Aguas Calientes, Peru
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Aguas Calientes is the colloquial name for Machu Picchu pueblo, a town on the Urubamba River in Peru. It is best known as the closest town to the tourist attraction Machu Picchu, which is 8km away. It has many hotels and restaurants for tourists, as well as natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). The baths were destroyed by floods several years ago, but have been rebuilt.
Aguas Calientes is also the end of the train line from Cusco. A few trains leave Cusco each morning to convey tourists from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to visit Macchu Picchu; they are also used by local residents. The train station platform serves as an al fresco area for dining in several restaurants. Market stalls take their place along the tracks at the end of the platform, having to move their tables and wares when a train approaches.
Apart from Machu Picchu, there are a number of interesting walks in the area. Putucusi, a mountain opposite the river from the ruins, is a popular hike and provides excellent views. It is a challenging hike.
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