At the end of the Inca Trail, just below the archeological site of Machu Picchu, sits the town of Aguas Calientes.

Literally meaning, “hot waters” Aguas Calientes is home to a hot springs.  Just up the valley from the main part of town is a soaking facility where locals and tourists sit together in the pools of hot water and marvel at the beautiful Andes mountains around them.  The river ambles through the town, the washing pools of the locals marked by brightly-colored plastic tubs, and ladders clinging to the side of the retaining walls.

The city is small, but it plays host to the pilgrims of Machu Picchu.  It has a vast market, where you can buy just about any textile, pottery, or stone you can imagine.  The main street, which is dominated by a set of train tracks,  is filled with restaurants.  The wood-fired ovens sit out front, cooking pizzas, and guinea pig.

The energy of the mountain town is palpable.  It is alive with the ruggedness of the landscape, and with the awe of the people who visit.