Some of the things you should know and what to do in Aguas Calientes beforedoing the tour to Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
On the route through Peru, you must pass through the town of Aguas Calientes, a small mountainous place designed entirely on the slopes, very close to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes?
You should know that the train station you arrive from Ollantaytambo or Cusco is in the lower part of the town of Aguascalientes, next to what we call the first bridge (there are 3).
Anyway, to help you get your bearings, the famous Thermal Baths (which we will refer to later) are at the top, next to the river, and the train station is at the bottom.
What you can do in Aguas Calientes and how to get to Machu Picchu
In total you will find three bridges that connect the two banks of the Aguas Calientes River. The third bridge is at the top, which by the way is a fairly long and steep slope because the whole village is built on the side of a mountain.
Remember, Aguascalientes is super touristy. In this small town, you will find many cheap options to eat and supermarkets where you can buy some things before visiting the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Food on Pachacutec Avenue
The most popular tourist area of Aguas Calientes is Pachacutec Avenue, a street that goes from the hot springs (upper part) to the Plaza de Armas. Great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner in any of its restaurants.
You’ll also find plenty of atmosphere throughout the day in the Plaza de Armas, full of terraced bars and locals sitting on the benches watching the tourists.
Buy souvenirs for the souvenir in the Craft Market
Between the second and third bridge there is a large local Craft Market full of clothes, souvenirs and silver stalls, great to get lost for a while a day before the climb to Machu Picchu.
Between the second and third bridge there is a large local craft market full of stalls selling clothes, souvenirs and silverware, perfect for getting lost in the day before ascending to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Handicraft Market in Aguas Calientes
The most convenient is to book accommodation near the first bridge, in the lower part of Aguascalientes, closest to the train station.