MACHU PICCHU HISTORICAL RESERVE
The Machu Picchu Historical Reserve, 2,450 meters (8,038 feet) above sea level, 112 km (70 miles) from the City of Cusco between the highland and the rain forest, a magical area that fascinates visitors with its vast archaeological remains, geography, unique flora and fauna, and exuberant cloud forest. The most remarkable part of the reserve is the historical reserve of Machu Picchu, one of the world's great sites. Recent research compiled by Yale University has revealed that the Machu Picchu Citadel was built by the Incas as a favored retreat for the Inca nobility.

MACHU PICCHU ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The Historical Reserve can be accessed from the hotel in two different ways: on foot via the one day Inca Trail (which means that the trip can take hours or days, depending on the starting point) or by a 20-minute bus ride from the village of Aguas Calientes.

Buses depart every 30-40 minutes, from 5:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Return buses depart the citadel from 10:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. This bus ride costs approximately US $12 per person.

Machu Picchu's exuberant natural beauty is characteristic of the Andean Cloud Forest. Thus, we have a landscape covered with vibrant orchids, exotic bromeliads, colorful butterflies, and hundreds of species of endemic birds. Such world-renowned structures as the Temple of the Sun (Wiñay Wayna), the Temple of the Moon, or the Inti Punku, stand majestically amidst this exquisite natural backdrop.

MACHU PICCHU TOWN (FORMERLY AGUAS CALIENTES)
The train and bus station are located at Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), a small Andean village that serves as a service center for visitors. The village, nestled in a valley ringed by the Wayna Picchu, Machu Picchu, and Putukusi Mountains, offers a small local museum, natural hot springs, and a colorful local market that sells original, locally made handicrafts. Other limited services include drugstores, bank, ATMs, and restaurants.