Tours to Machu Picchu: Quick Guide to Aguas Calientes
Since its humble beginnings as a small railway town, Aguas Calientes has burgeoned into a bustling tourist town (some would say trap) that receives travelers of all sorts, from dignitaries to backpackers, going to visit the magnificent Inca citadel. There are many types of tours to Machu Picchu, but all at some point transit through the town of Aguas Calientes. This quick guide provides basic facts and information about how to get around and what to see and do in the town also known as Machu Picchu village.
The first thing that travelers should expect is that everything in Aguas Calientes costs more, from sandwiches to happy hour to Machu Picchu hotels. However, given that tourism is the sole source of economic activity here, the prices are understandable.
Getting there: Aguas Calientes is located about 3 hours and 30 minutes by train from Cusco and 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Ollantaytambo. Intrepid travelers can also book a Machu Picchu trekking tour, such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and Lares in order to visit the ruins.
For travelers spending just a day in Machu Picchu, the most important landmarks are the train station and the bus station, where buses depart and arrive frequently on the way to and from the ruins. Travelers spending the night or longer should also be familiar with the Plaza de Armas, Av. Imperio de los Incas, and Av. Pachacutec, where ATMs, restaurants, and hotels are located. Down the street from the bus station, heading in the opposite direction from the train station, is a small local market where one can buy fruits, vegetables, and sundry items, as well as inexpensive food.
Backpackers and travelers with some free time may be interested in the hot springs, which are located at the end of Pachacutec heading away from the plaza. Towels, swim suits, and sandals can be purchased or rented nearby. There are also opportunities for hiking in the area. The Mandor waterfalls are about an hour walk from town. Walking around the area provides a great example of this part of the Andean jungle.
Restaurants in Aguas Calientes tend to serve bland tourist fare, however, there are a few restaurants that offer excellent dining. Among these are Indio Feliz, Chez Maggy, Toto's House for buffet style dining, and the restaurant at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
Accommodations range from luxury hotels, such as Inkaterra, to mid-range hotels such as El Mapi, to backpacker hostels, to the camping grounds down the river near the bridge where buses cross to ascend to the ruins. The only Machu Picchu hotel adjacent to the ruins is the 5 star Sanctuary Lodge, which offers convenient access to the ruins in the early morning and late afternoon, when they are less crowded.
This article was written by a Peru vacation expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you plan your tours to Machu Picchu. Peru For Less is part of the Latin America For Less family, a company is unique in its ability to offer a price match guarantee as well as the highest standards in quality and customer service. Fully customized itineraries coupled with personal and friendly service are the hallmarks of a Latin America For Less vacation.
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