Aguas Calientes: The Gateway to Machu Picchu

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/low see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-en. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl preh-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Es la diez y media
  [ehs lah dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
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• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
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• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (en ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, has its roots deeply embedded in the Inca civilization. The area served as a strategic gateway for Inca travelers and was likely utilized as a base for those visiting the nearby Machu Picchu, which was built in the 15th century. The Inca built extensive agricultural terraces and irrigation systems in and around Aguas Calientes, taking advantage of the region's rich biodiversity and favorable climate.

In 1911, American historian Hiram Bingham brought international attention to Machu Picchu, which significantly impacted Aguas Calientes. As visitors flocked to see the ancient site, Aguas Calientes evolved from a small settlement into a hub for tourists. This transformation laid the groundwork for the development of infrastructure, including hotels and restaurants, catering to the increasing number of visitors eager to explore the Inca citadel.

The 20th century marked a significant shift in Aguas Calientes' identity as it transitioned into a major tourist destination. The establishment of the train service from Cusco in the 1930s made access to Machu Picchu more feasible, further cementing Aguas Calientes' role as the primary gateway to the site. This boom transformed the local economy, with tourism becoming the backbone of Aguas Calientes, leading to a vibrant culture centered around hospitality and tourism-related services.

In recent years, Aguas Calientes has focused on preserving its cultural heritage while accommodating the influx of tourists. Local initiatives have aimed to promote traditional crafts, Andean cuisine, and the preservation of the natural environment surrounding Machu Picchu. Community-led efforts have also emerged to educate visitors about the significance of the area, fostering a deeper appreciation for both the historical and cultural aspects of Aguas Calientes.

As tourism in Aguas Calientes has grown, so have concerns about environmental sustainability. The town faces challenges such as waste management and the preservation of its natural landscape, particularly given its proximity to the cloud forests surrounding Machu Picchu. Efforts by local authorities and organizations aim to promote sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that Aguas Calientes can continue to thrive as a gateway to one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites while respecting its environment and cultural heritage.

Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, is accessible primarily by train. The two main train services are PeruRail and Inca Rail, which operate from Cusco and Ollantaytambo. The journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, followed by a 1.5-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes. Alternatively, you can hike the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu, which typically requires a multi-day trek.

Aguas Calientes is a small town, making it easy to navigate on foot. For those needing to travel further, taxis and motorcycle taxis (mototaxis) are available. Local buses run to the Machu Picchu entrance, departing frequently throughout the day. Bicycles can be rented, but be cautious on the hilly terrain.

Aguas Calientes is generally safe for tourists, but standard safety precautions are advised. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in the markets after dark. Petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. It’s best to stay in well-lit areas at night and avoid certain secluded spots along the river.

In case of emergency, dial 105 for the local police or 116 for medical assistance. There are a few medical clinics in Aguas Calientes, and it's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the town.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and in layers due to variable weather. Don’t wear overly formal attire; casual is preferred. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting Machu Picchu. Don’t engage in loud behavior. Public Transport: Do give way to others when boarding buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'buenos días' or 'hola.' Don’t assume all locals speak English. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, especially ceviche and cuy. Don’t drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Aguas Calientes like a local, visit the artisan market for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Try the local hot springs, which are a popular way to relax after a day of hiking. Engage with local vendors and ask for recommendations on food. Consider dining at family-run restaurants to enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine.