Aguas Calientes
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
HISTORICAL SANCTUARY OF MACHU PICCHU
- Phone number: (51-84) 21 1067
- Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 to 17:30
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu has been appointed by UNESCO as a Cultural and Natural Mankind Heritage Monument. There are more than 300 bird species and almost 200 classes of orchids registered in the Sanctuary. One can access the citadel in several ways: via the Inca Trail or by train or helicopter. The trip by train takes about four hours and offers wonderful scenery. Nevertheless, the train cars do not have accessible restrooms. The quickest and most comfortable choice is a helicopter. One can take this service at the Velasco Astete International Airport of Cusco (see "Other Services" in the Cusco section). The accessible entrance to the helicopter is located at the back of the aircraft and can be accessed using a portable ramp. These two options, the train and the helicopter, are complemented in Aguas Calientes with the bus service which travels along the Hiram Bingham road, named in honor of the discover who found the so-called "lost city" in 1911. Buses have narrow doorways and no special system to board wheelchairs, so a person must be lifted from his/her own chair, carried up the steps and placed in the vehicle's seat.
Although the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu cannot be modified because it is Mankind Heritage, it can be visited mostly thanks to the help of trained people (see "Other Services" in the Cusco section). Do not feel discouraged with the thirteen steps leading to the ticket counter, as most areas of the archaeological site are only accessible by climbing numerous stone steps. A good part of the road is easier thanks to the existence of irrigation terraces, made for agricultural purposes and typical of the ancient Peruvians. One of the most impressive zones that can be visited with help from the trained staff is the Temple of the Three Windows, which offers a panoramic view of the citadel. Outside the archaeological site, there is the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge hotel, with restaurant and cafeteria. The park´s public restrooms are not accessible. There is a medical office for visitors next to the ticket counter. The visit to this archaeological site is absolutely advisable. Due to its extreme historical and natural beauty, it is considered one of the world's wonders.
THERMAL BATHS
Located half a mile (800 m.) away from the village of Aguas Calientes are thermal baths said to have medicinal properties. The village takes its name from these sulfurous waters coming from a rocky underground. There is a steep trail with stairs on the edge of the hills to get there. The road starts at the village of Aguas Calientes and along this walk with steep slope there are series of lively pubs and restaurants where the hospitality of the local inhabitants can be enjoyed, as well as conversations with visitors from all over the world. Due to the difficult access, thermal baths are not accessible for people using wheelchairs, though people with other disabilities can enjoy a comforting bath in warm waters that come up to the surface naturally. The City Hall of Aguas Calientes has built special facilities, such as dressing rooms, public restrooms and cafeteria.
HANDICRAFT MARKET
Located at the bus station in Aquas Calientes, the handicraft market offers all kinds of handicrafts and handmade products. There is enough room between the stands and their height allows one to easily view the merchandise from a wheelchair. The road surface is unpaved |
