Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MACHU PICCHU & THE INCA TRAIL
Shrouded by mist and surrounded by lush vegetation and steep escarpments, the sprawling
Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is one icon that lives up to every expectation. Like the Mona
Lisa, the pyramids and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, this icon has been seared into
our collective consciousness, though nothing can diminish the thrill of being there. If you
have the time and the interest, hiking to Machu Picchu via the scenic Inca Trail, as its an-
cient inhabitants once did, offers a full-immersion experience. But no pilgrimage is without
its challenges. All visitors must pass through the gateway to Machu Picchu, Aguas Cali-
entes. Part tourist trap, part Wild West, this shabby town is isolated from the rest of the re-
gion and only accessible by railway.
Aguas Calientes
084 / POP 1000 / ELEV 2410M
Also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, this town lies in a deep gorge below the ruins. A vir-
tual island, it's cut off from all roads and enclosed by stone cliffs, towering cloud forest,
and two rushing rivers. Despite its gorgeous location, Aguas Calientes has always been a
bit of a no-man's land, with a large itinerant population, slack services that count on one-
time customers and an architectural tradition of rebar and unfinished cement. With mer-
chants pushing the hard sell, it's hard not to feel overwhelmed. Your best bet is to go
without expectations.
Yet spending the night offers one distinct advantage: early access to Machu Picchu,
which turns out to be a pretty good reason to stay.
Note that the footpath from the train station to the Machu Picchu bus stop is stepped.
Wheelchairs should be directed across the small bridge to Sinchi Roca and through the cen-
ter of town.
Sights & Activities
Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón
(admission S22; 9am-5pm)
This museum has superb information in Spanish and Eng-
lish on the archaeological excavations of Machu Picchu and Inca building methods. Stop
MUSEUM
