfast or lunch near the train station.
Recommended for
- Travellers waiting for their return train
- Travellers arriving before hotel check-in
- Visitors with some free time before entering the citadel
- Travellers who prefer easy activities within walking distance
Travel time between attractions: Low
Activity level: Light
Advance booking: Usually not required
Choose a cultural, nature or wellness experience
With half a day available, you can combine the town centre with one main activity. To avoid unnecessary transfers, choose one of these three options based on your interests.
Cultural option
Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum + Botanical Garden: Learn about the historical and archaeological context of Machu Picchu at the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum and complement your visit with a walk through the botanical garden.
- Ideal for gaining a better understanding of the citadel
- Requires travelling from the town centre
- Both attractions are located in the same area
Travel time: Medium
Activity level: Moderate
Recommendation: Check opening times and current admission conditions.
Nature option
Butterfly sanctuary + walk through Machu Picchu Pueblo: Discover the biodiversity of the Historic Sanctuary at the butterfly sanctuary, then complete the experience with a walk around the main square, surrounding streets and artisan market.
- Recommended for families and nature enthusiasts
- Includes a walk beyond the town centre
- Can be combined with other attractions located towards Puente Ruinas
Travel time: Medium
Activity level: Moderate
Recommendation: Confirm the opening times before setting out.
Wellness option
Hot springs + local cuisine: Relax in the hot springs and complete your visit with a meal or a leisurely walk through the centre of Machu Picchu Pueblo.
- Ideal after visiting the citadel
- Recommended for travellers seeking a more relaxing experience
- Allow time to change clothes and travel between locations
Travel time: Medium
Activity level: Light
Recommendation: Bring swimwear and check the current admission conditions.
Recommended for
- Travellers arriving several hours before hotel check-in
- Travellers with an afternoon or evening return train
- Visitors who have already explored the citadel
- Travellers spending one night in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Combine the Citadel with Machu Picchu Pueblo
If you have a full day, you can visit the citadel and leave part of the day free to explore Machu Picchu Pueblo. The order of activities will mainly depend on the entry time shown on your admission ticket.
If You Visit the Citadel in the Morning
Morning
- Transfer from Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Visit the citadel according to the circuit and time shown on your admission ticket
- Return to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Midday
- Lunch and time to rest
Afternoon
Choose one main activity:
- Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum and Botanical Garden
- Butterfly sanctuary
- Hot springs
Before taking your train
- Visit the artisan market
- Return to the train station with plenty of time before departure
If You Visit the Citadel in the Afternoon
Morning
Choose an activity with a predictable duration:
- Main square and surrounding streets
- Artisan market
- Chronicles in Stone Route
- Breakfast or an early lunch
Afternoon
- Transfer to the citadel
- Visit according to the time and circuit shown on your admission ticket
After your visit
If you are staying in Machu Picchu Pueblo, enjoy a relaxed dinner or a short activity near your accommodation.
Important: Do not schedule the museum, butterfly sanctuary or hot springs before visiting the citadel if your available time is limited. Consider travel time, possible waiting times and the exact entry time shown on your ticket.
Recommended for
- Travellers wishing to combine the citadel with an additional activity
- Visitors with an early admission time to Machu Picchu
- Travellers taking a return train at the end of the day
- Visitors wishing to make the most of the day without changing accommodation
Activity level: Moderate to high
Planning required: High
Advance booking: Required for admission to the citadel and recommended for the train
Discover Machu Picchu Pueblo at a More Relaxed Pace
Spending one night in Machu Picchu Pueblo allows you to distribute your activities more comfortably and avoids having to fit your arrival, visit to the citadel and return journey into a single day. It also provides greater flexibility when choosing an admission time that suits your itinerary.
Day of Arrival
If You Arrive in the Morning
- Leave your luggage at your accommodation
- Visit the museum and botanical garden, or the butterfly sanctuary
- Return to the town centre for lunch
- Explore the main square and artisan market
- Finish the day at the hot springs or with a relaxed dinner
If You Arrive in the Afternoon
- Check in to your accommodation
- Explore the main square and surrounding streets
- Visit the artisan market
- Choose between the hot springs and a local dining experience
Day of Your Visit to the Citadel
- Set off in advance according to the admission time shown on your ticket
- Visit Machu Picchu following your selected circuit
- Return to Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Have lunch or rest before continuing your journey
- If time allows, enjoy a short activity near the train station
- Board your return train with plenty of time before departure
Recommended for
- Travellers who prefer a less demanding itinerary
- Families and groups travelling at different paces
- Visitors with early admission to the citadel
- Travellers wishing to explore Machu Picchu Pueblo as well as the archaeological site
- Visitors who prefer greater flexibility around transport times
Activity level: Adaptable
Planning required: Medium
Main advantage: Greater flexibility and a more relaxed experience
Find the Main Attractions in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Find each attraction on the map and organise your itinerary from the train station, your accommodation or the departure point for the citadel.
Before or After Visiting the Citadel
Before Visiting the Citadel
If you have time before the admission time shown on your ticket, choose nearby activities with a predictable duration:
- Main square
- Artisan market
- Chronicles in Stone Route
- Breakfast or coffee
After Visiting the Citadel
Choose an activity depending on your available time and energy level:
- Hot springs
- Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum
- Botanical garden
- Butterfly sanctuary
- Local cuisine
Practical Travel Tips
- Check your times: Your train, admission to the citadel and bus transfer follow different timetables.
- Allow sufficient time: Avoid scheduling an activity too close to your train’s departure time.
- Check the current conditions: Opening times and access conditions for certain attractions may change.
- Plan by location: Combine nearby attractions to make better use of your time.
- Prepare to walk: Wear comfortable footwear suitable for slopes and uneven paths.
- Consider the weather: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a lightweight waterproof jacket.
Explore Machu Picchu Pueblo at Your Own Pace
Choose the activities that best suit your itinerary and organise your visit around the times shown on your Machu Picchu admission ticket and train ticket.
Machu Picchu Tickets
Discover the available admission options and plan your visit to the citadel.
Trains to Machu Picchu
Compare PeruRail train services and choose the experience that best suits your journey.
How to Travel Independently
Organise every stage of your trip to Machu Picchu without using a travel agency.
FAQ
In Machu Picchu Pueblo, you can visit the hot springs, explore the artisan market, discover the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum, walk through the botanical garden, visit the butterfly sanctuary and follow the Chronicles in Stone Route. You can also explore the main square and enjoy the local cuisine.
Yes. Machu Picchu Pueblo is also known as Aguas Calientes. It is the town where the train station is located and the main gateway for travellers visiting the Machu Picchu citadel.
No. Machu Picchu Pueblo is the town located at the foot of the mountains. The Machu Picchu citadel is the archaeological site located higher in the mountains and requires an admission ticket with a specific date, time and route.
With two or three hours, you can explore the main square, artisan market and some of the central streets. With half a day, you can include the butterfly sanctuary, museum or hot springs. If you wish to combine several activities with a visit to the citadel, spending one night in Machu Picchu Pueblo may be more convenient.
Yes. Spending one night allows you to distribute your activities more comfortably, explore the town at a relaxed pace and organise your visit to the citadel around your train, bus and admission times.
The butterfly sanctuary, artisan market, main square and Chronicles in Stone Route are good family-friendly options. The museum and botanical garden also provide an educational experience, although it is important to consider the distance and walking time.
El mariposario, el mercado artesanal, la plaza y las Crónicas en Piedra son buenas alternativas para disfrutar en familia. El museo y el jardín botánico también ofrecen una experiencia educativa, aunque es importante considerar la distancia y el tiempo de caminata.