Aguas Calientes (Peru) - Aguas Calientes (Perù)

Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu pueblo) is a city of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, located near the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

To know

Aguas Calientes is a small town at the bottom of the valley next to Machu Picchu, and is also the main access point to the site. Unless you are coming on a tour from Cuzco or unless you intend to spend a fortune to stay in the exclusive hotel inside Macchu Picchu, you need to spend at least one night here.

Virtually all streets are pedestrianized streets, which makes getting around very easy.

Geographical notes

The town is perched on the bank of the Urubamba River. Across the river that runs through the village are sheer cliffs, and a stream flows down from the jungle into the river itself. Several small bridges cross the stream.

How to orient yourself

The city is compact and walkable throughout, plus there are no vehicles apart from buses to Machu Picchu and some work vehicles.

How to get

There are no roads leading to Aguas Calientes so it is necessary to arrive by train or on foot.

On the train

It is the settlement where the train arrives from Cuzco, and represents the closest station to Machu PicchuThere are two railway companies that serve Aguas Calientes. Try to book a few days in advance if possible, especially in high season. Tickets can be purchased online, as well as at the travel agency and ticket office in Cusco. Leaving the train station you enter a labyrinth of stalls. Go straight to the stream that runs through the city where you can get your convoy.

• Peru Rail has two stations: Ollanta and Poroy. Ollanta is located in Ollantaytambo, which is a small town 1h and 45min from Cusco. Poroy is a 20-minute taxi ride from Cusco's Plaza de Armas. There are several daily departures which vary greatly in price. Pay attention to the station when buying tickets online, as the site features both stations on the same schedule. To get to Ollantaytambo, take a collectivo from Calle Pavitos in Cuzco, for 15 soles per person. They start early, around 3:00 in the morning, and leave every half hour. Look for newer vans with seat belts in place and in working order. Ollantaytambo is a small town with its own ruins and a beaten path is to take the bus, spend a night in Ollantaytambo, then take the train to Aguas Calientes the next morning. The scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley takes approximately 3h and 45 minutes from Poroy and 1 hour 45 minutes from Ollanta. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at the Peru Rail office on Plaze de Armas in Cuzco. It is not possible to select your seats online, so if you have any preferences, you have to buy them at the station. Tickets need to be printed, and can also be done at Poroy station at the ticket office (and probably in Ollanta). Fares start at USD 35 one way in cars for backpackers, with decently comfortable seats and small snacks on offer. The vehicles Vistadome they are mid-range, with nicer seats and meals served. There is also a choice of luxury named Hiram Bingham, complete with gourmet dishes and an observation carriage.
• Inca Rail it also serves Aguas Calientes. Prices and services are similar to Peru Rail.

Because of damage caused by floods to the slopes during the winter, the trains do not depart nor arrive in Poroy anymore. A new temporary station has been created in Pachar, even closer to Aguas Calientes. A free bus service is provided from Wanchac station in Cusco and takes approximately 1h and 45min to reach Pachar, from where it takes another 90 minutes to reach Aguas Calientes. If you have booked your tickets from Poroy, you need to be at the Wanchac station in Cusco approximately 45 minutes before the scheduled time. Many staff members speak English to help tourists (some even distribute bottles of water). (March 2015)

By bus

It is easy, and not so expensive, to get to Aguas Calientes from Cuzco. Ask in your hotel in Cusco for a minivan for hidroeléctrica. There are a lot of tourist offices offering it, they call it "Machu Picchu by car" (e.g. Machu Pichu express) a round trip costs 80 S /. (September 2015) from Cuzco to hidroeléctrica (6/7 hours). From there it is 2.5 / 3 hours of walking to Aguas Calientes and it is an easy walk, just follow the train tracks, but it is also possible to take a train that leaves from hidroeléctrica at 16:00 for 28 USD (May 2015) for Aguas Calientes. Train tickets from hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes are not offered on the PeruRail website, you will have to look for them at the ticket office or just before arriving at 4pm in hidroeléctrica. Return minivans to Cusco depart from hidroeléctrica at around 2.30pm.

On foot

It is possible to hike downstream along the tracks of Ollantaytambo (although the excursions on train tracks are prohibited) or from the city at km 82, where the Inca trail begins, these excursions involve about seven hours of walking.

It is also possible to hike upstream along the train tracks of Santa Teresa (4 hours) or Hidroeléctrica (2 hours). You can take a minibus directly to Hydroelectrica from Cuzco for 50 S /. or make the journey by public transport. To reach Santa Teresa, take a bus towards Quillabamba from Cuzco and get off at Santa Maria. The bus leaves Cusco at 8:00 am (from the Santiago bus terminal at a cost of 20 S /.) And passes through Ollantaytambo, Urubumba and Santa Maria. It is a 7 hour trip from Cusco to Santa Maria. It is also possible to take a minivan (colectivo) which leaves next to the bus stop (with 25/30 S /. and 4 hours). In Santa Maria, take a bus connecting to Santa Teresa (6 S /. And 1.5 hours) or a taxi (10 S /. And 1 hour). Walk 2 hours or take a bus (5 S /.) To the hydroelectric plant (planta hidroeléctrica). From there it is 2.5 / 3 hours of walking to Aguas Calientes and it is an easy walk, just follow the train tracks, but it is also possible to take a train that leaves from hidroeléctrica at 16:00 for 28 USD (May 2015) for Aguas Calientes, maybe a lot less if you are Peruvian (10 S /.). As the tracks are still in use, be careful, especially when crossing bridges and in tunnels.

There are also trails coming from Mollepata, Cachora is Huanicapa for those who are extremely adventurous. For those wishing to leaf through topographical maps in advance, there are some on excursions around Cusco available for about 25/30 S /. with details on the routes you can take.

How to get around

What see

Events and parties

What to do

Shopping

Prices for most things are relatively high, so those on a very tight budget will find it convenient to bring snacks and water from Cuzco.

If you plan to use a credit card for hotels or shopping, note that most places only accept VISA. However, basic prices such as snacks and water are not much higher than in Cusco and other locations in the country Sacred Valley.

There is a large market along the way to Machu Picchu, and a large artisan market in front of the train station.

Some stores sell hand-painted t-shirts, which are far more expensive than other t-shirts in Peru, but they are a little more creative.

How to have fun

Night clubs

Many bars try to attract customers with the "4 for 1" formula that lasts all evening. Beware that the price is four times the normal prices of Cuzco. These "four" cocktails are each the size of a regular cocktail. While not a bad deal, it must be said that it is not a real "4 for 1".

There are signs warning that it is not allowed to sell and / or consume alcoholic beverages after 11pm. However, it is not too difficult to find a place to have a few beers after this time.

Where to eat

There are many restaurants for travelers. Prices can be a bit higher due to the isolation of Aguas Calientes and the difficulty of importing supplies. Some travelers have reported miscalculated accounts with specially hidden undue costs. One ploy to watch out for is a 10-15% increase due to tax and service. To avoid this surcharge, you must wait for the person inviting you to enter the restaurant to nominate a price, and when you accept it you must specify "No tasa, no servicio, no mas nada". Sometimes, when they bring the bill, it may be necessary to remind them of this arrangement, but usually there is no problem if the arrangement was made in advance. Don't believe the waiters who say they only make money with tips because they have no salary. , this is not true. Pay only what is advertised.

Moderate prices

The city is full of pizzerias, which are a good choice.

There are also a number of restaurants chifas (Chinese food) and Peruvian restaurants serving set menus. These usually cost 10/15 S /. depending on the place and the menu will typically be based on palta rellena (stuffed avocado), soup, main course (usually trout, beef or chicken), tea, coffee, juice, wine or pisco sour.

Smaller restaurants on the hill often offer more food for half the price than larger establishments, and the quality is usually the same.

There are two bars outside the entrance to Machu Picchu that have decent typical bar food and are surprisingly cheap.

Average prices

• Las Orquideas restaurant, Calle Wakanki N 402 (Opposite the stadium, on the corner with Winay Wayna), ☎ 51 84 314 031. Menu 8 S /.. This place has a good budget menu consisting of soup, main course and a drink. It is not advertised on the outside, only on the inside next to the kitchen window. The lomo saltado it is particularly convenient when taken with the menu. 

High prices

• Indio Feliz, Avenida Pachacútec (A few steps from the square). Courses 30 S /., Menu 50 S /.. A nice French restaurant for those willing to spend a little more than other places but the food is outstanding. There is also a fixed price menu that offers three courses with a good quantity / price ratio. The restaurant is run by a Frenchman with his Peruvian wife; both very friendly. 

Where stay

Moderate prices

• Hostel Amaru. It has a large anaconda skin on the wall of the downstairs bar. There is also a bar, pool table and internet access downstairs. The staff is very nice and helpful. This hostel is great if you're on a budget and it's only a few meters from the hot springs. 
• Los Caminantes hotels, Avenida Imperio de los Incas 140, ☎ 51 84 21-1007. It has 28 rooms but does not accept credit cards. 
• Municipal Camping (Near the bridge on the way to Machu Picchu). 15 S /. curtain. 
• Hostel Continental. A nice hostel near the end of the train tracks on the opposite side of the hot springs. Very reasonably priced and fairly well kept. 
• Hostal Joe (across the street from Hostal John), ☎ 51 84 38-3512. Double / triple at 35/50 S /.. It has friendly staff and is located on a quiet street with no bars or heavy foot traffic. They can store your luggage safely until you take the train at night. They pick up from the train station. 
• Hostal John, Calle Chaska T'ika C-7 Urb. Las Orquideas., ☎ 51 84 78-5065, 51 84 974-711-092. 10 S /. per person.. There are a couple of hotels at this price. 
• -13.15647-72.523091 ^{[link not working]}Hostal Sol de Oro, Chaska Tika C-5. Double 40 USD. More a hotel than a hostel. Quiet and clean. Private bathroom with hot shower and good water pressure. It offers breakfast but no longer a kitchen. 
• Supertramp Hostel, ☎ 51 84 79-1224, @[email protected]. Bed from 10 USD. New cozy hostel with comfortable dorms and private rooms. They come to pick you up at the train station upon arrival. You can stay in the common areas and use the facilities while you wait for the train and provide wake-up calls at dawn and breakfast. 
• Las Americas, Calle Inca Roca # 107, ☎ 51 84 211370, 51 974 381731, 51 979068692. Double with private bathroom: 40 S /.. The rooms are new, with private bathrooms with reliable hot water and good quality beds. The wifi is only at the reception and does not reach all the rooms. The staff are quite unhelpful, but for the price it is appealing. 

Average prices

• Gringo Bill's, Raymi 104 glue (In the Plaza de Armas), ☎ 51 84 21-1046, 51 84 24-1545 (reservations). 
• El Tumi hotel (One or two blocks up the hill from the Chez Maggy restaurant). Nice rooms, good hot showers, friendly staff. A little expensive in the high season, but a real bargain in the off season. 
• Hostal Varayoc, Imperio de los Incas 114 (Above an internet cafe), @[email protected]. Single: USD 20, triple USD 45. Clean standard rooms with hot showers, located on the main drag across the bridge from the train station. The price includes simple breakfast and the staff are friendly. 
• The Cabana Machupicchu, Av Pachacutec 805 (Lot. 3 MZA. 20) (About three blocks to Av Pachacutec), ☎ 51 084 211048, @[email protected]. Double: from 100 Canadian dollars. Hot water, private bathroom, wifi connection, laundry service, 24 hour reception, restaurant inside. The price includes buffet breakfast. The staff are friendly. 
• Rupa Wasi (Treehouse), Huanacaure 180 (One block from the main square), ☎ 51 84-242760, @[email protected]. 69 USD. Beautiful place on the hill entirely made of wood, in a modern style. Opt for the upper rooms for a nice view. Restaurant on the premises serves a fusion of different styles of cuisine (Italian, Asian, Andean and Peruvian) using organic ingredients. Offers fun cooking lessons with the head chef. 
• Wiracocha Inn, Calle Wiracocha s / n, ☎ 51 84 21-1088, @wiracocha-inn@perú.com. Clean rooms, friendly owners, fair prices and the river that will lull your nights. You can leave your bags with us while you explore the ruins. 
• Hotel Flowers House, Calle Kory Wakanki B-9 Urb. Las Orquideas (On the road immediately uphill from the parallel to the railway station. Three or four blocks from the stream running through the city center), ☎ 51 84 435852, @[email protected]. Double 80 USD. A clean budget hotel. Breakfast from 4:30. Accommodates your luggage while visiting Machu Picchu. 

High prices

• Inkaterra, ☎ 51 1 610-0410, ☎ 1 800 442-5042, @[email protected]. All inclusive from 300 to 700 USD per night. It is the branch that produces the money of the Inkaterra Foundation^{[link not working]}, an organization for the conservation of nature and culture active since 1975. It is like a small Andean village integrated into the mountainside and has one of the largest and most varied collections of orchids in the world. There are all kinds of small birds. In a very private location, for registered guests only, and has received several international awards. Aguas Calientes is a boring tourist town with a cheap hostel, but crossing the bridge to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel makes you feel like you are entering heaven. Consider having a room with an outdoor shower, where the water flows Inca style from a groove carved into the rock. The hotel's dining room serves pasta, cooked perfectly al dente. 

Safety

There is a Pharmacy open 24 hours "Multiservicios Botica Carita Feliz"on Calle Collasuyo, northwest of the main square Plaza Manco Ccapac.

How to keep in touch

Internet

Internet cafes are dotted around the city with slow connections. They also offer local and long distance phone calls. They charge around 3/4 Sol per hour and there are also CD and DVD devices to store the photos. Burning a DVD costs 15 Sol.

Around

• Machu Picchu - The most famous archaeological site of Peru it is located a few km from here.
• Cuzco - Accessible by train, it is the largest center in the region.
• Ollantaytambo - Connected to the city via a train connection.
• Santa Teresa - About 4 hours of trekking.
• Choquequirao - Archaeological site that requires a good GPS and camping equipment to reach and visit it.

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Aguas Calientes (Peru)
• Commons contains images or other files on Aguas Calientes (Peru)

Draft : the article respects the standard template contains useful information for a tourist and gives brief information on the tourist destination. Header and footer are correctly filled out.