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Aguas Calientes Travel Hacks

Aguas Calientes Travel Hacks

Aguas Calientes Cuzco And The Sacred Valley, Peru Travel Guide

Money-Saving Strategies

Maximize your budget without compromising on experience.

Smart Sightseeing

  • Discount cards and passes.
  • Boleto Turístico covers numerous locations (not The Lost city of the incas).
  • Purchase it within Cusco for site access.
  • Free activities like walking around Aguas Calientes.

Free Exploration

  • Explore The Town at the base of machu picchu artisan market.
  • Enjoy Cusco's The main Square.
  • Explore the San Blas neighborhood.
  • Consider tip-based free walking tours in Cusco.

Dining & Transport

  • Happy hour specials are common in The Town at the base of machu picchu.
  • Look for pisco sour deals in the early evening.
  • Use colectivos for inter-town travel in Sacred Valley.
  • Book train tickets to Aguas Calientes well in advance.

Accommodation Choices

  • Hostels are cost-effective for solo or budget groups.
  • Consider staying in Ollantaytambo the night before.
  • Hotels in Aguas Calientes are generally pricier.
  • Machu Picchu can be tiring for very young children.

Time-Saving Tips

Optimize your visit to enjoy more of the region's wonders.

Efficient Access

  • Machu Picchu Tickets: Purchase online to avoid queues.
  • Machu Picchu Bus Tickets: Buy day before or early morning.
  • Train Tickets: Purchase online for preferred departure times.
  • The train is the most direct way to Aguas Calientes.

Optimal Visit Times

  • Machu Picchu: Visit early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon.
  • Mid-day (10 AM-2 PM) is the busiest time at the site.
  • Aguas Calientes Hot Springs: Go early morning or late evening.
  • Fewer people for a more relaxed experience at the hot springs.

Streamlined Routing

  • Travel from Cusco to the Sacred Valley.
  • Spend one night in Ollantaytambo before an early train.
  • This sequence minimizes backtracking and travel time.
  • Thorough exploration of the region.

Pre-Booking Essentials

  • Machu Picchu entrance tickets are mandatory.
  • Tickets needed for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Train tickets to Aguas Calientes.
  • Popular hotels, especially during high season.

Local Insights

Navigate local customs and avoid common tourist pitfalls.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

  • Acclimatize 1-2 days within Cusco/Sacred Valley.
  • Book Machu Picchu tickets early to secure preferred slots.
  • Avoid large luggage to Aguas Calientes (train limits).
  • Not fully appreciating the sun's strength: use Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.

Cultural refinements

  • "Buen provecho" is a common phrase to say to diners.
  • Bargaining is expected in markets, do so politely.
  • Respect local traditions and beliefs in conservative areas.
  • Utilize specific receptacles for trash; avoid littering.

Social Norms

  • Be patient; things sometimes operate on "Peruvian time."
  • Learn "Gracias", "Please", "Disculpe".
  • Learn "Buenos días/tardes/noches".
  • Quechua phrases ("Rimaykullayki", "Sulpayki") impress locals.

Impressing Locals

  • Basic Spanish vocabulary is much appreciated.
  • Ask for permission before photographing people.
  • Polite bargaining fosters positive interactions.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Tailored Travel Advice

Adjust your plans based on your travel companions for a smoother journey.

Solo Travel Essentials

  • Aguas Calientes is usually safe for people traveling alone.
  • Maintain awareness of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Inform someone of your plans for added safety.
  • Hostels are good places for meeting other travelers.

Family Adaptations

  • Children under 12 often receive discounts on tickets.
  • Machu Picchu can be tiring for very young children.
  • Some train services offer family cars or specific seating.
  • Look for hotels with family rooms or kid-friendly amenities.

Group Logistics

  • Book everything for groups well in advance.
  • Consider hiring a private guide for your group.
  • Allocate extra time for group movement and decisions.
  • Many restaurants cater to international tastes for children.

Accessibility Notes

  • Refer to Accessibility Section for detailed information.
  • Pre-planning and specific assistance are needed.
  • Communicate needs clearly with tour operators and hotels.
  • Accessibility requires advanced arrangements.

General Travel Tip

Adapt your journey for a personalized and fulfilling experience in Peru.

Takeaways

Essential points for a memorable visit to Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

Plan Ahead

Early bookings secure your spot, especially for Machu Picchu tickets and trains.

Local Immersion

Embrace local customs, learn basic phrases, and engage respectfully with the culture.

Travel Smart

Optimize your time and budget for a more enriching and efficient adventure.

Quick Reference Guide

Pre-Trip Reminders

  • Passport validity checks.
  • Visa requirements.
  • Travel insurance coverage.

On-Site Tips

  • Altitude acclimatization.
  • Staying hydrated.
  • Sun protection.

Important Note

The Lost city of the incas is a high-altitude destination. Consult your doctor for health advice in advance of traveling.

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