Machu Picchu Pueblo: Gateway to the Ancient Inca World

• Hello¡Hola!
  [O-la]
• Goodbye¡Adios!
  [Ah-dee-oss]
• Yes¡Sí!
  [See]
• No¡No!
  [Noh]
• Please/You're welcome¡Por favor/De nada!
  [Por fa-vor/Deh nah-dah]
• Thank you¡Gracias!
  [Gra-see-as]
• Excuse me/Sorry¡Perdón!
  [Per-don]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blas in-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [Noh en-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [Kee-see-eh-rah ver el meh-noo, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [Noh koh-moh kar-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [Veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [Yah-mah a lah po-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [Yah-mah a oon meh-dee-ko]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [Es-toy per-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [Es-toy en-fehr-moh/mah]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [Kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-lo es-toy mee-ran-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [Eh-so es deh-ma-sya-doh ka-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [Pweh-des reh-ba-har el pre-syo]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh o-ra es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es lah oo-na]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Las dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [Mah-nya-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [A-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nya-na]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Sayss]
• 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [Dohn-deh es-tah el/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwal es lah dee-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pweh-des mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pa)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-doh es el proh-ksy-mo (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [Oon bo-leh-to (ah)]

Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, sits at the base of the Machu Picchu archaeological site, which was built in the 15th century during the height of the Inca Empire. This area served as a crucial access point to the sacred site, with Inca trails leading directly to the citadel of Machu Picchu. The strategic location of Aguas Calientes allowed the Incas to control the flow of goods and people traveling to and from the site.

In the early 20th century, Aguas Calientes began to develop as a small settlement primarily serving tourists visiting Machu Picchu. The discovery of the site by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911 brought international attention, leading to the establishment of more infrastructure in the village. This included the construction of hotels, restaurants, and transportation services to accommodate the influx of visitors drawn by the allure of the Inca ruins.

The late 20th century saw a significant increase in tourism to Machu Picchu Pueblo, transforming it into a vibrant hub for travelers. The local community has embraced this tourism boom, showcasing their culture through traditional crafts, cuisine, and festivals. The blending of local Quechua traditions with global influences has created a unique cultural tapestry that defines Aguas Calientes today.

As tourism has grown, so too have concerns regarding environmental sustainability and cultural preservation in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Local authorities and organizations have implemented measures to protect the natural landscape and promote responsible tourism. Initiatives include educational programs about the importance of preserving both the archaeological site and the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities that inhabit the area.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to Machu Picchu Pueblo, with a drastic decline in tourism impacting the local economy. However, the community has shown resilience, adapting to new circumstances by promoting domestic tourism and enhancing the visitor experience. The ongoing commitment to preserving the historical and cultural significance of Aguas Calientes remains a priority as it looks towards recovery and future growth.

Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, is accessible primarily by train from Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Poroy. The train journey from Cusco takes about 3.5 hours, while from Ollantaytambo, it's approximately 1.5 hours. Buses and taxis are available at the train station in Aguas Calientes for local transport. If arriving from other regions of Peru, consider taking a domestic flight to Cusco followed by a train trip.

Machu Picchu Pueblo is small and easily navigable on foot. Local buses run frequently to the Machu Picchu archaeological site, and taxis are available for longer distances or for convenience. Bicycles can be rented for exploring the surrounding areas, though the hilly terrain may be challenging for some riders.

Machu Picchu Pueblo is generally safe for tourists, but common sense precautions should be taken. Avoid displaying valuable items and be cautious in crowded areas, particularly around the train station and markets. There have been instances of petty theft, so it’s advisable to stay vigilant, especially at night and in less populated areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 116 for the police or 105 for medical assistance in Peru. There is a local medical clinic available in Aguas Calientes, and it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-urgent health needs, pharmacies are accessible throughout the town.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking. Don't wear flashy jewelry that may attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly around sacred sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous to others on public transport. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly smile and a nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and beverages. Don’t waste food or refuse it when offered, as this can be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Machu Picchu Pueblo like a local, visit the artisan markets where you can find handmade crafts and local foods. Explore the surrounding trails for breathtaking views of the cloud forest and the Urubamba River. Engage with local residents to learn about their culture and history. Don't miss the opportunity to sample traditional Peruvian dishes at local eateries, and be sure to try the famous Aguas Calientes hot springs for relaxation after a day of exploration.