Cuzco, Peru (population 350,000) is one of the most important tourist destinations in South America:
Budget hostels in Cuzco start at less than US$5 / person.
No city in Peru caters more to tourists. Avoid Gringo Alley & the central plaza unless you enjoy touts & scam artists. Once you walk a few blocks away from the centre, you can relax.
Cuzco is a great place to hang out while organizing your hike. There is a lot to do, a lot to see.
Recommended restaurants include:
Ukuku‘s
Ecological vegetarian
Cafe Cultural Ritual
Bagel Café Cusco
Pizzaria America
Map of Cuzco.
Accommodation in Mollepata
Relatively few travellers make it to this tiny town. But with the increasing popularity of the Salcantay Trek a number of simple hostels & restaurants have opened.
We had breakfast at Nan Tika, an interesting gringo eatery.
Most hikers, like us, are only in Mollepata for about an hour but it is no problem staying overnight.
If you want to hire a horseman (arriero), pack animals or just a guide, plan on spending 1 night in town to give yourself time to arrange it.
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Population 2000+ and growing quickly, Aguas Calientes (Hot Waters) exists almost exclusively to service tourists coming to Machu Picchu.
In fact, some tourist bumpf names the village Machu Picchu town.
Budget hostels start at less than US$5 / person.
Tenting near the river, about 1.5km from town, costs about US$3 / person.
High rollers can book a room right beside the entrance of the ruins for US$600+ at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.
Again, check an up-to-date guidebook for accommodation & restaurant recommendations in your price range.
For a tourist trap, Aguas Calientes is very tranquil. It is no inconvenience to spend a day or two waiting for your train out.
Aside from the charmingly run down hot springs, many hikers add a day hike to climb Putucusi, a peak across the valley from Machu Picchu. This day hike is free, but involves steep ladder climbs & slippery, dangerous scrambling. Not recommended for the faint of heart.
