After completing the exhilarating four-day Inca Trail hike, a new chapter of adventure awaits in Aguas Calientes. Nestled at the base of Machu Picchu, this picturesque town serves as a bustling hub for hikers, boasting a main train station and a vibrant tourist industry with numerous restaurants and shops. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge before embarking on a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu.
The morning after conquering the Inca Trail, many trekkers choose to further challenge themselves by ascending either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. We delve deeper into each hike in the “Additional Hiking Near Machu Picchu” section below. However, some visitors prefer to dedicate their time solely to exploring the ruins of the Machu Picchu citadel, skipping the additional hikes. If this is your preference, feel free to skip the next section (“Additional Hiking Near Machu Picchu”) and proceed directly to the “Key Sites at Machu Picchu” section.
For a captivating visual summary of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we recommend checking out The Explorer’s Passage blog post, which features a fantastic mini-documentary video created by filmmaker Devin Graham. This video beautifully showcases the highlights of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, providing a stunning glimpse into this extraordinary journey.
Hotels and Accommodations in Aguas Calientes
There are two notable hotels in Aguas Calientes that have received positive feedback from guests:
- El MaPi Hotel: This 3-star hotel offers a down-to-earth ambiance, featuring bright, modern, and cozy rooms. Conveniently located on a street adorned with restaurants, it’s only a short 3 to 5-minute walk from the train station.
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: Recognized as one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, this 5-star hotel offers a unique luxury experience nestled in a cloud forest. Set within a private 12-acre nature preserve, it boasts terraced hills, waterfalls, over 200 bird species, and nearly 400 species of orchids.
Restaurants in Aguas Calientes
When it comes to memorable dining experiences in Aguas Calientes, previous guests have raved about two standout options:
- The restaurant at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: This restaurant serves traditional Peruvian cuisine with contemporary twists. It offers unmatched views of the Vilcanota River, creating a picturesque backdrop for a delightful meal.
- Indio Feliz: A charming Franco-Peruvian fusion restaurant full of character, Indio Feliz is also vegetarian-friendly. It provides a unique culinary experience that combines flavors from different cultures, ensuring a memorable dining experience in Aguas Calientes.
Whether you choose to indulge in Peruvian delicacies, soak in the natural beauty, or simply savor the post-trek relaxation, Aguas Calientes offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure to complement your Inca Trail experience.
