
Mandor Gardens & Waterfall
Discover Mandor Gardens & Waterfall: a serene cloud-forest oasis with stunning cascades and unique Machu Picchu views, accessed via a scenic train tra...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos

Mandor Gardens & Waterfall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Mandor Gardens & Waterfall: a serene cloud-forest oasis with stunning cascades and unique Machu Picchu views, accessed via a scenic train track walk.
"A quiet paradise with waterfalls, hummingbird gardens, and cloud-forest trails just outside Aguas Calientes."

🚶♀️ Train Track Safety
Hear trains from afar; they move slowly. Stay alert and enjoy the scenic walk!
🦟 Bug Spray Essential
The trails are wooded. Bring repellent or buy small packets at the cafe.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mandor Waterfall
Mandor Gardens
A beautiful, cascading waterfall offering a refreshing natural spectacle after your hike.

Machu Picchu Viewpoint
Mandor Gardens
A less-common perspective of the iconic citadel, offering a unique photographic opportunity.

Hummingbird Haven
Mandor Gardens Cafe
Witness multiple species of vibrant hummingbirds flitting around feeders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Scenic Train Track Walk
Entry Fee & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Train Track Safety
Hear trains from afar; they move slowly. Stay alert and enjoy the scenic walk!
🦟 Bug Spray Essential
The trails are wooded. Bring repellent or buy small packets at the cafe.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on varied terrain, including some uphill sections.
🐦 Birdwatching Paradise
Look for Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and hummingbirds. Ask staff for tips!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Train Track Safety
Hear trains from afar; they move slowly. Stay alert and enjoy the scenic walk!
🦟 Bug Spray Essential
The trails are wooded. Bring repellent or buy small packets at the cafe.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on varied terrain, including some uphill sections.
🐦 Birdwatching Paradise
Look for Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and hummingbirds. Ask staff for tips!
☕ Cafe Stop
Enjoy coffee and learn about the gardens' history from friendly staff.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mandor Gardens is a highly recommended natural escape from Aguas Calientes, praised for its beautiful waterfall, unique Machu Picchu viewpoint, and abundant wildlife, especially hummingbirds and birds. The scenic walk along the train tracks is a memorable part of the experience, though some find the uphill hike to the viewpoint challenging.
"This was a lovely hike near the town of Auguas Caliente. Once you walk out of town, follow the path that’ll lead you on a train track. There are loads of signs so you can’t miss it. The train track is safe as you’ll hear the trains far before you can see it. Plus they are moving very slowly.
It’s about a 30-40 min walk (approximately 1.5 miles) to get to the destination itself. Once you get there, there’ll be a cafe who will provide you with information and grant access to the trail. It is 20 soles pp. the hike has 2 trails, one that is mainly uphill to a viewpoint where you can see Machu Picchu. This trail is bit extensive but nothing too hard. A lot of woods and trees so bring some bug spray. If you forget, the store has small packets you can purchase. It’ll take about an hour or so to do this path. The second path is to the waterfall. The waterfall is amazing. It’s about another 20-30 min but very easy walk.
PS. If you’re lucky, you might get a guide dog who’ll pop out of nowhere to join your hike. They’re super friendly and cute."
Myat Naing
"We visited Mandor as part of our stay in Aguas Calientes, and it was a wonderful experience. From our hotel near the train station, we walked along the railway tracks to reach the entrance. While it might sound unusual, it actually feels quite safe. The trains are loud enough to hear well in advance, and along the way there are small cafés and stalls where you can grab snacks or drinks.
The entrance ticket costs 20 soles per person. At the ticket booth, we enjoyed a nice coffee, and Erwin, who works there, kindly shared the story of how his mother created the place.
Inside, you can easily spend 2.5 to 3 hours exploring. There are two main trails: one leading to the waterfalls, and another to a viewpoint where you get to see a completely different face of Machu Picchu. The view is absolutely stunning and not to be missed!
On top of that, the wildlife made the visit even more special. We spotted different kinds of butterflies 🦋, a variety of birds, and even a black tayra 🥹.
Overall, Mandor is peaceful, scenic, and full of natural beauty a perfect complement to the bustle of Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu itself. Highly recommended."
Amy Hernandez
"We had a wonderful time on this scenic hike. Having a mixup with our Machu Picchu tickets, we were stuck in Aguas Calientes for a few days, and we wanted to make the most of it. On our second day we decided to hike to Mandor to see the falls
The hike is about 1.5hr outside of Aguas Calientes. You will follow the river out of town. Be careful as there are many buses racing by. And then the majority of the hike is along an active railway, so again, be careful
The views are stunning and you can actually see part of the Machu Picchu citadel on the walk
You will pay about 20s per person at Mandor. You will need to fill out a log, and you will need your passport information for this. There’s a little cafe, and you will be escorted to the gate of the trailhead
Once through the gate it’s only about a mile to the falls. And there is a fork in the hike where you can actually go up into the jungle to get a view of Machu Picchu. This is a little less than a mile of a hike, but it is straight up and through a humid jungle. The views at the end of both hikes are spectacular
If you get the chance, stop at either the Empanada cafe (Quinoa Snack Bar), or the Refugio. The Snack Bar has fresh delicious empanadas, and the Refugio is a vibe. The owner is a lot of fun, there’s great views, tasty food, cold drinks, great music, and a relaxing ambiance"
Nicholas Stevenson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to walk along the train tracks for about 30-40 minutes (approx. 1.5 miles). It's a scenic route along the Urubamba River. Trains are audible and slow, making it a safe, albeit unconventional, path.
Yes, most travelers find it safe. You can hear the trains well in advance, and they move slowly. There are also small cafes and stalls along the way.
There isn't direct public transport to Mandor Gardens. The walk along the train tracks is the primary and recommended access method.
It's approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 km) from Aguas Calientes, taking around 30-40 minutes to walk.
Some visitors mention hiking through lush paths, but the train track route is the most straightforward and frequently cited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 20 soles per person. You'll need to fill out a logbook with your passport information.
The gardens are generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally upon arrival in Aguas Calientes for any specific schedule changes.
No advance booking is typically required. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance booth upon arrival.
The fee grants access to the trails leading to the waterfall, the Machu Picchu viewpoint, and the hummingbird feeders.
Information on discounts is not widely available. The standard fee is 20 soles per person.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the beautiful waterfall, a viewpoint offering a unique perspective of Machu Picchu, and the diverse hummingbird and bird species.
Most visitors spend 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the trails and enjoying the scenery.
While not always advertised, friendly staff at the entrance cafe may offer insights or information about the gardens and wildlife.
You can spot various butterflies, birds (including the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock), and hummingbirds. Some visitors have also seen mammals like the black tayra.
The trail to the viewpoint is uphill and can be extensive, passing through humid jungle. It requires moderate effort but is generally manageable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe at the entrance that provides information and access. Some reviews mention a 'Refugio' and 'Quinoa Snack Bar' with food and drinks.
The cafe offers coffee, snacks, and empanadas. The Refugio is noted for tasty food, cold drinks, and a relaxing ambiance.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume purchased items at the designated cafe areas.
The Refugio is mentioned as having great views and a relaxing ambiance, making it a good spot to enjoy food and drinks.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but empanadas and general cafe fare are available. It's best to inquire directly.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall, the unique Machu Picchu viewpoint, the vibrant hummingbirds, and the lush cloud-forest trails offer excellent photographic subjects.
Absolutely! Mandor Gardens is renowned for birdwatching, especially for spotting Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and various hummingbird species.
Mornings generally offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the natural beauty.
While you'll see trains, it's advisable to maintain a safe distance and be mindful of operational safety when photographing them.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing bug spray as the trails can be wooded. The cafe at the entrance is a good spot for a snack break, and the chance to see unique wildlife like the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock can make the visit educational and exciting. The 20 soles entry fee is reasonable for a family outing.
🐦 Birdwatchers & Nature Lovers
Beyond birds, the gardens boast diverse insect life, including numerous butterfly species, and the possibility of spotting mammals like the black tayra. The cloud-forest environment provides a rich backdrop for observing nature in its element. Don't forget your binoculars and camera!
🚶♀️ Hikers & Adventure Seekers
While not an extreme trek, it offers a satisfying physical challenge and the reward of a less-common perspective of the famous citadel. The trail to the waterfall is a more relaxed option for those seeking a gentler walk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Access: Walking the Train Tracks
Along the 30-40 minute walk, you'll pass small cafes and stalls, adding a touch of local life to the experience. It's a gentle introduction to the natural beauty that awaits, and many find the walk itself to be a highlight. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and enjoy the rhythmic sounds of the river and the occasional train.
This method of access is a testament to the less-developed, more authentic experiences available just outside the main tourist hubs. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones less traveled, or in this case, the ones shared with the railway.
Biodiversity Hotspot: Flora and Fauna
The gardens are especially famous for their birdlife. The elusive Andean Cock-of-the-Rock can be spotted and heard here, making it a prime location for birdwatching tours. Furthermore, the hummingbird feeders near the cafe attract several species, including the Long-tailed Sylph, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, White-bellied Woodstar, and Bronzy Inca.
Beyond birds and butterflies, some lucky visitors have even encountered mammals like the black tayra. The trails are designed to immerse you in this natural environment, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in its habitat. It's a perfect complement to the historical wonders of Machu Picchu, showcasing the region's incredible natural heritage.
The Dual Trails: Waterfall and Viewpoint
The second trail is more challenging, involving an uphill hike through humid jungle to reach a viewpoint overlooking Machu Picchu. While extensive and requiring more effort, this path rewards hikers with a unique and stunning perspective of the iconic citadel, different from the usual views. It's a less-crowded way to appreciate the grandeur of Machu Picchu.
Both trails offer a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the diverse landscapes surrounding Aguas Calientes. Allow ample time to explore both, as they provide contrasting yet equally rewarding experiences of Mandor's natural beauty.
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