AGUAS CALIENTES OR MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO?

What is the real name? Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo?

Is Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo the real name of the town nestled deep within the Machu Picchu Canyon? Many visitors are surprised to find references to Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes in certain information. Often, a clear explanation is lacking, so we feel the need to inform and clarify the matter. Through this brief but concise article, we will explain the origin of the town and its original name, what it is today, and what it should be called.

The Origin of a Town at the Foot of Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes, currently known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the district located among the mountains and rivers that flow from the Peruvian Andes. Over the years, this town has gained importance due to its connection to the city of Cusco and the World Wonder Machu Picchu. Its origins date back to the late 19th century, when certain residents settled there to take advantage of the spacious location and the hot springs. And of course, there are hot springs in the town, which have always served as a recreational center for the inhabitants and nowadays a popular place for visitors.
The hot springs are what give the town its original name. Passersby would take a break and relax in the thermal baths; this magical place was impossible to miss. The desire for recreation in this location led people from the surrounding area to settle in this small town, which, in addition to offering relaxation in the thermal baths, also provides food and, over time, lodging.

From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Pueblo

Aguas Calientes was the original name of this town; it wasn’t long-lasting, but it was certainly enduring. A few years after the town’s settlement, the locals changed the name to Maquinachayoq. This name came from the abandoned sugarcane extraction machine that remained there for several years. Once the machine was removed, the name underwent a more conventional change, reflecting the proximity of what is now a World Wonder. Around the 1920s to 1940s, the Inca city of Machu Picchu had already been discovered by Hiram Bingham; therefore, the influx of visitors to the town was no longer just local, but also from abroad. This is why the name Machu Picchu Pueblo has been originated; as mentioned before, it was a change to a more conventional name, one that is never forgotten.
Constitutionally, the town of Machu Picchu was registered in the national government’s census on October 1, 1941, under the name Machu Picchu Pueblo, thus beginning a new chapter in its history.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Today

Today, it is very common to hear visitors refer to the town as either Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. There is no regret, no disagreement; the name by which the town was visited still endures in people’s minds. It doesn’t matter if the town is called Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo; visitors and locals alike stay energized while in this magical place, and you will always feel welcomed. Aguas Calientes is more than a district; it is history, part of the local and national economy, an example of perseverance, a town that, despite being hidden among imposing mountains and protected by them, shines brightly, just as its name does.
You, visitor, don’t forget to take a souvenir of this unforgettable town that exudes so much history. A keychain, a shirt, a magnetic sticker, a baby alpaca toy, or simply a sticker could be enough to certify your passage through Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes. Surely, when you will be at home and you will see a picture of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo, your skin will tingle and you’ll think about going back again. Click in the following link to get a memorable tour to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo, of course, to Machu Ruins as well.