Tupac Yupanqui Stret #103
Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu
Booking phone: +5184244315
Wiñay Wayna M-22
Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu
Booking phone: +5184244315
Machu Picchu Pueblo, known colloquially as Aguas Calientes, is the base town which provides access to one of the world's most important archaeological sites and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Lost City of Machu Picchu (Old Mountain). This is the last stop on the trains from Cusco and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu; from here one can walk up to the ruins, which are about 3.7 miles away, about 1.5 hours walking, or take the bus. Those not arriving by train access Machu Picchu Pueblo through various trails and treks, of which the most famous are the four-day Inca Trail and Hiram Bingham's 1911 route. Although its isn´t much more than a one-street town along Avenue Pachacutec, Machu Picchu Pueblo is brimming with touristic restaurants and souvenir shops.
Each year thousands flock to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu, which over the last century has inspired numerous theories as to its purpose, construction methods and reason for abandonment, some speculating that it was a royal resort, some a military citadel, and others a pilgrimage site.
Pirwa Hostels has two locals for the different types of travelers passing through Machu Picchu Pueblo looking for cheap accomodation, a low-cost Bed & Breakfast style hostel and a low-cost backpacker's hostel, which offer private rooms or dormitory accommodations. At Pirwa Hostel Machu Picchu and Pirwa Bed & Breakfast Machu Picchu you're sure to find the right option for you, so let Pirwa Hostels Machu Picchu make you feel at home with a friendly staff, common rooms for lounging, free internet access and wifi, free breakfast, hot water 24 hours a day, and more!

If you find yourself with free time in Aguas Calientes, stop by Mandor Gardens and Waterfalls. It's a 2hr walk from town following the same path the buses to Machu Picchu take, but if you prefer it’s possible to take a cab or catch the 12:30pm train. Along its rainforest paths, you'll come across a variety of exotic birds and orchids as well as a small waterfall. There are also small ruins in the area but none have paths leading to them. Mandor Gardens is private property with a S/10 entry fee.

The Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu (Old Peak) were built in the 15th century and abandoned just 100 years later. Many theories have been put forth regarding its purpose, construction methods, and reason for abandonment, but most now believe that it was the royal estate of Inca emperor Pachacuti and was possibly decimated by smallpox. Known as the Lost City of the Incas, this iconic symbol of the Inca Empire is the most intact site found to date, as it never suffered discovery by the Spanish.

Once of the most striking attributes of the subtropical Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary is the abundance of unique colorful butterflies which live within its boundaries. More than 100 distinct species of butterflies call this area home. One easy way to familiarize yourself with some striking native specimens is to visit the Butterfly House. It's about a 15 minute walk along the footpath leading to the entrance to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Guided visits last 15-20 minutes and cost S/10.

Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), trekkers can relieve their sore muscles in the thermal baths from which the town got its name and which are long- believed to have medicinal properties. These small sulfurous pools 8 blocks, or 15min, from town average 38ºC-46ºC and are equipped with changing rooms, bathrooms, and a small snack bar cafeteria. Swimwear, sandals, and towels are mandatory but can be bought or rented in the vicinity along with other necessities like sun block.