Aguas Calientes, Railway terminal town in Machupicchu District, Peru.
Aguas Calientes is a railway terminal town in Machupicchu District located in a valley about 2040 meters below Machu Picchu, surrounded by mountains and the Urubamba River. The settlement stretches along the rail line and contains hotels, restaurants, and shops focused mainly on serving visitors traveling up to the archaeological site.
The town emerged in 1901 as a railroad construction site and developed into the main access point for exploring Machu Picchu. Following the rediscovery of the archaeological site, the settlement expanded rapidly as growing numbers of people gained access to this historical location.
The central market displays traditional Andean textiles, while local restaurants serve regional Peruvian mountain dishes prepared with local ingredients. Residents have passed down their craft techniques through generations and sell their work directly to visitors.
Visitors reach Machu Picchu by taking a train to town and then boarding a bus that climbs up the mountain to reach the archaeological site. It makes sense to spend a night here to adjust to the elevation and arrive at the site refreshed the following morning.
Natural thermal springs in town offer mineral-rich water pools where visitors rest before or after their explorations. These warm pools give the settlement its name and serve as a popular place to relax after strenuous hikes.
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