Aguacaliente: Tourist Town

     Despite Machu Picchu being advertised as a city lost in the jungle, there is a very bustling town just at the base of the mountain. Aguacaliente, named after the hot springs located in the town, feels very manufactured. As one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is a major tourist draw. This has lead to the town of Aguacaliente popping up so people can hang around before or after their journey to the city lost in time. 

    As a tourist town, there is a noticeable lack in quality of food (despite an increase in prices). The town can succeed due to proximity to Machu Picchu, without putting in the effort required of a larger, more established city, like Cusco or Lima. The town was very enjoyable for the one night, but any longer would have felt like too much. There is a fun night life scene with plenty of bars, as well as a soccer pitch with public access. The town is meant to be a draw for those who want somewhere to stay before their bus ride to Machu Picchu. Aguacaliente stands out as more of a tourist town due to the markets that are designed to look like they are traditional, but are mixed in the middle of a city that feels very modern.