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Aguas Calientes Travel Tips

Aguas Calientes Travel Tips

Mobile Connectivity

Claro, Movistar, and Bitel are Peru's main mobile providers. Claro offers good coverage in tourist areas.

SIM Card Purchase

  • Buy SIM cards upon arrival at Lima airport or in major cities like Cusco.
  • Passport registration is customary for SIM card purchase.
  • Data packages are affordable (S/. 30-60 / USD $8-16).

Internet & Wi-Fi

Most accommodations and many restaurants in Aguas Calientes offer free Wi-Fi, though connection speeds vary.

Staying Online

  • Slower speeds are possible compared to home.
  • Inca Rail 360° may have few onboard Wi-Fi.
  • A portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi offers a dependable alternative.

Language & Translation

Communication Tools

  • Spanish is Peru's official language. English recognition is widespread in tourist areas.
  • The Google Translate app (offline Spanish pack) aids communication.
  • Basic phrases go a long way for local interaction.
  • Consider Rosetta Stone for pre-travel language learning.

Useful Phrases

  • Hola (OH-lah): Hello
  • Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs): Thank you
  • If you please (por fah-VOHR): Please
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?): What does it cost?

Useful Phrases

Hola (Hello), Gracias (Thank you), If you please (Please), What is the price? (What does it cost?), Ayuda (Help).

Business Hours & Schedules

Arrange your daily activities around usual business hours and be aware of what's in season changes.

Restaurant Hours

Restaurants typically operate from early morning (about 6 AM) until 9-10 PM. Some may stay open later, especially on weekends.

Shop Hours

Gift shops and the artisan market in The Town at the base of machu picchu usually open early (7-8 AM) and stay open late (9-10 PM).

Banking & ATMs

ATMs operate 24/7 in Aguas Calientes, located near the main square plus train station. Larger cash withdrawals are often best done in Cusco.

Public Holidays

Peru observes national holidays, impacting bank and government office hours. Services for tourists generally function, but expect increased busyness or altered schedules.

Important Dates

  • New Year's Day
  • Easter Week (variable)
  • Independence Day (July 28-29)

Seasonal Schedules

Certain services adjust based on the season. Always check in advance for particulars.

Seasonal Notes

  • Inca Trail closes annually in February for maintenance.
  • Wet season (Jan-Mar) might shift train leaving points from Poroy to Ollantaytambo.
  • Increased risk of landslides during wet season near Cusco.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

  • Access airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass.
  • Offers comfortable waiting areas.
  • Food and drink options.

Flight Compensation

  • Claim payment for delayed or canceled flights via Compensair.
  • Support for denied boarding cases.
  • Navigates the compensation process.

Advance Booking

For peace of mind, purchase rail passes and The Lost city of the incas entrance in advance, notably during peak season.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interactions with locals are pleasant with an awareness of customs.

Greeting Customs

A simple "Hola" or "Buenos Días" goes a long way. Handshakes are common for introductions.

Initial Interactions

  • Use 'Hola' or 'Hello/Tardes/Noches'.
  • A handshake is typical upon meeting.
  • Friends and family use a light cheek kiss.

Appropriate Attire

Comfortable, casual clothing is fine for most travel. Modest dress is respectful in certain settings.

Dress Guidelines

  • Casual and comfortable clothing suits general exploration.
  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches or traditional towns.
  • Layered clothing is recommended for changing weather.

Dining & Tipping

Dining Protocol

  • Wait for everyone to be served before you begin eating.
  • Politeness matters in all dining interactions.
  • Local eateries provide genuine experiences.

Tipping Customs

  • Tipping at dining establishments is generally around 10% for good service.
  • Tour guides appreciate tips for their service.
  • Small change for porters or hotel staff is customary.

Sensitive Topics & Considerations

Things to Avoid

  • Talking politics are best avoided.
  • Avoid criticizing Peruvian society or traditions.
  • Maintain a civil and respectful demeanor always.

LGBTQ+ Considerations

  • Peru has a conservative society generally.
  • Public displays of affection might attract attention outside liberal areas.
  • Discrimination is illegal, but societal attitudes vary.

Photography Ethics

Always seek permission before photographing people, particularly for kids, and respect their decision if they decline.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with considerations for mobility find varying levels of infrastructure.

Infrastructure & Challenges

Accessibility infrastructure has limitations. The Town at the base of machu picchu features some flat paths, but uneven cobbled streets and stairs are common.

Mobility Notes

  • Uneven cobblestones are dominant.
  • Stairs and steep inclines are part of the landscape.
  • Machu Picchu has challenges featuring plenty of stairs.

Accessible Transportation

Train cars might have some accessibility features. Boarding and alighting still present difficulties.

Transport Details

  • Contact train operators for specific accessibility details.
  • Pre-arrangement for personal porters at Machu Picchu is an option.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specific services for travelers with disabilities are limited.

Support Considerations

  • Rely on personal assistance.
  • Pre-arrange guided tours that cater to specific needs.
  • Translation apps are useful tools.

Accessibility Resources

Specialized tour operators and direct communication are helpful.

Finding Support

  • Seek tour operators specializing in accessibility.
  • Directly communicate needs with hotels and providers.
  • Detailed trip planning aids comfortable experiences.

Important Accessibility Note

Machu Picchu itself:Extremely limited accessibility.
Wheelchair access:Considerable challenges due to site layout.
Uneven surfaces:Numerous stairs and unlevel paths.
Personal assistance:Often necessary for mobility issues.
Pre-arrangement:For special services.
Limited ramps:The site lacks dedicated ramps or elevators.

Advance Research

In-depth research and direct interaction with providers are for travelers with certain accessibility needs.

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