Machu Picchu is surrounded by a mountainous geography full of vegetation. There it is possible to find waterfalls that offer a spectacle for the eyes. A few steps from the thermal baths of the town of Aguas Calientes are the Allcamayo waterfalls, an adventurous option to the classic trip to Machu Picchu. Find out the route, prices and all the information about this new tourist attraction.

• The waterfalls of Allcamayo
• Its sculptures
• Its dream landscapes
• Where is it?
• How to get there?
• Map of the route
• Flora and fauna
• Ticket price
• What else to do in Machu Picchu town?
• Photo Gallery
• More information about Machu Picchu

Allcamayo Waterfall – Machu Picchu Town

The waterfalls of Allcamayo

• The Allcamayo waterfalls owe their name to the river that crosses the town of Aguas Calientes. It is a waterfall up to 30 meters high. On the way you can also see other waterfalls of less height.
• At the waterfalls you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the high jungle of Cusco. It is also possible to observe the great diversity of flora and fauna of the place.
• To get there you have to take a hiking route of approximately one kilometer. On the way you can see stone sculptures with Andean motifs as well as miniature models of Inca constructions.
• Currently the entrance fee also includes admission to the famous thermal baths of Aguas Calientes.

Its sculptures

• During the hike to the Allcamayo waterfalls you can see a series of stone sculptures with Andean motifs.
• Most of them are located in the town of Aguas Calientes. In this town there are up to 36 artistic works of this type. They stand out: La pachamama, La protección de los apus, El amor prohibido de los dioses, Taita inti y diosa killa and more.
• The sculptures are part of the circuit ‘Stone Chronicles’ of the town of Aguas Calientes. You can appreciate them freely in the avenues Pachacutec, Hermanos Ayar and Torrechayoq. The town is so small that there are no cabs in the area. You can reach any place on foot.

On the way to the Allcamayo waterfalls you can also see miniature sculptures representing Machu Picchu and its stone constructions. These works were made by local artists who, with great care, imitated to perfection the doors, windows and other stone monuments. The view of this work is free of charge. Many tourists like to have their pictures taken there.

Its dream landscapes

• The hike to the Allcamayo waterfalls follows an easy uphill path full of dreamlike landscapes. At the top, the towering mountains full of trees stand out, as well as the murmur of the river and the distant singing of birds.
• The road follows the Allcamayo River. In the distance you can see the imposing Putucusi mountain, from the top of which it is even possible to see part of Machu Picchu.
• The final prize to the hike is the major waterfall of Allcamayo, a typical landscape of the Cusco Amazon. Most tourists enjoy this hike full of memorable landscapes.

Where is it?

• The waterfalls are located just 1 kilometer from the town of Aguas Calientes. This famous town is also only 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu.
• Aguas Calientes is in the high jungle area of Cusco. It is situated at an altitude of 2,040 meters above sea level.

How to get there?

• The only way to reach the waterfalls is by a comfortable hiking route that takes between 30 to 45 minutes.
• The entrance gate is located at the end of Señor de Torrechachoq street, south of Aguas Calientes (following the road after the train station). Any local resident can give you the references to start the hike.

Map of the route

Allcamayo Waterfalls Map

Flora and fauna

• The Allcamayo waterfalls are famous for hosting a great diversity of flora and fauna.
• Orchids are the most famous species of flora in the area. It is estimated that in Machu Picchu there are more than 425 varieties of this beautiful and colorful flower. There are also ferns, vines and more.
• With respect to the wildlife of the place, there are many varieties of birds such as the parrot, the watch bird, the hummingbird, the hummingbird and more. However, among all the birds it is worth mentioning the cock of the rock, considered the national bird of Peru.
• Wild mammals that inhabit the area include spectacled bears, giant otters, Andean deer and more. Remember that it is forbidden to throw garbage, make annoying noise and, of course, to drink and threaten the animals.

Ticket price

• The entrance fee is 5 Peruvian soles for the general public.
• Admission to the Allcamayo waterfalls is also included in the entrance ticket to the Aguas Calientes hot springs. The price for foreign adults is 10 Peruvian soles. The price for national tourists is 5 Peruvian soles.

What else to do in Machu Picchu town?

These are some other tourist attractions that you can visit in Machu Picchu town:

• Putucusi Mountain – This summit is one of the three that surround Machu Picchu. It is 2,560 meters above sea level. To get there you must start in Aguas Calientes through a demanding trekking route (almost 2 hours). Admission is free although not many visitors dare to complete the arduous hike.
• The Machupicchu Museum – The museum is called ‘Manuel Chávez Ballón’ in homage to one of the first archaeologists who worked in Machupicchu and helped in the implementation of this cultural center. It exhibits pieces found in the Inca city since 1911, date of its discovery. It is located on the Hiram Bingham Highway about 2.5 kilometers from Aguas Calientes.
• The thermal baths of Aguas Calientes – This recreational center is in the highest part of Machupicchu town. It has two medium-sized pools and several small ones with volcanic waters with temperatures ranging from 38ºC. to 46ºC. The place also has dressing rooms, bathrooms, showers and a bar. The entrance fee is 10 soles for foreign tourists and 5 soles for Peruvians. This ticket includes the visit to the Allcamayo waterfalls.
• Mandorpampa – Mandorpampa is a natural sector close to Aguas Calientes and conditioned for the tourist visit. It stands out for its beautiful waterfall of approximately 30 meters high. It is reached through a 1 hour walk on average. The entrance fee is 10 Peruvian soles. In the place there is also a great diversity of flora and fauna. A good adventurous option is to camp at the site.

Photo Gallery

More information about Machu Picchu

• Admission to the waterfalls is by differentiated shifts. The capacity is limited. The aim is to protect the visitor as well as the rich flora and fauna of the place.
• The climate in Machupicchu town is hot and humid. Rains can occur at any time of the year, especially in January, February and March. Don’t forget to bring a rain poncho and comfortable walking shoes.
• Mosquitoes abound in the area. To avoid being bitten by these insects, do not forget to wear pants or overalls that cover all your legs. Also, a polo shirt or long-sleeved jacket that covers your arms. Of course, it is also advisable to use mosquito repellent.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 16, 2024