Aguas Calientas
Peru
This small town thrives on tourism, and rightfully so. It is located at the base of the mountain to Machu Picchu and is a necessary stop for all tourists coming to visit the ruins.
Prices vary a lot for everything depending on the season.
What to Do
Hot Springs: The town derives its name from the hot springs that are located here (Aguas = waters / Calientes = hot). It is not the most luxurious hot spring in the Andes, but it is a great place to relax your aching bones. The springs are a ten minute walk up the hill on Avenida Pachacute and you can even rent a bathing suit if you forgot to stuff yours inside your pack. The rectangular pool is normally full of other travelers and is a great place to trade tips and rest your aching feet.
Where to Stay
If you are coming in by train you will have no problem finding a hostel to stay in. It seems like half the town waits in the plaza for each train to come in so that they can guide you to one of the many hostels. Unfortunately finding a hostel with good water pressure in the shower at an even remotely warm temperature is a lot more difficult process. We strongly recommend checking out the room before committing and testing the shower.
Rupa Wasi: Each room has its own bathroom and hot water is regular. It is located just off the plaza.
Hostal La Cabaña: It is a little way up the hill; go up the flight of stairs on Avenida Pachacutec past the Pizzería Manu to this rustic but comfortable hostel.
Macchu Pichu Pueblo Hotel: On the top end, there are bungalows with beautiful gardens and an onsite sauna yet there is no cable television. It is located a little away from the rest of town in the opposite direction to the plaza from the train station. It also has its own elegant restaurant located next to it where there is a lunch and dinner buffet with several good options.
Where to Eat
If you are eating at an authentic Peruvian restaurant it is best to get the "menú del día" as it is always the most for your dollar.
Indio Feliz: The restaurant is a great combination of Peruvian cuisine with European influences. It is located at the bottom of the hill near the plaza making it a great place to stop off before catching the train back to Cusco. It is located next to one of the two dance clubs, Sora if you decided that you still have energy for the night.
Govinda: It is the best place to encounter vegetarian cuisine, although some of the other places also offer good vegetable soups on occasion.
Getting There and Around
There are only two ways to Aguas Calientes, hiking the Inca trail or by train. The train leaves either from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
The tourist part of the town is small with everything located within walking distance.
The buses to Machu Picchu can be picked up by the river just South of the Plaza. Or you can choose the all up hill hike that also starts from the bus route down by the water, but luckily cuts off the bus route. The hike goes through the lush jungle with narrow ancient steps, but also breaks out into the bus route providing some great views of the ruins and creating anticipation for arrival.
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