Yes, there is at least one free tour in Aguas Calientes that focuses on the town itself and the historical background of Machu Picchu, and is based on a free tip model - participants walk with the guide and pay at the end of the tour according to their satisfaction, rather than a fixed price set in advance. The tour begins in the small, picturesque town that serves as a starting point for almost everyone who comes to visit Machu Picchu.
This is a particularly convenient format for those who arrive in the area a night or two before ascending to the ancient site, and want to understand the historical context, see up close the stone statues scattered throughout the streets, and receive local tips from a guide who knows the area intimately.
Since it is a small transit town where most visitors only stay a day or two, the free tour is an effective way to maximize your limited time and get to know the sides of Aguas Calientes that usually remain off the beaten track between the train station and the bus line.
Recommended free tours in Aguas Calientes
One free tour leads through the city, combining a walk through the streets of Aguas Calientes with historical background on Machu Picchu before ascending to the site.
Machu Picchu Free Walking Tours
A walking tour of the town of Aguas Calientes itself, which provides historical and cultural background on Machu Picchu and the region before ascending to the ancient site, and reveals corners and stories that are easy to miss on an independent visit.
Why take a walking tour in Aguas Calientes?
A town made for walking
Aguas Calientes, also known as the "Pueblo Machu Picchu", was built entirely on a steep slope along the Urubamba River, and most of its streets are closed to private vehicle traffic - making walking the most natural way to get to know it. The train station sits almost in the heart of the city, and from there the main street, local market and central square are just a few minutes' walk away. The town's name, "hot water" in Spanish, comes from natural thermal springs on its outskirts, and the cloud forest-covered mountains that surround it on all sides create a green and humid setting that is noticeable from the first step on the street.
Local guide, local perspective
A local guide adds a layer to this tour that is difficult to find on your own: he knows the story behind the stone statues scattered throughout the streets and squares, which represent figures and motifs from the Inca worldview, and knows how this small town transformed within a few decades from a railroad workers' neighborhood into the gateway to one of the most sought-after heritage sites in the world.
The shared walk also helps you get your bearings before the actual climb to Machu Picchu: where the buses stop, what is the recommended daily pace, and which quiet corners of the town are worth visiting after descending the mountain, when most visitors are already heading straight back to the train station. Those who stay an extra night can also admire Mount Potokusi, which towers right above the end of the main street, an unmissable landmark in every photo of the town.
Areas and starting points of the tours
The main street and the train station
The town's main thoroughfare runs along the railroad tracks, connecting the train station to the main square - Plaza de Armas - where the town's small church stands and most of the tourist traffic is concentrated. Walking tours usually depart from this area, which is closest to hotels and meeting points.
Art and Stone Sculpture Market
Next to the square is a colorful local market selling fabrics, jewelry, and souvenirs, and along many streets in the city are scattered some thirty-seven granite stone statues created by artists from Cusco, depicting figures and motifs from the Inca worldview - a condor, a puma, and a snake. A guided tour stops by some of them and explains the meaning behind them.
The riverbank and the edge of town
At the edge of town, along the banks of the turbulent Urubamba River, there are quieter paths with views of the green mountains that surround the city on all sides - a pleasant area to end your walk before returning to the station or having a meal at the nearby food market. All of these corners are reachable on foot in less than fifteen minutes from each other, so they are easy to combine into an independent tour after the guided tour.
Important tips before you go out
Before we set off
It is recommended to register for the tour in advance through GuruWalk to guarantee a place and receive the exact meeting point and time, and to arrive a few minutes before the specified time - groups fill up quickly during the peak season. Check in advance the language of instruction for the specific tour you have signed up for: in most cases it is English or Spanish, and if you need a specific language, it is worth checking with the guide before registering.
Shoes, weather and planning for the day
The weather in Aguas Calientes is relatively humid and tropical, with a chance of rain even when the sun is shining in Cusco - comfortable shoes with good grip and a light raincoat are a must, even if the tour itself is short and moderate. Those who continue from here directly to the climb to Machu Picchu should remember to purchase the entrance ticket to the site and the bus ticket in advance, as both are sold in limited quantities and run out during busy seasons.
Tip for the guide and cash
At the end of the tour, it is customary to leave a cash tip for the guide, in an amount you choose based on the enjoyment and benefit you have derived - it is best to arrive with small Peruvian soles, because change is not always available. Credit cards are hardly useful in the town itself, and ATMs are limited in the area, so it is worth withdrawing cash in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Paid tours and attractions in Aguas Calientes
The tours on the site are free based on a tip; those who want to delve deeper can also combine a guided tour or a paid attraction - these are the leading options in the city:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the free tour in Aguas Calientes really free?
Yes, participation in the tour itself does not require any advance payment - the model is based on a free tip that is paid to the guide at the end of the tour, based on your satisfaction.
Do I need to book in advance?
Highly recommended. Places on the free tours are limited and fill up quickly during busy tourist seasons, so it's a good idea to register through GuruWalk a few days in advance.
In what languages are the tours held?
Most free tours in the city are conducted in English or Spanish. It is recommended to check in advance, on the registration page, the language of instruction for the specific tour you are signing up for.
Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Absolutely - this is a moderate walk within a small urban area, without significant climbing, so it is suitable for most families, although it is worth checking with the guide in advance.
How much is it customary to tip the guide at the end of the tour?
There is no set amount - the idea of a free tour is to pay according to what the tour was worth to you. Small Peruvian soles are the most convenient means of doing this.
Does the free tour also include entry to Machu Picchu?
No. The tour focuses on the town of Aguas Calientes itself; the entrance ticket to the ancient site and the bus ticket to the mountain are purchased separately and in advance, and are not part of the free tour.
