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Quechua and the South American Experience

Date posted: April 14, 2010

Street sign in Quechua and Spanish in PerThroughout the Andean region, street-signs often display words that contain bewildering letter combinations and that bear no resemblance to Spanish. This is perhaps the most visible reminder that Spanish is not native to this area, but is in fact, an import. It has been nearly half a millennium since the conquistadors arrived in South America, bringing Spanish with them, but the Quechua family of languages has continued to thrive and boasts millions of native speakers to this day.

Some Quechua words will be familiar to English speakers precisely because they have been borrowed from Quechua. For example, the words condor, llama, and puma all describe animals that only existed in South America, and consequently had never been named by Europeans. Similarly, English is full of words that originated from Native American languages. Some classic examples include: chocolate, hammock, moose, and tomato. Many cities, such as Chicago, Tulsa, and Mobile, and most U.S. states got their names from Native American languages as well. The same is true in South America, where Spanish settlers often adopted local toponyms. Most of these are simply proper nouns whose original meanings, if they ever meant anything, have been lost. However, a few trace their origin to Quechua phrases. One famous (although probably apocryphal) story told in the Peruvian city of Arequipa says that when the Inca emperor Mayta Capac was passing through the area with his army, some of his soldiers asked permission to settle there. He responded, “Arí, qhipay” (Yes, stay) and his authoritative statement gave the place its name.

Aside from a few widely recognized words and phrases, the vocabulary of Quechua is entirely foreign. The last known migration of any people across the Bering land bridge is believed to have occurred around 12,000 years ago. Therefore, Quechua evolved independently of any Old World language, such as English, for at least that much time. The result is a lexicon completely dissimilar to those of European languages. Though a native English speaker can relate the Spanish word for water, agua, with English words such as aquatic, aqueduct, and aquarium, this is not possible with Quechua, Quechua School in Cuscowhose word for water is unu. This may seem daunting at first, but new vocabulary is often easy to learn because many Quechua words are onomatopoetic. For example, the word for dove, urpi, when pronounced by a native speaker, resembles the sound of a dove’s cooing. Additionally, the regularity of Quechua’s grammar quickly makes up for any difficulty presented by its unique vocabulary, and thus affords the learner an opportunity to master a completelydissimilar language with speed and accuracy. Travelers interested in studying Quechua can easily do so. Most major cities offer courses at very low prices, and locals are always willing to talk with a gringo who is eager to learn.

Unfortunately, the future of this beautiful and unique language does not look very bright. Because of the international importance of Spanish and English, the languages with the second and third highest populations of native speakers (Mandarin Chinese has the highest), many parents do not teach their children Quechua. Children in South American schools are taught in Spanish and study English as a second language, only to later lament the fact that they don’t know more of the language of their ancestors. Perhaps worst of all, the supremacy of English and Spanish has nothing to do with any intrinsic superiority. Inca children learned Quechua as easily as their descendants learn Spanish today, and Quechua may be much easier to master as a second language because its grammar doesn’t present any unexpected surprises. Nevertheless, Spanish and English have the force of greater numbers on their side, and knowledge of these languages is closely linked to earning potential, Though other languages will probably win out in the long run, for the time being Quechua continues to confuse visitors with its unusual vocabulary, and to enrich the culture of South America.

Lithium, Bolivia, and why it matters

Date posted: April 8, 2010

By Christian Casey, Kuoda Travel

The 2011 Chevy VoltIn November of this year, Chevrolet plans to release the Volt, a plug-in electric hybrid that GM hopes will restore its image and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  There is a great deal of anticipation for this technology, in part because these cars will produce far fewer greenhouse emissions, but also because their power comes from coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy, the fuels used to produce household electricity, rather than from oil. The desire to use less oil is understandable. Not only is it a non-renewable resource, but the need to obtain more has sparked conflicts for well over a century, and today, many powerful nations have no choice but to import it at high costs. Producing vehicles that depend on electricity instead seems like the perfect solution to this problem.

Unfortunately, this new technology is not without limitations.  Like many handheld electronic devices, the Volt will store electricity in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The lithium used to make these batteries is not scattered all over the face of the earth. In fact, all of the lithium in use today comes from sources in Argentina, Chile and the United States. If the Volt is successful and electric cars become the wave of the future, current rates of lithium production could fail to meet demand in as few as ten years.

The otherworldly landscape at Uyuni

In an effort to solve this problem, scientists have turned to the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia, which are believed to contain half of the world’s lithium reserves. As a result, several international companies have tried to get permission to mine here. But until recently, Bolivia’s president, Evo Morales, was demanding that investors manufacture lithium-ion batteries within the country, and that 60% of all profits be returned to Bolivia, citing the history of exploitative mining practices in his country by industrial nations. So far, only Japan has been granted the right to mine lithium in Bolivia, and only after pledging billions in foreign aid. At the same time, the national government has begun work on its own small factory. Ironically, the entire discussion may be irrelevant, as some scientists have begun to question the feasibility of mining lithium at Uyuni.

Even if all of these obstacles are overcome, there is still the question of what industry will do to the pristine environment of the Salt Flats.  Because the area is so hostile, it has historically been spared the effects of human habitation. Most of the people who do wander here are tourists coming to experience the unusual scenery, people who have an interest in preserving the beauty of Uyuni and leaving its ecosystem unharmed. It is impossible to predict the effect lithium mining will have on one of the world’s most unique environments; however, if history tells us anything, so long as the demand for production continues to rise, we shouldn’t expect industry to stop and look at the view.

Donations for Chile

Date posted: March 8, 2010

By Rachel Parkinson, Kuoda Travel

The situation in south-central Chile is dire after the massive 8.8 earthquake that hit near the city of Concepcion on February 27th.  Since then there have been several other smaller-scale earthquakes, as well significant damages have been caused by tsunamis in costal towns.

LATA Foundation is coordinating a response to the devastation in Chile on behalf of the members of the Latin America Travel Association in conjunction with the Chilean Embassy in London. The LATA Foundation is a registered charity which works closely with embassies, airlines, tour operators, travel agents, local travel specialists, tourists and travelers, as well as many other businesses and organizations involved in Latin America.

If you are interested in making a donation which will go directly to helping the people in Chile, visit:

www.justgiving.com/lata

Please mark your donation “Chile Appeal” in the comments box at the end of the process.

Private Travel

Date posted: March 4, 2010

By Rachel Parkinson, Kuoda Travel

Recently at Kuoda we have been redesigning our website and maintaining our image for creating private, luxury travel in Peru and South America. We customize and personalize itineraries for our clients, and all of our trips are in private – but perhaps some more clarification is necessary on this subject.

It’s true, we do have sample itineraries posted on our web page – so what are they there for, if they aren’t set tour packages? Simply put, these itineraries are posted to give you a good idea about some previously enjoyed Kuoda vacations. These are real itineraries which have been enjoyed in the past by our guests, and you can look through them to inspire your own dream vacation. You can mix and match destinations and activities, or simply start from scratch by speaking with your Kuoda travel design specialist.

At Kuoda Travel we specialize in personalized, private itineraries. That is to say; we design and shape each itinerary individually for each client. No two Kuoda itineraries are ever exactly the same, just as no two clients have exactly the same interests, personalities, and time frames. We try to keep things fresh and interesting, and we do our research on the areas we visit, so that our clients are always visiting the best destinations possible for the specific day or week they are there.

We like for our clients to be “responsible travelers”, rather than “tourists”, and some of the destinations we recommend to our guests are places which are far off the beaten path, and often in communities which are not generally exposed to tourism. We always try to travel in small numbers so that these environments and peoples remain unaltered unexploited by tourism. It’s our mission at Kuoda Travel that the benefits of travel – both to the traveler and the areas visited – should always outweigh the costs.

Devastating Earthquake in Chile

Date posted: March 2, 2010

By Rachel Parkinson, Kuoda Tours

The morning of Saturday, February 27th an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter scale hit Chile. As of today, at least 799 bodies have been found, and it is estimated that more than 2 million Chileans have been left homeless from this devastating earthquake.

Concepcion, the second largest city in Chile is located just 115km south from what was the epicenter of the quake. Only now are water, electricity and communication services slowly beginning to return to normal in Concepcion. Although there are most likely still more bodies to be retrieved, security has been a huge issue, holding up rescue and aid efforts. Looting, which at first was sporadic, grew violent as the hours passed following the earthquake in the devastated city of Concepcion.

Beginning as a justified and desperate need to acquire water and food, the looting turned into city-wide vandalism and theft. After the supermarkets and shops had been looted, the theft moved on to houses. To defend themselves from the violence and looting, hundreds of people had taken refuge outside their homes, armed with sticks, knives and even firearms. A forced curfew to end the violence was implied Saturday evening, and from Concepcion the curfew also was applied to the cities of Talca, Cauquenes and Constitucion. “Restoring public order is an urgent and pressing need, and for that we must use all means at our disposal,” Sebastian Piñera, Chile’s president-elect, told reporters.

Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for all countries on the Pacific coast. Many towns along the Chilean coast have been affected, and according to Chilean President Bachelet, shortly after the quake a giant wave hit Robinson Crusoe Island, 700km from the Chilean coast, engulfing half the lower part of the island. A small amplitude tsunami hit the Gambier archipelago in French Polynesia also on Saturday, but no significant damages were caused.

In terms of tourism; Northern Chile, including the Atacama Desert and the Altiplano region has not been significantly affected by the earthquake, and all roads are still open. The city of Santiago has suffered some damages, but the general tourist area remains unaffected, and all roads to the north of the city are still in good condition. The wine region, including Santa Cruz and surroundings, has been heavily affected, both because of the magnitude of the quake, and also due to the fact that adobe is the prominent material of construction in the area. Many old houses and buildings have suffered severe damages. Although international flights have been interrupted in Santiago, they should return to normal schedule today.

Machu Picchu to re-open April 1st

Date posted: February 24, 2010

By Rachel Parkinson, Kuoda Travel

Machu Picchu

It has been announced that the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu will again be open to national and international tourism on April 1, 2010. The Peruvian Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Martin Perez said “We hope that from April 1st to begin receiving again the millions of tourists who have always come.”

Yesterday, February 23rd, FTSA (Ferrocarril Transandino S.A.) released information regarding the progress of the repairs on the railway. They stated that significant progress has already been made on the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, and there are eight teams working simultaneously on all sections which have been damaged on the route. Among the repairs which are being made, there has been significant progress from Km 82 in Piscacucho and onwards to Aguas Calientes. The progress has been mainly in rebuilding the embankment from the railway to the river with fortified stone walls, and in many places the rail has been moved several feet towards the side of the hill to avoid damages in the future.

At this point there is a total of just 10 kilometers of rail which needs to be repaired and/or moved in the section between Piscacucho in the Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu pueblo). Given the rate of current progress this stretch of rail will be completed before April 1st. With this route completed, tourists will be able to reach Machu Picchu by taking a bus or car from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Piscacucho, approximately 2 hours from Cusco, ½ hour from Ollantaytambo, and the regular train from there to Aguas Calientes. The route from the hydroelectric station (km 122) to Aguas Calientes (km 110) has already been completed and is currently under observation.

It should be noted that the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu itself has, in fact, not been affected by the extremely heavy rain fall this year, and is still in perfect condition thanks to the hydraulic ingenuity of the Incas. The other archaeological sites in Cusco have also not been damaged, including Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and many more. The Inca Trail as well has not suffered any major damages, but is closed annually in February for repairs and clean-up. The Inca Trail will re-open this year with Machu Picchu on April 1st.

Along with the progress which has been made on the Cusco-Machu Picchu route, repairs have been also been completed on the Cusco-Puno route, and regular tourist service resumed on Monday February 22nd. All repairs on both routes are being made as quickly as possible, with a focus on quality and more stringent safety standards.

Kuoda Travel will begin operating private tours to Machu Picchu on April 1st again as usual, and clients with trips booked in April and later this year should not be concerned about the status of their vacation. In a number of weeks Cusco will return to normal, again as one of the top destinations for archaeology and ecology in South America.

DONATIONS for those left homeless in Cusco and Apurimac

Date posted: February 2, 2010

By Rachel Parkinson, Kuoda Travel
This year’s unusually heavy rainfall resulting in severe flooding and landslides has left tens of thousands of people homeless in the departments of Cusco and Apurimac. Entire towns built from adobe bricks have been literally washed away, and their people are desperate for whatever help they can get. Many organizations here are working hard to deliver safe drinking water, food, and other supplies, but there are still many people who have not yet received aid.

At Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) nearly 2,000 tourists were stranded last week after the all land access ways were destroyed by mudslides and flooding. There was insufficient lodging, food, sanitation and other supplies for the thousands of people stranded – most did not even have a change of clothes, extra money, or blankets having only expected to stay for the day. Evacuations were gradually made by helicopters to safe-points in Ollantaytambo and Cusco city, while supplies were brought for those still stranded in the town. PeruRail also did their part to help, offering their train cars and station as dry places to sleep for some of the tourists in the town, as well as providing some food and water.

But in reality, those most severely affected have been the people of Peru who have lost everything. They have stepped up to help each other in this emergency situation, and even those who have little to give are giving as much as they can – but still much help is needed. One of the greater concerns is what will happen further in the future to these people who have lost their homes, their crops – everything. They must begin to rebuild their lives from nothing, and in this current situation while even finding clean drinking water is a struggle, things seem pretty hopeless.Lucre, formerly a popular place to eat duck, is one of the towns in Cusco which has been severely affected. The stream running through the town rose to previously un-recorded heights, flooding over its walls and rushing through the town – flattening all the adobe houses in its path. Huacarpay, a town built on the shores of a small lake, is now a part of the lake itself, with virtually no buildings still intact. The people from these villages have pitched tents and built make-shift shelters on the hills with their few rescued possessions. On the 26th and 27th of January, local river rafting guides and police forces helped with evacuations in Huacarpay, but the scene was pretty grim as the adobe houses crumbled one by one.

The Sacred Valley has also seen its share of disaster with the rising of the Urubamba River, entire fields of corn and potatoes, nearly ready for harvest, have been washed away by the raging river. Among other damages in the valley, Pisac, famous for its artisan’s market and archaeological complex, has lost its bridge, and the PNP police station has been washed out as well.

If you would like to make a donation directly to an account which has been set up to deliver aid to the tens of thousands of people in Apurimac and Cusco who so desperately need it, please refer to the account below.

Camara De Comercio Cusco-Damnificados

To: Banco de Credito del Peru,

Bank Address: Av. Sol 189, Cusco-Peru

Account number: 193-1853603-0-61

SWIFT code:  BCPLPEPL

For more information about the emergency situation in Cusco and Apurimac please refer to the following web pages.

http://www.rpp.com.pe/2010-01-26-emergencia-en-cusco-y-apurimac-tema_237978.html (en Español)

http://www.livinginperu.com/news-11341-peru-peru-official-aid-for-cusco-puno-and-apurimac-still-slow-to-arrive

http://enperublog.com/2010/01/29/humanitarian-disaster-in-cusco-abandoned-communities-help-themselves/

Emergency in Cusco and Apurimac

Date posted: February 1, 2010

By Rachel Parkinson, Kuoda Travel
A week ago the departments of Apurimac and Cusco were declared to be in a state of emergency for the next 60 days due to extremely heavy rainfall in these areas. The result has been severe flooding and landslides,  severely damaging many areas including all of the land access ways to Machu Picchu town, Aguas Calientes, leaving nearly 2,000 tourists stranded. Peru Rail has been working hard to re-establish a connection with Machu Picchu, but the continuing rains have slowed this process. An air bridge was established by military helicopters on Monday, January 25th in order to evacuate tourists to Ollantaytambo and Cusco city.

Among the fatalities, a Peruvian Inca Trail guide and a tourist from Argentina were killed by mudslides.

The rising of the Vilcanota River this rain-season has been more drastic than ever recorded, rising from the usual 850m3/second to an unbelievable 1100m3/second. The result has been that the railway from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu has been severely damaged in more than eight critical places, and it could take until mid-March to restore the railway and begin normal service once again.

Many people in the departments of Cusco and Apurimac have been displaced from their homes due to flooding. The town of Huacarpay, 40kms south from Cusco city, has suffered extensive damages, with estimated 175million dollars of property damage and the displacement of hundreds of families. In both departments, a total of 38,000 people have been displaced from their homes, with an additional 67,000 people affected by the flooding.

Tents, medicines, food and safe drinking water have been sent to the areas most affected in Apurimac and Cusco to help the families who have lost their homes.

Virgen del Carmen festival in Paucartambo

Date posted:

By Laurel Thompson, Kuoda Tours
For a few days out of each year the quiet, colonial backwater town of Paucartambo comes to life. It is suddenly overfilled with thousands of visitors, spectators who come to see and be a part of one of South America’s most vibrant and fascinating fiestas.

For five days, ( starting on the 15th of July), thousands of devotees hold festivals in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, known locally as Mamacha Carmen, patron saint of the mestizo population.  Dance groups, all magnificently masked and costumed in accordance with their respective customs, accompany the Mamacha in a huge parade, gaily dancing down the city streets. Behind them the entire population of the town gathers quietly, forming itself into a pious mass bearing candles, flowers and other offerings. It is a colorful mix of Andean pre-Columbian ceremonies and Catholic religion in which many ancient gods and rites are honored.

The Virgin del Carmen (the virgin of Mount Carmel) is a particular apparition of the Mother of Jesus. Images of the Virgin always show her dressed in brown and tan, wearing a flat crown, and holding the Infant Jesus; both of them hold scapulars in their hands. It is said that all those who die while wearing the blessed scapular of the Lady will be saved from the fires of Hell, no matter how great their sins.

The Spanish introduced the custom of paying homage to the Virgin. The festival comes from the Old World, where the Virgin was honored in seaports as Stella Maris. The tradition has its origins in the Old Testament, when the prophet Elias retreated to a cave in Mount Carmel in Israel. Many centuries later, hermits following in Elijah’s footsteps asked for the protection of the Virgin of Carmen. Mariners and fishermen everywhere soon adopted her as their patron saint.

There is a legend that tells of how the festival first came to Paucartambo: long ago, every year during the first days of July, a wealthy woman called Felipa Begolla would always come to Paucartambo to trade goods. She would come with her mule train laden with goods from her homeland, which she exchanged for Paucartambo’s produce.

One year on July 16th, while she was unpacking her bundles, Felipa found the head of a beautiful woman radiating rays of light lying among the pots and pans. When she tried to cry out, she found that she could not speak, and when she tried to run she was unable to move. Then the lovely head spoke to her, calming her fears and telling her that her name was Carmen.

Felipa put the head on a fine silver dish that she had been carrying with her to trade and, as the head glowedbrilliantly, a crowd of muleteers and neighbors gathered around it. A carpenter was commissioned to carve a wooden body for the head and, mounted on an elaborate litter, the Virgin was carried to the local church where her miraculous image was placed on one side of the main altar.

On July 16th, now the main day of the fiesta, the Virgin, beautifully adorned, is borne aloft in a fantastic procession through the streets to bless those present and scare away demons. Some of the dancers –the Saqras- in a representation of the never-ending battle between the forces of good and evil, daringly perform gymnastic feats on the housetops, showing off their colorful Inca and colonial garb while they try to seduce the Virgin, crying out as if in pain and trying to avoid her impassive stare. Afterwards, a symbolic battle is staged amongst the devout dancers and the demons, with the traditional victory of the faithful.

On the 17th, a feast is held that includes the dead. All the people of the town go to the cemetery to visit their dead relatives and friends. They carry food and drink to celebrate beside the graves.

Preparations for the fiesta begin weeks before July 14th,  since, on that day and the ones that follow it, everybody is dedicated to celebrating and honoring their patron and do not have time to work.

In particular, the 16 groups of dancers, or comparsas, are kept quite busy learning and rehearsing their strict choreography over the few weeks before the celebration.

They all represent semi-mythical characters, derived from Peruvian historical folktales and legends, such as malaria victims, Ukukus (half man half bear), condor-men and warlike jungle Indians. On horseback or on foot they reel through the streets throughout the fiesta.

A few examples of the different comparsas (participants) are:

The Saqras, which are Euro-Andean devils that dress in vivid rainbow-colored costumes and elaborate animal masks. They occupy the rooftops and balconies of the town during the processions in which the Virgin is carried through the streets, vying with her for the crowd’s attention.

The Auca Chilenos represent painful memories left by the Chilean army during the War of the Pacific.

The dancers of the Capaq Negro group, one of the most elegant groups present, honor the memory of the slaves who worked in the silver mines and cotton fields during the colonial period. They dance and sing to a slow, stately rhythm.

The mischievous Maqtas seem to be everywhere at once. These anarchic tricksters are the ones who maintain order during the festivities, policing both the participants and the crowds of spectators, ensuring that whenever the Virgin is present, hats are removed and that there is a brief pause; otherwise the flow of beer is practically never-ending.

Hot Springs of Peru

Date posted:

By Laurel Thompson, Kuoda Tours
A hot spring is formed when water that is heated underground returns to the surface of the earth. In some areas, magma or lava has worked its way up through Earth’s crust. These hot rocks sit at shallow depths beneath Earth’s surface. Water that seeps downward into these hot zones is heated by the fiery rock, and returns to the surface, where it may pool to form springs.

Native Americans of both South and North America have historically revered and held such sites as sacred. Evidence has been found that attest to the frequent use of these springs, some of it dating back over 10,000 years! The mineral rich waters of hot springs, which may contain sulphur, iron, lithium, calcium, phosphorus, arsenic and other minerals, have been used for centuries to aid in healing such conditions as arthritis, rheumatism, skin conditions, hepatitis, and even cancer. The waters are used to clean and promote healing of wounds, and have been ingested to help clear toxins from the body.

People have long held the belief that special guardian spirits reside at these springs, spirits that offer cleansing and healing to those who approach the springs with the correct attitude of humility and reverence. To this day, people visit such springs in pursuit of both spiritual and physical healing from the stresses and issues we all accrue from the mere fact of living on a planet whose systems are out of balance.

People may frequent hot springs for a variety of reasons. Some experience a sense of communion with nature, and marvel at the fact that the Earth is so kind as to provide sojourners with comforting hot baths, many of which are set in idyllic natural surroundings. Others seek the profound shift in consciousness that may accompany a long soak. (I once spent most of an entire week in a particular pool) Others wish for relief from skin or blood ailments, or comfort for muscle sprains and strains. Hot springs are good places to meet people and visit in a relaxed setting, to spend quality time with family and friends, and to shift away from routine.

There are some simple rules visitors to hot springs should be aware of. People should remember to approach a hot springs experience with respect for nature and concern for fellow travelers. Glass should not be used at hot springs, nor should alcohol be consumed. Trash should be packed out or thrown into proper receptacles. Photos should not be taken of people without their permission. Noise should be kept to a minimum out of respect for people who are there to meditate. And people should instruct their children, not to urinate in the springs!

There has been some controversy at times over the use of nudity in hot springs. There are those who enjoy the sensation of bathing au natural, feeling that entering the waters as nature made them adds to the experience. In developed hot springs, bathing suits are almost always required or customary. In some less accessible hot springs, visitors may be in the habit of bathing in the nude; however, this does not mean they come to be gawked at. Most people who visit hot springs are coming to have a close experience with nature, and some come seeking a profound spiritual experience. Nude bathers, are not, as a rule, coming to put on a show for others.

It is not surprising that Peru has many hot springs, some more accessible than others, to offer both to the traveler and the local resident, a respite from stress and a cure for what ails them.  A few of the most highly regarded hot springs, or baños termales, of Peru are described below:

Cajamarca Hot Springs: Found 6 km east of the city of Cajamarca, these springs are famous for having been used by the Inca Atahualpa at the time of the Conquest.  In fact, legend has it that he was soaking in the springs with his family at the moment that Pizarro arrived in the city to seize his kingdom. The original pool, called Poza del Inca, has been preserved intact, and new pools have been built for individuals and groups. These waters are known for their medicinal properties.

Lares Hot Springs: Accessed after a two hour drive from the town of Calca, through some of the most beautiful countryside anywhere in Peru, Lares Hot Springs are set alongside the Lares River Canyon. There is a luxuriously large warm swimming pool and cascading showers which provide an instant natural water massage, plus four pools, which range from tepid to very hot.  Camping, private indoor Jacuzzi, changing rooms, and showers are available.

Aguas Calientes Hot Springs, located a 10 minute walk from the town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machupicchu, these springs have been recently rebuilt and refurbished. There are several pools, ranging in temperature from cold to moderately hot. There are changing facilities, showers and a small snack bar on site.

It is important to remember to approach hot springs with respect and to preserve them intact, so that people may continue to enjoy them for years to come.