Aquas Caliente

Aquas Caliente is really a tourist town. It sits beside the river in the valley, and is the base for almost all tourist activities related to MachuPicchu.

(Left - the up river view from our hotel)

There are hotels, restaurants, and shops all jammed into the small flat area beside the river. And also I musn't forget the hot springs - this is where the town's name comes from.

The railroad runs right through the middle of town - literally!!! Shops line the rairoad track. The tourist train runs up to a special platform, but other trains run on a spur lineon through town. At this stage I am not sure just where they go to further on, but I did see several trains come into town from the other direction and they had plenty of passengers that alighted..

(Right - the down river view from our hotel)

The ruins of the Inca site of MachuPicchu are reached from here, by a shuttle bus service that starts at 5.30am (in case you want to see the sun rise over MacchuPicchu - I found the beds nice and comfy and a whole lot warmer, so stayed there until a more reasonable hour - I claim age priveledge!!), and runs until closing time. Buses run when full or every 20mins.


(Left - the river runs through town, and continues through the narrow valley)

Many people walk what is called the Inka Trail, and that takes 4 days, ending up at Aquas Caliente - probably for rest and recuperation. On these treks you are able to hire porters to carry your extra goods, like hair dryers, spare clothes etc. We saw someof the porters, and they really earn their money. I think all of the tourists should carry their own gear, but that would deny some Pervian lad earning some money. This walk is so popular, that to walk this trail it is necessary to book 12 months in advance. And there are capacity limits on the trail, which is already probably past the sustainable ecological limit now.

(Right - our hotel nestled beside the river - the orange building)

To cater for walkers, they have opened another trail, called Laris, on which you can hire mules to carry your extras. Generally the guiding group who lead the treks provide all the necessary tents, and lilos, and do the cooking. Some of our group walked this newer trail, and used the mules. The guides really look after their charges - one of our party had a birthday on the trek, and the cook made a cake out of pancakes, which was really appreciated!!!.

The various stalls sell the usual tourist stuff available almost all over Peru - once again bargaining is the way, although I find it hard to bargain on items that sell for Aus 0.40c - they need the money more than I do!!

(Left - a train at the station in the centre of town)

Food at the restaurants in town is rather limited, and generally is pizzas. We did find a exceptions, but not a lot. They also seem to have lots of happy hours, when drinks go for 3 for 1, or some similar.


(Right - the railroad track runs right through the middle of town)

The hot springs are reached by the path leading through town, and cost Sol 10 (Au$4) for entry. If you forgot your togs, then they can be hired!!! Not sure of the cleaning process following the last wearer!!!???

(Left - the main central plaza)


(Right - the city plaza is lined with pizza bars, and not one is Pizza Hut!!)

(Left - all towns and cities have some sort of statue or monument, and it is not surprising to find one of an Inca)

(Right - the local church is also on the city square,and this photo shows how the buildings are jammed in, with thehigh rise mountains behind.)



(Left - the main street runs from the square up to the hot springs. As with many Peruvian streets they appear to have a central water drain down theie middle - quite a trap for unwary walkers)

(Right - the river runs right through the middle of town)

(Left - the train comes into town, with lights and horns to signal the approach. Local residents and dogs are well aware of the procedure when it comes)

(Right - part of the market area, where you can support the Pervian economy quite cheaply)




(Left - the workers earn their money, in Peru, and you don't want to have a weak back! The other thing I noticed was that on most wheel barrows, the tray has been removed, possibly so that you can carry more awkward loads)