September - 2023
Aguas Calientes - Peru
Agua Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo is the closest town to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, and is a mandatory stop for all those heading to this international tourist attraction. Located on the banks of the Urubamba River and at the base of the mountain, it is only 6 km away from Machu Picchu.
The town is very cozy, filled with hotels, restaurants, and hot springs. There are also many bridges crossing the city, due to the Urubamba River, which cuts through the town with its waterfalls, adding a special charm. It has few streets with vehicle access: a significant portion of its central area is only accessible to pedestrians.
To reach Aguas Calientes, the most convenient option for tourists is to take a train, which passes through some nearby cities, with Ollantaytambo being the most common. Another option is through trails, with the Inca Trail taking 4 days to cover 40 km and the Salkantay Trail, which is even longer, spanning a distance of 55 km.
The handicraft market is located in the central region, next to the train station, and it's possible to find all kinds of handmade products there. Due to the high altitude and cold nights, even the street dogs are dressed in clothing.
Below we have some photos of the city, including the Urubamba River.
