Things to see and do Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Pueblo

The Putucusi is the summit that faces Machu Picchu on the other side of the Urubamba river and the railway. It was possible to climb it by a well marked path, but very sportive. The climbing was done by means of 7 bamboo ladders: you walk, you climb a ladder, you walk, you climb and so on. These ladders degrade quickly. Ask around, check or bring your own climbing gear. Allow about 2 to 3 hours of climbing for a beautiful panoramic view of the site. Be careful. Not recommended during rainy periods.

One hour from the village of Aguas Calientes in the direction of Hydroelectrica (or about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Hydroelectrica for those who come on foot) you will find Erwin's ecotourism project. This little piece of jungle with a waterfall at the end of the road is a nice place for those who don't have time to explore the selva peruana further. He has also set up a restaurant, a site to pitch a tent (with bathroom), a private bungalow and two rooms. Count on 1 to 2 hours of walking on the site. Many birds and hummingbirds.

Located in the top of the village, the thermal baths seem very tempting after the four days spent on the "Camino del Inca" and the tepid shower of your hotel, but beware of the mosquitoes... One can find more rustic thermal baths with charm in Colca or in Santa Teresa for example for those who do the Inca Jungle Trek. These are rather modern, but once in the sulphurous waters between 38 and 46 °C, you can get used to the panorama, the vegetation very close. Very busy in the evening. Less during the day.

There is an access to Machu Picchu Pueblo through the jungle, an alternative route that many travelers take backpack to avoid taking the train, but beyond that this road that plunges from the peaks to the hilly jungle is an experience that combines climates and landscapes. Here are the steps to follow:

Take a colectivo from the Quillabamba terminal in Cusco in direction of Santa María (4h drive and S/ 30), the best is to book your seats the day before. Then, take another colectivo to Santa Teresa (2h of track and S/ 10) for a splendid but dangerous road. The road has become more popular and there are also direct minivans to S/40. You can sleep in Santa Teresa in a basic hotel or in the Ecoquechua Lodge (www.ecoquechua.com) and enjoy the splendid thermal baths of Colcamayo (more beautiful than those of Aguas Calientes). Note that you can also do this part on foot: Inca trail, sublime hike along the river and coffee plantations. Those who want to try it also have the possibility of facing the course of zipline of Cola de Mono (www.canopyperu.com).

The idea is then to walk 2 hours to the Hydro Electrica water station (truck or colectivo go there for S/ 5 extra, but you might as well walk, the path is nice). In order not to take the wrong path, take the stairs down to the river, then cross it with the elevator. Just in case, a wooden bridge allows you to cross the riverbut much further on the right.

Finally, remain 10 km along the rail road (in fact, one walks even on it, there is no path, then be vigilant to the possible passages of trains and attention to the fragile ankles) until Aguas Calientes. It is necessary to walk in the power station by borrowing the metallic bridge to join the railroad. Be careful: you should not follow the track below, but, when you approach the exit of the power station, take a small path which leaves on the right between the trees: you join another track, which is the good one. After approximately 2 hours of road, you will reach the Ruinas bridge which marks the entrance to Aguas Calientes .

This route is also sold by the agencies under the name of Jungle Trail in formula 4 days-3 nights. Descent by mountain bike and rafting. Night in Santa María. Hiking. Night in Santa Teresa. Zipline and walking. Night in Aguas Calientes. Visit to Machu Picchu. Return train to Ollantaytambo.