Situated at the base of Machu Picchu along the Urubamba, Aguas Calientes is a great little town which has really expanded over the last few years.

Despite the rarity of hot water and the non-existence of electricity during the daylight hours, it is a nice place to stay. The dramatic scenery makes up for the lack of first world amenities. The train from Cuzco no longer stops at Puente Ruinas; instead the tourists disembark here. 

As a result locals sell everything from amazonian butterflies in glass boxes to fresh squeezed mango juice, and there are lots of good places to eat.