AGUAS CALIENTES

After much debate when planning our trip to Peru, we decided to stay a night in Aguas Calientes, now known as Machupicchu Pueblo, which lies at the bottom of the valley below the Citadel of Machu Picchu. We wanted to get full use out of our one day ticket to the ruins. We also thought it would be best to spread out the long journey (approximately 3 hours one way) to and from our other hotels in Peru. There was little to do in the town, though, so we spent the day following our Machu Picchu visit mostly waiting for our train to depart.

Accommodation:  Tierra Viva Machu Picchu

Takeaways: 1) The town is small. 2) There is not much to do other than visit the hot springs, shop, and eat/drink at restaurants. 3) Wifi at some of the restaurants and hotels is spotty. 4) If you venture into a restaurant with only locals, order local cuisine.

Foodstuff: The town is full of pizzerias. Try the Machupicchu pizza mostly because this is the most fitting place to eat it. We think the toppings were ham, chorizo, hearts of palm, oregano, and cheese.

Recommendations:
1) Plan to hang out in the town awhile. Hotel check-out was at 10am and our train departed around 4pm.
2) Ask your hotel to transfer your luggage to the train station.
3) Pack a bathing suit if you plan to visit the hot springs.