Audio Guide of the Machu Picchu Thermal Baths

The Thermal Baths (Aguas Calientes) are usually open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day. They are about a 15- to 20-minute walk from the town of Aguas Calientes. Just follow the main road uphill alongside the Urubamba River. You can find more details on how to get there on the official Machu Picchu website.

Admission to the Thermal Baths costs approximately 20 soles for foreign tourists, 10 soles for domestic tourists, and 5 soles for children. They do not usually offer significant discounts, but it is always worth asking at the ticket office. I recommend bringing cash, as cards are not always accepted.

To fully enjoy the baths and relax, it is recommended to spend between 2 and 3 hours on your visit. That gives you enough time to soak in the different pools and enjoy the natural surroundings. It is an ideal place to relax your muscles after a hike.

Although the thermal baths we know today are modern facilities, the presence of hot springs in the area was valued by the Incas for their healing and relaxing properties. While they were not directly part of the citadel of Machu Picchu, the connection with nature and its benefits was fundamental to their worldview and well-being. They considered them a gift from Pachamama (Mother Earth).

The best time to visit is early in the morning, just after opening, or late in the afternoon before closing, to avoid the crowds. The quieter season with fewer tourists is from November to March, during the rainy season, although this also means a higher chance of rain. The dry season, from April to October, is popular but more crowded.

Access to the Thermal Baths may be somewhat limited for people with reduced mobility. The route from the town is relatively flat, but the facilities inside the baths may include stairs and uneven ground. I suggest contacting the bath administration directly for specific accessibility information: +51 84 211046.

Near the Thermal Baths, you can explore the lively Aguas Calientes Artisan Market, which offers a wide variety of souvenirs. You can also visit the Mandor Botanical Garden, within walking distance, or the Machu Picchu citadel itself, the main attraction, which can be reached by bus. Explore more options on the official Archaeological Park website.

Of course! I recommend bringing your own towel, swimsuit, and sandals, as rentals can be expensive or limited. It is also a good idea to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Do not forget to keep your valuables in a waterproof bag and leave the rest in the available lockers. And relax—that is what you are there for!