I spent a day more in Aguas Calientes than planned. I actually wanted to go to Santa Teresa first, but I fell asleep during the trip and when I was in Hidroeléctrica, I just hiked right over the tracks to Aguas Calientes. There is a small thermal bath, which did my sore muscles very well. It wasn't very crowded, so I had my peace. In Santa Teresa there is also a thermal bath, which is larger, but I didn't like it so much.

It often drizzled in Aguas Calientes, so I bought this hat. Best hat ever! Totally completed me! 😃

Aguas Calientes a.k.a. Machupicchu Pueblo is located 6 kilometers from Machu Picchu, closely surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains. There's no road connection, you can only get there by train or on foot. For most visitors, it's the starting point for the tour to the ancient city. The village is very well presented with many artistic details. Here I even had the chance to watch the development. 🤗🎨🐾
I've many more photos, but always nice and slow with the young sloths... ☝😏
🤓 On this day in history, July 24th:
In 1911, Machu Picchu was rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. ☝

West of the village of Maras are these unusual Inca ruins. Their depth, design and orientation creates a temperature difference of as much as 15°C (27°F) between the top and the bottom. The purpose is uncertain, but it may have been used for agricultural experiments. It has been discovered that the soil of the terraces comes from different places. The Inca have produced countless varieties of potatoes, quinoa and corn. Until 50 years ago, potatoes and barley were grown here.

The loveliest place I found in Peru is Santa Teresa. It's a few kilometers away from Machu Picchu. There I relaxed so much! Here on a rock at the Urubamba River, near the hot wells.

Chinchero is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, northwest of Cusco in Peru. The village is known for its colorful alpaca textiles. A little insight into the traditional production showed us this Quechua woman. I came a bit too late to the show, because I got stuck with the cute alpacas in the entrance area. 🙃

With INCA KOLA to the top! 💪💪
I love this drink so much! ❤

Inca Kola is a cola brand from Peru, which was invented in 1910 by British immigrant John Lindley in Rímac / Lima. A main ingredient of the drink comes from the lemon verbena, locally called Hierba Luisa. 🌿
The sweet taste reminds a bit of chewing gum. 🤔

Have you already tried Inca Kola? How would you compare the taste?

I always liked to philosophize about the taste, especially with other fans! 😂

Just another photo of Machu Picchu.

View of the cloud-covered Huayna Picchu during my ascent to Mount Machu Picchu.

That's how close you get to the sea lions.