Markets, Machu Picchu

There are rows and rows of sovenir and gift shops right next to the train station. It is the biggest concentration of street vendors we saw in our travels in Peru.

What to buy: Alpaca wool clothing of every kind is everywhere in Peru, especially in all the tourist cities. No more is that more true than in Agua Caliente. But Agua Caliente also has some items and gifts in the various street vendors that we could not find anywhere else we went to. (Cuzco, Puno, Lima)

Suprizingly, with some hard negotiating, the prices up in Agua Caliente are only a few soles more expensive than in Puno so I would actually suggest to get your fill of what you want to buy as sovenirs and gift here. The benefit here is that the selection is huge giving you choices of exactly what you want and you can bargain a good price since you the next stall will have the same thing too. Also, the silver jewelry, crafts, plates, etc... are unique to Agua Caliente, it will be much harder to find and the selection very slim outside Agua Caliente.

What to pay: Always negotiate for a dramaticaly lesser price.

The only place to shop around Machu Picchu are the market stalls of Aguas Calientes. You can find them along the major tributary of the Urubamba that runs through town or crammed up against the railroad tracks. The markets carry a good assortment of local products, including alpaca sweaters and scarved, local crafts and some art. The prices were comparable to what we got at Pisac, but you must bargain.

Some of you may say that I am crazy, why I said Shopping at MAchu Picchu as you can't even find a shopping complex around.

What to buy: But wait, if you don't believe, ask this train conductor, she should the only one to answer you.

In some (only a few) shops in "Aguas Calientes" you will find this type of wall hangings. Some have very artistic ones.

What to buy: The one I bought has the theme "El mercado" (the market) and was very elaborated and nicely done. A real masterpiece! Photo shows just a little part of the cloth (total measurements 85x80 cm). You can find these in different sizes, but if you can, do buy a big one!

What to pay: Depending on size, 20-50 USD.

You will need to pick up some snacks in Cusco before leaving for the trek.

What to buy: We are partial to chocolate when hiking. It is especially good mixed with nuts. This way you get some protein that lasts longer along with the quick fix of sugar. Crackers can come in handy to fill up on breaks before lunch. They also sell these dryish power bars make of grains. Though you need to drink a lot of water with them, it is a perfect energy food. Dry fruits and nuts are readily available too.

What to pay: Street vendors generally sell things a bit cheaper than proper shops especially if you ask the price first.

Aguas Caliente is where you will wait for your train back to Cusco. It's not much of a town but there are shops where you can buy pretty much whatever your little heart desires after the four day trek.

What to buy: Street stall food, even baby beef heart kebabs, are a great break from the food you ate on the trek. By now, you have finished your chocolate supply too so here's your chance to stock up before the train ride home.

What to pay: Prices are maybe slightly higher than Cusco, but who cares at this point, you are starving right?

All along the train track in Aguas Caliente there are locals selling their crafts. They love to bargain and they had some nice table cloths and pillow covers . Who can resist just one more !!

From the newtrain station, you'll go through a very orderly souvenir market before you get to the main street. The price here is in general not as competitive as in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley.