Aguas Calientes is a great place to stay if you want to get to Machu Picchu before all of the tourists arrive from Cusco. The town itself has little interest aside from providing hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops to visitors. Many travelers use this as a resting place before the final ascent to Machu Picchu. You'll find Internet cafes, a small medical center, and a police station, all in walking distance of each other.

Most visitors are too tired from the Inca Trail to even consider going on any hikes, but the sacred mountain of Putukusi is an amazing trek and definitely worth the extra effort. And if you're brave enough to scale the vertical ladders on the side of the ascent the view of Machu Picchu is like no other. To get there you have to go to the railway just outside of town. When you reach a sign that says Km 11 there will be stone steps leading up to the mountain, which is a two-hour hike. The trek down takes about an hour.

There are also outdoor thermal pools about a 15-minute walk out of town that are believed to have healing properties. The springs have recently been renovated and are a great place to relax and soak sore muscles, especially after hiking all day. To get there follow the main street of Aguas Calientes to the right of the Plaza and walk up the hill.

There is a four hour train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and since it is the only way to get there, the town revolves around the railway. It is recommended to make reservations during the high season (May-Sept) since trains tend to sell out. The Estacion San Pedro offers a service to Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo. To get to Machu Picchu you can catch a bus that runs from town to the entrance every few minutes from 6 am until the evening. You can buy tickets from the office at the Rio Urubamba Bridge. For times and more information check out www.perurail.com

Most of the hotels and restaurants in Aguas Calientes can be found on the two main streets: Avendida Imperio de Los Incas where the old train tracks run, and Avenida Pachucutec, which leads to the thermal springs. The Machu Picchu Pueblo has 85 luxury rooms with many amenities including a bar, two restaurants, a spa, and massage room. For more information check out their website: www.inkaterra.com. For lovely views overlooking the river Hatuchay Tower provides rooms that are a bit more modern than most in town. Another option is the Hotel Machu Picchu Inn, a mid-range hotel with basic, comfortable rooms and breakfast included.

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Machu Picchu Overview

  Travel to Machu Picchu:
    Trains to Machu Picchu

    Treking Overview
      The Inca Trail
        Inca Trail Ruins
        4-day Inca Trail
        2-day Inca Trail

      Salkantay Trail
      Lares Trek
      Choquequirao Trek

  Nearby Highlights:
    Cusco
    Sacred Valley
    Aguas Calientes

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