Machu Picchu Pueblo to Cusco
Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes (for the nearby hot springs), is the closest town to the archaeological site, and can only be accessed by train (or trek). There are just a few thousand permanent residents and seasonal workers in Machu Picchu Pueblo, serving about one million visitors annually!
After our second tour of Machu Picchu, we had time to explore the town a bit. The Upper Urubamba River ran right through the center of town, lined on both sides with hotels and restaurants. There were many statues of famous Incas. On one side of the river was the train station bringing passengers to and from Ollantaytambo and Cusco, and on the other was the bus station taking passengers to and from the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
A few blocks away from the river was a small square with a church. We wandered a little further, through a residential neighborhood, past schools with cheerful murals. Even the lampposts were pretty!
After a tasty buffet lunch in a restaurant overlooking the river rapids, we boarded the Vistadome train for the two-hour return trip up to Ollantaytambo. En route, we were treated to a visit from a playful saqra (Quechua for mischievous imp) in a colorful costume and mask, and a fashion show with stylish alpaca garments for men and women. I think I was the only one in our group who didn’t sleep through the entertainment! It rained briefly at the start of our ride, but after that I was able to enjoy the view.
In Ollantaytambo, our driver Ever was waiting to meet us. It was an uneventful two-hour drive back to Cusco, where we checked into another Aranwa Hotel. This one was a converted 16th century mansion with museum-quality antique furniture and religious paintings everywhere. This would be our home base for exploring Cusco.
