Why stay in Aguas Calientes?
(66 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Nora Blum
Minneapolis, MN
Customized guided and experiential vacations
I have over 25+ years of experience providing safe and worry-free vacations for my customers. I am a specialist in Latin America and Europe, but never hesitate to search out new vacation experiences around the world for my clients. My specialty i...
I have over 25+ years of experience providing safe and worry-free vacations for my customers. I am a specialist in Latin America and Europe, but never hesitate to search out new vacation experiences around the world for my clients. My specialty is privately guided vacations along with small ship cruising that I customize to suit each travelers wishes and desires. I love privately guided touring because the guides are so friendly and knowledgeable, and you can eliminate a lot of the hassles of travel.
Understanding your preferred travel style allows me to focus my recommendations to you on the most important aspects of each trip. Perhaps you enjoy active adventures by day, but prefer a luxury hotel to rest your head at night. Or maybe you prefer a eco-friendly and sustainable hotel with access to great restaurants. Some clients love independent travel with the services of a local host while others prefer the history and cultural information they get from traveling with a private guide.
It's important to understand that there are unique opportunities all over the world for travel that is truly special and meaningful to YOU. I can help you explore these interesting and sometimes off-the-wall options for experiencing more in a way that enriches your life. I like to think you come home from every trip as a different person.
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8875
Some clients ask why they are staying in Aguas Calients instead of right at Machu Picchu during their stay in Peru. To answer the question, you have to understand the logistics and geography of the area.
There is one 5 star deluxe hotel atop the mountain at Machu Picchu called The Sanctuary. That hotel is nearly always sold out and it is pretty expensive. And in all honesty, I don’t think it is worth it because there is absolutely nothing to do up there after the park closes. It is just a place to sleep.
Aguas Calientes is a very cool little town on the river in the valley with tons of shops, restaurants, and the most interesting collection of tourists, back packers, and adventurers. Everyone I’ve ever talked to about Aguas Calientes loves that everyone there is sharing this
profound experience of visiting Machu Picchu with other world travelers. Aguas Calientes is a perfect place to step outside your comfort zone and meet other people. There are no cars in Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive by train, you walk everywhere and the porters will transport you luggage by hand carts.
If you choose a second day option for Machu Picchu, which is what I usually recommend, the bus for your second entrance will be on your own and the buses start at about 5:20 AM if you want to get up there that early to see sunrise.