Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Built by slaves in the early 1700s, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is one of Paraty’s most historic—and most visited—religious sites. The ornate wooden altars, gilded in gold, provide a stark contrast to the whitewashed walls of the central church. A brilliant chandelier base secured in the rounded ceiling is just part of what makes a visit to Our Lady of the Rosary unique. Travelers will likely find this homage to the slaves who worked tirelessly on its construction an important landmark in Paraty’s rich social, religious and cultural history.
Practical Info
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is located in the historic city center of Paraty in Rio de Janeiro, northwest of the bay. Admission is R$3 per person.
Address: Centro Historico, Paraty, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
Admission: R$3
From $ 121

Ahumada Boulevard (Paseo Ahumada)
Santiago is a busy, walkable city, with a fairly compact downtown. But there are times when you’ve had enough of having to move along at the speed of the crowd, and wish you could have a more spacious place to be. And you can. There are three major pedestrian thoroughfares in downtown Santiago, Huérfanos, which runs west down from Cerro Santa Lucía, and both Paseo Ahumada and Paseo Estado, which stretch north from the Alameda (Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins) towards the Mapocho River and Mercado Central.
Paseo Ahumada is perhaps the busiest of the three, and you’ll find families and individuals walking, talking on the phone or sitting on benches at most times of day, On the street there are nearly always street performers and vendors, selling hats, scarves, and the occasional television antenna. There are also popular stands selling mote con huesillo, a local drink made of sweet peach punch with reconstituted dried peaches and wheat kernels at the bottom. Shoe stores and fast food, ice cream, cafés and some of the major department stores fill out the rest of the blocks, which quiet down after work or when it gets dark.
Practical Info
Instead of walking into Paseo Ahumada directly from the Alameda, dip down about half a block further and start in on Nueva York, a quieter, cobblestoned street with historic fountains that runs past the stock exchange. And further along on Paseo Ahumada, plan a stop at the Cathedral, which is on Santiago’s Plaza de Armas.
Address: Santiago, Chile
From $ 22

Actun Tunichil Muknal
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulchre) is the most well known cave in Cayo and the most popular tour just outside of San Ignacio: the entire experience is an Indiana Jones type of adventure, where youâll wonder if you will make it in and back out. Reaching the best parts of the once sacrificial cave requires hiking through a rainforest for an hour and a half, crossing three rivers on foot, swimming through parts of the cave and even going up a narrow ladder to reach the deeper, darker chambers. Efforts are rewarded with the sight of the âCrystal Maidenâ--the skeleton of a young female, fully preserved from thousands of years ago. Along the hike there are also ancient ceramics to see, and youâll leave with a definite sense that the Maya came before you thousands of years ago.
Address: San Ignacio, Belize
From $ 100

BioMuseo
In a country with so much biodiversity, it’s not surprising to see a museum dedicated to the natural marvels found here. The 4,000-square-meter BioMuseo was designed by Frank Gehry, the same architect who designed the beautiful Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This site takes visitors on a journey through time to when the Isthmus of Panama was formed, joined two continents and divided oceans.
There are seven permanent exhibitions that focus on art and science education here. When the isthmus was formed, there was an interchange of species between North and South America, an effect depicted in a series of 72 sculptures of those species. Audiovisual presentations also show the natural wonders of Panama’s ecosystems.
Another exhibition consisting of 16 columns tells the story of the cultural diversity in Panama. Two aquariums examine how the Pacific and the Caribbean changed when they were separated by the isthmus, and another display explores the relationship between Panama’s biodiversity and the rest of the world.
An outdoor Biopark serves as a living extension of the museum, with a selection of endemic plants that contribute to an understanding of Panama's biodiversity and makes for a pleasant place to take a walk.
Practical Info
The BioMuseo is conveniently located on the Amador Causeway with excellent views of the modern city, the Old City, Ancon Hill and the Bridge of the Americas. To get here, take a 15-minute taxi ride from the Albrook terminal or from Panama City’s Plaza 5 de Mayo. Alternatively, a bus can be taken from Plaza 5 de Mayo as well. BioMuseo is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adult nonresidents, $11 for nonresident children under 18, $12 for adult residents and $6 for resident children under 18.
Address: Amador Causeway, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $22 nonresident adults, $11 children under 18. $12 resident adults, $6 children under 18
From $ 18

Ahu Akivi
Restored by archaeologists William Mulley and Gonzalo Figueroa in 1960, the seven grand moai that make up Ahu Akivi are among the most visited attractions of Easter Island. Dating back to the 15th century, the moai are thought to have been built in three stages and are unique in their placement—not only is Ahu Akivi one of few moai sites located inland, but the moai are the only ones on the island that face toward the ocean.
Legend has it that the seven identical moai of Ahu Akivi were built in honor of the seven explorers sent to discover the island by founder Hotu Matu'a; thus the statues look out to sea toward their home land. Another theory on their placement is that the site was used as a celestial observatory—the moai face the sunset during the Spring Equinox and look away from the sunrise of the Autumn Equinox.
Practical Info
Ahu Akivi is located close to the center of Easter Island, about four miles (7 km) northeast from Hanga Roa. The entrance fee to the Rapa Nui National Park is $60 for all non-Chileans (payable on arrival to the island) and includes entrance to Ana Kai Tangata.
Address: Hanga Roa, Chile
Admission: $60
From $ 115

Acatenango
Guatemala’s Pacaya is one of the most popular volcanoes to visit, but travelers shouldn't skip its neighbor, Acatenango. Towering nearly 13,123 feet (4,000 meters), it is Guatemala’s third-tallest volcano and one of the tallest stratovolcanoes in Central America.
Acatenango’s first eruption was in 1924 —relatively recent in comparison to many other volcanoes—though some evidence of its volcanic activity dates back to prehistoric times. Other eruptions occurred shortly after, but it then remained quiet until an eruption in 1972. Since then, Acatenango has been declared dormant.
Acatenango is part of the Fuego-Acatenango massif, or string of volcanic vents, which includes Yepocapa, Pico Mayor de Acatenango, Meseta and Fuego. Acatenango has two main summits: Yepocapa, the northern summit at 12,565 feet (3,830 meters) and Pico Mayor, the southern and highest cone at 13,054 feet (3,976 meters). These are known as Tres Hermanas, and when joined with Fuego, the complex is collectively known as La Horqueta.
Both Acatenango and its twin, Fuego, offer stunning views overlooking the city of Antigua. Ascending Acatenango takes visitors through four different temperate zones — high farmland, cloud forest, high-alpine forest and volcanic. Acatenango is the perfect spot to watch Fuego’s regular activity, which includes audible moans and groans, plumes of smoke and large lava rocks hurling into the air.
Practical Info
Most tours to Acatenango depart from Antigua versus Guatemala City. The best time to attempt a climb is during dry season, which is late November to early April. Hiking Acatenango is strenuous, and you should be in good enough shape to hike several miles a day. While Acatenango could produce debris avalanches, local authorities are well equipped to handle any volcanic activity that transpires, and if there is a risk of eruptions, visitors will not be allowed in the area.
Address: Acatenango, Antigua, Guatemala
Hours: Daily
From $ 40

Ahu Tongariki
With 15 gigantic stone-carved moai lined up on a 200-foot-long platform and a remote location framed by the looming Rano Raraku volcano and the crashing ocean, Ahu Tongariki is nothing short of spectacular. For many visitors, this is the star attraction of Easter Island, and looking up at the towering figures, the largest of which stands 14 meters tall, it’s hard not to be in awe of the Rapa Nui people, who achieved the seemingly impossible feat of carving and moving the 30-ton stone boulders to their waterfront perch.
Ahu Tongariki is the largest ceremonial site ever made on the island, featuring the largest number of moai ever erected on a single site, and each statue is unique, with only one featuring the iconic red-rock “pukao,” or ceremonial headdress. Even more astounding, considering the size and weight of the statues, is that the site was almost completely destroyed by a tsunami in 1960, with the rocks flung more than 90 meters inland. The ahu has since been painstakingly restored, a project that took Chilean archaeologists Claudio Cristino and Patricia Vargas five years and was finally completed in 1995.
Practical Info
Ahu Tongariki is located on the southeast coast of Easter Island and takes about 30 minutes by car from Hanga Roa. The entrance fee to the Rapa Nui National Park is $60 for all non-Chileans (payable on arrival to the island) and includes entrance to Ahu Tongariki.
Address: Easter Island, Chile
Admission: Rapa Nui Park: $60 for non-Chileans
From $ 115

Cidade do Samba (Samba City)
Every February and early March, the world’s largest party takes place on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sure—Carnaval is celebrated in ports and cities all around the globe, but none have the flare, color, or passion of the massive festival in Rio. At the Cidade do Samba in the city’s port district, visitors will find that the Carnaval sprit isn’t just for a week—but actually lasts the entire year inside enormous, float-filled warehouses. Sometimes known as “Samba City,” this colorful complex is where 14 of the city’s top samba schools all plan, prepare, and prep their floats for the festive February event.
When taking a tour of Samba City, watch as costumes and next year’s floats are all sewn and patched together. No photos or videos are allowed—lest you leak their surprise—but samba lessons are often included as part of the upbeat tour. On Thursday evenings, the entire complex erupts in a type of mini celebration, where costumes are donned, music is played, and a micro-version of Carnaval takes place right there on site.
Practical Info
Tours are offered from Wednesday-Sunday, with the evening performance taking place on Thursdays at approximately pm. Admission to Cidade do Sambo is approximately $10 for the regular tour, and approximately $40 for the evening show full of costumes, music, and dancing.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Tours Wed-Sun
Admission: $10 day tour, $40 evening show
From $ 62

Biotopo del Quetzal
The Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera Nature Reserve, commonly referred to as Biotopo del Quetzal, is one of Guatemala’s best nature sites. It gets its name from the country’s national bird, the endangered Quetzal, which has found a home within the sanctuary.
Quetzals are rather elusive within Biotopo del Quetzal, but they are sometimes spotted near local restaurants, as they prefer to feast on avocado-like fruits from neighboring aguacatillo trees. Some say December and January are the prime months to spot them; keep your eyes open for birds with bright-red chests; green, fuzzy feathers on their heads; and exotic, long tail feathers.
If you don’t manage to spot one, there is still plenty to see at Biotopo del Quetzal. Despite the fact that only a small portion of the vast reserve is open to visitors, there are a number of different mosses, ferns, orchids and epiphytes to see, as well as other birds, including the emerald toucanet and highland guan. Howler monkeys and other wildlife also make their homes in the reserve.
Two trails begin at Biotopo del Quetzal’s visitor center, branching off into the vegetation. The first trail, Los Helechos, is shorter at 1.24 miles (2 km), while Los Musgos (The Mosses) is twice that length. Whether you opt for the shorter or the longer trail, you will pass by scenic waterfalls where you can stop and enjoy a quick swim.
Practical Info
Biotopo del Quetzal is located approximately three hours north of Guatemala City, just east of the village of Purulhà. The reserve is best explored in conjunction with a multi-day excursion.
Address: Biotopo del Quetzal, Cobán, Guatemala
Hours: Daily
From $ 381

Aconcagua Provincial Park
It would be a shame if, while visiting Mendoza, Argentina’s most populous city in the western part of the country, you didn’t make it up to the Andes. Not only to see the border between Chile and Argentina, but most importantly, to glimpse these giants of the mountain world, including Aconcagua, which is the tallest mountain in the western hemisphere, at 6962 meters or 22,841 feet. A winding drive up from Mendoza reveals snowcapped peaks at every turn, and short turnoff brings you to a mirador, or lookout point, for Aconcagua itself.
While climbing the mountain is a serious affair, subject to permits, regulations and climbing fees, visiting the Provincial park of Aconcagua requires little more than a three-hour drive from Mendoza, and also puts you close to the Puente del Inca, a nearby natural attraction. Once at the Aconcagua Park, you have a few options for day hikes, including a one-hour loop suitable for children. Keep an eye out for the llama-like guanaco, or possibly red foxes, and overhead, it is common to see Andean condors.
Practical Info
Despite the usually warm weather in Mendoza, rest assured that in the shadow of Aconcagua, very cold temperatures are a real possibility. Dress warmly, protect against sun exposure, and bring a thermos of something warm to keep even more toasty.
Address: Argentina
From $ 40

Cinelandia
Located in Rio’s central financial district, Cinelandia is the common name for an attractive Parisian-style square officially named Praça Floriano Peixoto. During the early years of the twentieth century, Rio’s city center was remodeled to make the city more trendy and livable. An eighteenth century convent was torn down to make way for the public plaza, and by the mid twentieth century, Cinelandia was home to a municipal theater, national library and school of fine arts.
In the location of the former convent, several buildings went up that housed some of Rio’s best cinemas, lending the area its modern nickname of Cinelandia, or Cinema Land. While most of the theaters have since closed, the area remains a vibrant district thanks to its cultural attractions and diverse dining options.
Practical Info
To get to Cinelandia, take the Rio metro to Cinelandia Station.
Address: Avenida Rio Branco and Rua Evaristo da Veiga, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 16

Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve and Adventure Park
Even though it’s less than a mile long, the elevated boardwalk at Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve can take an hour to complete. Here, at Central America’s longest boardwalk, endangered, swooping green macaws can often be spotted in the treetops, and rows of marching leaf-cutter ants parade along vine-covered trunks. Every few steps are worth a stop to marvel at the forest around you—which stretches for over 2,700 acres of pristine Costa Rican countryside. The elevated forest boardwalk aside, Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve is a bright light of conservation in the midst of natural destruction. Here in the province of Sarapiquí to the north of San José, a global demand for Costa Rican pineapples has led to deforestation. Tirelessly working to conserve what they can, Cinco Ceibas set out on a mission to plant half a million trees—including a grove of towering teak that’s been growing for 20 years. Today the teak grove forms the backdrop for eco-tours on horseback, and many of the park’s facilities and buildings were sourced using park-grown materials. Hear the efforts towards conservation while kayaking the Rio Cuarto, a leisurely, slow-moving mountain stream where monkeys, macaws, and red-eyed tree frogs flit across banks and bushes. Best of all, is that despite the park’s remote location and distance from San José, guests are greeted with comfortable facilities and impeccable customer service. It’s the park’s hope, that through education and tourism, that much like the stoic Ceiba trees that have stood for 500 years, the sustainable, natural, conservation practices will help the area keep its forests for at least 500 more.
Practical Info
Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve and Adventure Park is located 2.5 hours north of San José towards the border with Nicaragua. Minimum age for horseback riding is 12, and there’s a maximum weight of 220 pounds.
Address: Pangola, Sarapiqui, Heredia, Costa Rica
Admission: $40-$99
From $ 85

Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market
The image of the art-nouveau cast-iron Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market building is like a snapshot of the multiculturalism of Manaus as a whole. The building, inspired by Les Halles in Paris and constructed in 1882 during the Rubber Boom, is distinctly European, but when you step through the doors, there’s no mistaking you’re in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.
As the city’s main market perched on the banks of the Rio Negro, vendors here sell a bit of everything, and for the visiting tourist, it’s a great place to sample exotic fruits, learn about traditional Amazonian medicines or shop for souvenirs, like leather goods and índio handcrafted items.
Practical Info
Come hungry, as the market has several places to sample regional specialties.
Address: Rua dos Barés, 46 - Centro, Manaus 69005-020, Brazil
From $ 80

Bodega Cruzat
While most of Mendoza's wineries specialize in rich reds, most notably malbec, Bodega Cruzat has carved a niche for itself producing sparkling wines. Founded by winemaker Pedro Federico Rosell in 2004, Cruzat grows pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, and produces a selection of fine white and rose sparkling wines using traditional methods.
The Basics
On a Cruzat winery tour, visitors can discover the entire wine-making process, from growing and harvesting grapes to the traditional "champenoise" method that involves a second fermentation in the bottle and produces sparkling wines. After peeking behind-the-scenes at the production area, including the wine cellars, disgorging machine, and bottle-labeling machine, sample the wines during a guided wine tasting.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age in Argentina is 18.
- Advance booking is required for winery tours and tastings.
- Tours are conducted in both Spanish and English.
How to Get There
Bodega Cruzat is located about a 30-minute drive south of Mendoza city in the Lujan de Cuyo region. Biking is a popular way to reach the winery, and the hop-on hop-off Vitivinicola bus also stops there every Tuesday.
When to Get There
The winery is open Monday through Saturday. Vitivinicola wine buses arrive on Tuesdays, making it one of the busiest days. Although wine tours run year-round, the most pleasant time to explore the vineyards is from October through March.
Sampling Mendoza's Sparkling Wines
Mendoza's wine scene has constantly evolved since the millennium, and while red varietals still lead the way, a number of wineries are now devoted to producing high-quality sparkling wines. French Champagne house Moet & Chandon first realized Mendoza's potential for producing sparkling wines, setting up the Chandon Argentina winery in the 1950s. Today, along with Chandon and Cruzat, popular wineries along Mendoza's Sparkling Wine Trail include Norton and Septima.
Address: Costa Flores s/n Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo 5509, Argentina
From $ 22

Church of Our Lady of Candelaria
With its towering spires, grand dome, and baroque details, Church of Our Lady of Candelaria (Igreja de Candelária) stands out among more modern surroundings in central Rio de Janeiro. It was originally established by a group of Spanish settlers in 1609, and today, the Catholic church still holds mass and community gatherings.
The Basics
Set in downtown Rio, Candelaria Church is difficult to miss. Spend an hour or so admiring the frescoed walls, stained glass, and muraled dome on your own, or visit with a guided tour to learn about the church’s legendary origins and complex architectural history, which includes elements of neo-Renaissance, baroque, and art nouveau design. The church is known for its small chapel and Latin cross design. Most historical Rio and architecture-themed walking tours include a stop here, often in combination with other essential Rio de Janeiro attractions such as Pedro Ernesto Palace (City Hall), the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museu Nacional de Belas Artes), and the Imperial Palace. Bike tours are also an option, allowing visitors to see more of Rio in less time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors are advised to follow common courtesy in dress and noise when inside the active church.
- The church is a must-see for history buffs.
- Plan to spend about an hour if visiting on your own.
- Private tours let you combine a visit to Candelaria Church with some of Rio's natural attractions, such as Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, and Ipanema.
How to Get There
Candelaria Church is centrally located in downtown Rio, with easy access from all over the city. Take light rail to Candelaria, the bus down Avenida Presidente Vargas, or the metro to Estação Uruguaiana.
When to Get There
The church is open from 7:30am to 4pm, but you view its magnificent exterior any time of day. Nighttime visitors will see the church lit up.
Candelaria Massacre History
The church gained infamy in 1993 when eight children who were living on the street were killed by police (with many more injured), an event known as the Candelaria Massacre. This incident brought worldwide attention to the issue of police brutality in Brazil and catalyzed change.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 40

Big Rock Falls (Rio on Pools)
Big Rock Falls is a large waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve that attracts a number of visitors who enjoy swimming and cliff jumping.
Part of the Vaca Plateau, the falls can be reached via a short, but somewhat difficult, 15-minute hike. The trek is pretty much straight down and includes a fairly steep section with a not so sturdy railing and a rope to hold on to and aid in the climb down. Once at the water level, you must walk over slippery, uneven slabs of granite rock. The deep emerald pools are perfect for swimming or cliff jumping, and the water is very deep so there is little risk of hitting the bottom when jumping in.
Getting to Big Rock Falls from San Ignacio can be an adventure in itself. The drive is approximately 13 miles over unpaved roads throughout Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve with scenic views.
Practical Info
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is part of the Cayo District and includes the Privassion River. The trail to reach Big Rock Falls is about 300 yards and the climb down into the gorge is about 130 feet. If you plan to get wet at Big Rock Falls, bring a change of dry clothes, bug spray, and sunblock. You should be in moderate physical shape to hike down to Big Rock Falls. Those uncomfortable with uneven terrain may want to skip Big Rock Falls as well and check out Rio On Pools.
Address: Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cayo, Belize
From $ 115

Blue Hole National Park
Belize’s Blue Hole National Park (officially St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park) sits near the capital city of Belmopan and is home to two cave systems (Crystal and St. Herman’s), along with nature trails and the jungle pool that gives rise to the park’s official name.
The caves are the main attractions in the park, with the cave and hole connected by an underground stream. The Blue Hole pool was formed by an underground limestone cave that collapsed, creating the sapphire blue pool at the bottom of the cenote. Visitors also typically visit Crystal Cave, also called Mountain Cow Cave, which can be seen on a guided tours through the Mayan underworld known as Xibalba.
The park has a series of small trails, many of which are good for birding, as the forest canopy is low-lying. Birds spotted in the region include jacamars, blue-crowned motmots, scarlet-rumped tanager, nightingale wren and the long-tailed hermit hummingbird.
Practical Info
St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park is just off Hummingbird Highway, about 12 miles southeast of Belmopan. There are two entrances. If you enter at St. Herman’s Cave, there are trailheads, picnic facilities and a visitor center and gift shop. The other entrance is close to the Blue Hole pool and also has a small picnic area. As you may get wet, it’s recommended to bring a change of dry clothes. Pack sunblock and bug spray as well.
Address: Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Belize
From $ 110

Achaval Ferrer Winery
The Achaval Ferrer Winery traces its history back only to 1998, shortly after the beginning of the Malbec boom in Mendoza. The winery is Argentine and Italian owned, and the winemakers all have decades of experience extending back to far before this project began.
The boutique winery has four different vineyards on which grapes are grown, representing four different terriors with flood irrigation that decreases the chances of phyloxera. In some cases, there are cherry or olive trees lining the vineyards. Grapes are harvested by hand, and in the early morning hours. In case of hail damage (which happens occasionally), damaged grapes are removed from the plants to keep bitterness at bay in the final product. These practices, as well as several others (such as low density of plants), keeps production low, but quality high.
The Bella Vista Estate in Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo is on the south bank of the Mendoza River, and this is where Achaval Ferer receives visitors for tastings and winery tours.
Practical Info
The single-vineyard wines from Achaval Ferrer have all scored 94 or above in Wine Spectator ratings for the 2012 vintage, which makes this one of the highest-scoring vineyards in the area.
Address: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am-1pm
From $ 200

Afro-Antillean Museum (Museo Afro-Antillano de Panama)
The popular Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum may showcase the history, politics and influence of French and American workers who helped construct the Panama Canal, but the Afro-Antillean Museum is the place for travelers who want to learn more about the impact the nation’s West Indian community had on developing the infrastructure that still keeps this Central America destination up and running. Visitors can tour galleries and halls lined with images, stories and artifacts that showcase the dedication, drive and determination it took for West Indians to build local railroads and canals.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Admission is approximately US$1. It is easily accessible using the Estacion 5 de Mayo train station.
Address: Panama City, Panama
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Admission: US $1
From $ 60

Aguas Calientes
If you're visiting Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s a good chance you'll pass through the small pueblo of Aguas Calientes en route. This gateway town to Peru’s famous Incan ruins sits nestled in a valley of cloud forest, where a series of natural hot springs gives the town its name.
The Basics
The majority of travelers to Peru come to see the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and almost all of them will spend at least a little time in the town of Aguas Calientes. The train taking passengers from Cusco to Machu Picchu stops at Aguas Calientes, where day-trippers then board a bus to the ruins. Visitors on overnight itineraries, including those hiking the Inca Trail, often spend the night in the village before rising early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s a good idea to book your stay and Machu Picchu entrance tickets well in advance, particularly during high season.
- Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers, as conditions can change quickly between town and the ruins.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train, several of which depart Cusco daily for the journey of one hour and 45 minutes. A bus runs from town up to Machu Picchu.
When to Get There
Aguas Calientes enjoys the best weather from June to August, the busiest season for vacationers. While things are quieter from October to April, this is the rainy season, so expect regular downpours.
Attractions in Aguas Calientes
Aside from the thermal baths, Aguas Calientes highlights include a hike to the summit of Putucusi Mountain, which offers stellar views of Machu Picchu on a clear day. You can also visit the Butterfly House, Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón) and nearby botanical gardens, or the Gardens of Mandor (Los Jardines de Mandor) with its waterfalls.
Address: Aguas Calientes, Peru
From $ 351