Aguas Calientes Cuzco And The Sacred Valley, Peru Travel Guide
Machu Picchu serves as the main outing from Aguas Calientes. Most visitors spend a morning or afternoon at the citadel, returning for midday meal or departure. Ollantaytambo, an Inca archaeological site and living Inca town in the Sacred Valley, is also within reach by train.
For Machu Picchu, take the shuttle bus from The Town at the base of machu picchu up to the site or walk the steep path. For Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley, take a train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, taxis or shared vans (colectivos) connect to other Sacred Valley sites.
The area around The Town at the base of machu picchu displays rich natural beauty, especially along the train route.
The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, a vast protected area, safeguards the archaeological site and its cloud forest ecosystem.
Walk along the train tracks to Mandor Parks and its waterfall for local plant sightings and tranquility.
The train journey to The Town at the base of machu picchu displays dramatic mountain vistas and lush river valley views.
Significant historical sites like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray, and Maras are usually explored during Sacred Valley tours from Cusco.
Machu Picchu itself holds spiritual importance, drawing visitors to its powerful atmosphere.
While Aguas Calientes focuses on tourism, broader cultural outings are part of a Sacred Valley itinerary.
The Ollantaytambo ruins, Pisac ruins, Moray (Inca agricultural terraces), and Maras salt pans are significant historical sites. Visitors typically explore these as part of a Sacred Valley tour from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, not as a direct day trip from Aguas Calientes.
Rural villages and agricultural areas are not directly accessible from Aguas Calientes without returning to the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu itself is a powerful spiritual and pilgrimage site for a lot of visitors.
The famous Inca Trail trekking route closes annually in February for maintenance, important for long-term preservation.
Peru observes several national holidays, impacting bank and government office hours. Tourist services generally function, but expect increased busyness or altered schedules.
Although the main attractions draw crowds, other experiences offer depth.
Explore local markets and take cooking courses in Cusco for an authentic food immersion.
Visit San Blas in Cusco for artisan studios and witness classic craft production.
Discover the rich tradition of weaving in communities like Chinchero or Pisac, seeing ancient techniques.
