Things to do
CULTURE
This bucket-list location is undeniably a feast for culture lovers. Guided tours of ancient Incan ruins are just the start. Hike sacred trails and feel the spiritual connection with Pachamama as you experience Quechua culture first-hand. Time your visit with the summer solstice to see the sun perfectly framed by the iconic Inti Punku sentinel – or visit the engimatic ‘Palace of the Princess’ tucked beneath the temple of the sun.
WILDLIFE
The mountain cloud forests are home to many altitude-loving animals – including pumas and spectacled bears. But before you trade your marmalade sandwiches for a photo opportunity with a would-be-Paddington, it’s worth knowing that they’re shy creatures who don’t particularly enjoy surprises… Save your snapshots for the famous mascots of the Andean mountains – the friendly llamas – who roam freely, and represent a deep connection with the land and its inhabitants.
WATER
With a name like Aguas Calientes, you can’t visit here without exploring its namesake – literally ‘hot springs’. Soak tired mountain muscles in the town’s five natural hot spring pools. Or dive headfirst into nature and bathe among orchids, butterflies and birds in the Allcamayo waterfalls – peaceful waters that lie just beyond the bustle of the citadel.
