Aguas Calientes

Even though I'm just a little over a week into my trip I can tell that with this iteration of my blog I'm apt to start each entry with, "I can't find the words to describe..." and today is no different.  I'm writing from Aguas Calientes, a small town that is a 30-minute bus ride from Machu Picchu. 

Aguas Calientes feels like ski town to me. Even though the train line from Ollantaytambo ends in this town if feels secluded and contained. What's striking to me even more is that it's also been the noisiest city in Peru so far. Cusco and Puno have city noise, mostly cars, but the people are pretty quiet. No one yells at each other. I even witnessed a fight between two men and all it involved was scathing statements and a swift kick to the rear for one the participants. Aguas Calientes feels like it's hoppin' at all hours. On that note, our hostel has also been the noisiest and actually fits a more stereotypical picture for me than any other hostel we've stayed in. I'm not super impressed, but you can't always tell from the internet and even hotels are a crapshoot. I also think that what we got was pretty on par with accommodations in the area and at a fair price.

The main benefit of Aguas Calientes is that there are natural hot springs. The public can access pools where the spring water is piped. For about US$7 we hopped into the springs after our long day at Machu Picchu to relax our muscles. None of us have a clear memory of how long we were there, but we were definitely there at least an hour, if not two. So, you know, it was quite the value. 

I like Aguas Calientes because of the resort town feeling.  Because it's Peru, it's also nestled right at the base of mountains around all sides of the town. I guess it fits the definition of a valley. What's striking about Peru is how all of a sudden mountains shoot up. There's not really any foothills. There's a valley (large or small) and then BOOM - mountain. Because we're here in the rainy season this morning was completely overcast. So, picture being in a valley, surrounded by mountains that are swarmed by clouds. It's creates such a close feeling without somehow being claustrophobic. I fear that my words are failing me and I won't adequately be able to describe what it feels like here. Simply said: it's just magical. 

Unfortunately, I can't post any pictures because apparently they are all on my camera instead of my phone.