{"id":73435,"date":"2026-08-05T11:31:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T16:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/?p=73435"},"modified":"2026-08-06T22:23:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T03:23:00","slug":"things-to-do-in-aguas-calientes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/things-to-do-in-aguas-calientes\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Aguas Calientes: Machu Picchu Pueblo Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you’re wondering what to do in Aguas Calientes<\/strong>, the famous gateway to the Inca citadel, you’ve come to the right place. This small town, surrounded by mountains and cloud forest and officially known as Machu Picchu Pueblo<\/strong>, offers much more than just a stopover or a place to spend the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re staying overnight before visiting the Inca llaqta of Machu Picchu<\/strong> or you have a few free hours after your tour, you’ll find plenty of places to explore on your own. In this backpacker’s guide, we’ll show you the best local attractions<\/strong>, from relaxing hot springs and an on-site museum to walks through waterfalls, a butterfly house and trails surrounded by lush nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Visit the Manuel Ch\u00e1vez Ball\u00f3n Museum<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This museum is located at the foot of the mountain, right at the beginning of the pedestrian trail leading up to the Inca citadel. It is just a 15 to 20-minute walk from the centre of Aguas Calientes<\/strong> and, because of its location, it is often overlooked by most visitors, making it a peaceful and fascinating place to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The museum honours Dr Manuel Ch\u00e1vez Ball\u00f3n<\/strong>, a pioneer of Cusco archaeology who dedicated more than 30 years to researching the area<\/strong>. Inside its exhibition rooms, you’ll find an educational collection of original artefacts discovered during archaeological excavations, including pottery, metal tools, textiles and stone implements. Interactive maps and audiovisual displays<\/strong> also answer the key questions every traveller asks before visiting the site: How was Machu Picchu built? Who lived in the citadel? What was its true religious and administrative purpose?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udca1 Backpacker’s Tip<\/strong>: Visiting this museum before heading up to the Inca llaqta will completely change your perspective, helping you better understand everything you’ll see among the ruins. As an added bonus, your ticket usually includes entry to the charming Botanical Garden<\/strong> located right next to the museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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