This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes, Peru -- also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo (village) -- seems to only exist to facilitate tourists on the Inca Trail or who are otherwise in transit to or from Machu Picchu. As the name "Aguas Calientes" suggests, there are also some thermal baths located in the town. Go mid-week or in the afternoon when the baths are less crowded. Aguas Clientes appears to be nothing more than a tourist trap, and there is little to detain the traveler here. Once you have seen Machu Picchu and rested up a little, it is time to leave.
Getting to and from Aguas Calientes is straightforward -- regular tourist trains leave to and from Cusco throughout the day. If you plan on taking the train, book well in advance, as tickets sell quickly. Otherwise, it is a case of following the Inca Trail on foot. If you are traveling to Machu Picchu with a tour agency, they should take care of this part of the journey for you.
The town itself has a huge number of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. Be aware that Aguas Calientes -- including the cafes and restaurants -- is notoriously expensive. So if you are on a budget, it is advisable to bring your own snacks and food from Cusco; if not, Aguas Calientes has a small central market located opposite the train station. There you can purchase fresh produce or head upstairs to the food court area for fresh juices and "menu del dia," which is by far the cheapest option.
Aguas Calientes has a huge amount of accommodation options; hotels are centred along the train line, but hostels in Aguas Calientes, Peru, are more spread out. Backpackers have a huge amount of choice when selecting a hostel in Aguas Calientes, Peru; there are eco-hostels, party hostels and cheap hostels in Aguas Calientes, Peru. If you want a cheap hostel in Aguas Calientes, Peru, be sure to book in advance. Most hostels in Aguas Calientes, Peru, offer guests a free breakfast, have nice rooms, and are a great source of information for guests wishing to explore the local area. Check out the main square and road via the main bus stop, as that is where the majority of hostels in Aguas Calientes, Peru, are located.
Written by local enthusiast for Aguas Calientes hostels
Chloe
