Some clients ask why they are staying in Aguas Calients instead of right at Machu Picchu during their stay in Peru. To answer the question, you have to understand the logistics and geography of the area.
There is one 5 star deluxe hotel atop the mountain at Machu Picchu called The Sanctuary. That hotel is nearly always sold out and it is pretty expensive. And in all honesty, I don’t think it is worth it because there is absolutely nothing to do up there after the park closes. It is just a place to sleep.
Aguas Calientes is a very cool little town on the river in the valley with tons of shops, restaurants, and the most interesting collection of tourists, back packers, and adventurers. Everyone I’ve ever talked to about Aguas Calientes loves that everyone there is sharing this
profound experience of visiting Machu Picchu with other world travelers. Aguas Calientes is a perfect place to step outside your comfort zone and meet other people. There are no cars in Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive by train, you walk everywhere and the porters will transport you luggage by hand carts.
If you choose a second day option for Machu Picchu, which is what I usually recommend, the bus for your second entrance will be on your own and the buses start at about 5:20 AM if you want to get up there that early to see sunrise.
