Aguas Calientes is nestled beneath the mountains that frame Machu Picchu

Accessible only by train, the picturesque tourist town of Aguas Calientes is the jumping off point for Machu Picchu.

Nestled beneath soaring cloudforest-smothered mountains, the town is famous for its thermal baths - a series of brown, lukewarm pools  filled to the brim with  blissed-out travellers.

Aguas Calientes is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo and is a scenic four-hour train ride from Cusco. Unless you've walked here on one of the handful of 'alternative' Inca trails, the train is the only way of reaching the town.

Most people spend the night here before waking up before dawn to climb the steep hill or catch the first bus (5.30am) to South America's undisputed highlight.

Aguas Calientes has plenty of varied accommodation, restaurants, internet cafes and 'Inca' markets for stocking up on trinkets, T-shirts, postcards and the ubiquitous alpaca clothing.