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The town known officially as Machu Picchu Pueblo and colloquially as Aguas Calientes sprung up as a base for visitors to Machu Picchu Archeological Complex. It’s a vibrant and bustling one-street town set in an overwhelmingly beautiful natural environment. Due to its desirable location near the ruins but very small size, the question is often asked: After Machu Picchu, what am I supposed to do in Aguas Calientes?

Well, if you have extra time before or after your visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu, there are several things you can do in order to take advantage of that. After all, this is part of the protected area known as Machu Picchu Sanctuary, whose high-altitude rainforest boasts hundreds of exotic bird, butterfly, and orchid species.

Here are our suggestions:

You’ll find the small, often-overlooked, but excellent Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum at the base of the footpath that to leads to Machu Picchu, about a 25 minute walk from Aguas Calientes. If you have time, it’s a recommendable stop in order to learn about the construction and purpose of Machu Picchu as well the history of the area’s archaeological excations and what they found. You’ll be able to examine maps and video presentations as well as some artifacts (just the ones which remained after Hiram Bingham took the bulk to Yale University), so this is a great way to gain some context for what you’ll be seeing at the ruins. The museum also boasts its own Botanical Garden, a great stop for Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary protects not just the Inca ruins, but also a high Andean rainforest whose plantlife includes more than 90 classes and 200 species of orchids as well as native trees such as the pisonay, aliso, puya, and q’eofia trees.

The protected area known as Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary also boasts more than a hundred distinct butterflies. At the Butterfly House, just a 15 minute walk along the footpath from town that leads to Machu Picchu, you can examine some of these striking species up close during a 15 to 20 minute guided visit that costs S/.10.00 (soles). Currently the tour is only available in Spanish.

A longer, 2 hour, walk along the same path will take you to privately-owned Mandor Gardens & Waterfalls where for a fee of S/.10.00 (soles) you can explore its rainforest paths, in search of rare orchids and exotic birds. There’s also a small waterfall and a few small ruins but the paths do not lead to the ruins. If you’re not up for the walk, you might be able to catch a cab to Mandor. Or, along the same path but much closer, near the Ruinas Bridge, you can visit the Ecological Center and explore their own rainforest paths.

One popular spot, and the reason why the town became known as Aguas Calientes, is the hotsprings. Especially for tired trekkers who have been walking for days to arrive at the town, these sulfurous thermal baths are a soothing stop just 15 minutes from town. The pools vary between approx. 38 and 46 degrees Celsius. You should remember that swimsuits, sandals, and towels are mandatory, but if you forgot yours there are items available for rent.

If your guide book suggests climbing Putucusi (Happy Mountain) for a view of Machu Picchu, we’re sorry but this is no longer possible. A recent and difficult rainy season washed the ladders away and damaged part of the trail.

Pirwa Hostels has two locations in Aguas Calientes, Pirwa Machu Picchu Backpacker and Pirwa Machu Picchu B&B. We’re close to the train station, which is why we like to send someone from the hostel to come help guests with their bags and to the hostel. No matter which locale you choose, you’ll have access to comfy beds and 24 hour hot water, as well as internet and wifi and a locale to store your luggage should you need a place to leave things while exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu or the town of Aguas Calientes. The continental breakfast is not only included, but it can be served in the early hours for those of you looking to get a head start on your Machu Picchu adventure. We hope that you’ll stop by during your trip to Machu Picchu!

SOMEONE has to lead the Pub Crawl 2-Step...Why not you?

Whether it’s mixing drinks at the bar, teaching dance classes during happy hour, speaking different languages with travelers from around the world, assisting travelers with their reservations, or photo-documenting events, our Lima and Cusco hostels are in need of your special talents!

Don’t rush through a few days in Cusco or Lima hopping from site to site, get to know the cities better by staying a couple of weeks, enjoying a free bed and breakfast in exchange for helping us out in reception, in the bar, or other areas depending on your skills. Interested travelers can write to us at info@pirwahostelsperu.com for more info.

For those who like experimental, live tourism, this, after Carnival (February) is the best time to come. Some of the most interesting Easter activities happen outside Lima – Ayacucho, Cuzco. Biggest processions, mass of people participating.

Last usually 12 days during which you’ll witness the flood of people expressing their beliefs and faith. In Cuzco, Machu Picchu, we give you cheap hostel choices.

You’ll be able to see Holy Monday procession of “El Señor de los Temblores” (The Lord of the Earthquakes) in Cuzco from a private balcony on the main town square “Plaza de Armas”.

http://www.pirwahostelsperu.com/backpackers-cusco/

There will be several religious activities in all the Cathedrals. “Domingo de Ramos” – Palm Sunday is full of activities around churches. People will buy their wooden crosses and get them blessed so they can hang then on their doors.

Since the tourist traffic is kind of slow during that period (included in the low season); you’ll find some great deals in hostels booking, specially at Pirwa hostels.

In countries such as United Kingdom, United States, The Holy week is also accompanied with chocolates and gifts. Here in Cusco, you’ll also find your way by visiting the “Choco Museo” “Chocolate Museum”.

Have a blessed Easter!

Cheap hostels in Peru

HOSTELS IN LIMA : Pirwa backpackers hostel Lima Prada | Pirwa bed&breakfast hostel Lima Inclan

HOSTEL IN NAZCA : Pirwa backpackers hostel Nazca

HOSTELS IN AREQUIPA : Pirwa bed&breakfast hostel Arequipa | Pirwa hostel Arequipa

HOSTEL IN PUNO : Pirwa backpackers hostel Puno

HOSTELS IN CUSCO : Pirwa backpackers hostel colonial Cusco | Pirwa bed&breakfast hostel Suecia Cusco | Pirwa hostel San Blas-Cusco | Pirwa bed&breakfast hostel Posada del Corregidor

HOSTEL IN MACHU PICCHU : Pirwa backpackers hostel Machu Picchu

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be one day a year. Love with all of your heart and soul. Giving yourself completely to someone can be scary, but there is never a bad time to tell your loved one how you feel about them.
The most amazing gift you can give someone is your heart. Cherish your time together and make every day Valentine’s Day but engagements rings don’t hurt either!
Valentine’s Day is not only thinking about love, let us remember that friendship is also taking place this day, and what better to spend with your friends in the city of Cusco with its charming tourist attractions, Pirwa Hostels have for you a welcoming place for all Your group of friends, a bar for an unforgettable February and meet friends, here’s a great opportunity to meet the great love of your life, Pirwa is seen many romances, I who write this paragraph was an accomplice to cupid. You only need to be here for up to our catapult and get to touch the sky. Book now .. phone : + 51 84 244315

Travelling for a while can make you feel lonely after a while, especially if you are on the road by yourself! Your friends are currently on the other side of the globe and not just seem to be far away! Why don’t you come and stay at PIRWA HOSTELS. Here you will receive a warm welcome from your PIRWA FRIENDS, who will make you feel like coming to a friend’s house. They make sure to do anything to ensure that you will have an unforgettable time!

Stay in Lima and enjoy the fresh breeze of the ocean, while wandering a long the beach, come to Nazca for a never-ending summer, visit Puno to explore Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable “ocean” in the world, come to Cusco to follow the roots of the Incas or be enchanted by the magic of the new wonder in the world Machu Picchu!

www.pirwahostelsperu.com