Stuck in Town for a Ticket? Discover the Hidden Museum and the Best Riverside Craft Beer

If you are reading this, chances are you are part of a growing trend of savvy travelers: you arrived in Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) without a reservation and joined the line to buy one of the 1,000 in-person tickets released daily for the following day.

Congratulations, you got your ticket! But now you have a small «problem» — you have a full 24 hours to kill before your hike.

Many travelers make the mistake of spending this extra day endlessly wandering the small town square or hiding in their hotel rooms. Instead, why not turn this waiting period into one of the most relaxing and culturally rich days of your trip? Here is the perfect itinerary to make the most of your «bonus day,» featuring a hidden Inca museum and the best riverside craft beer in town.

Morning: The Hidden Machu Picchu Museum

Skip the crowded markets and take a beautiful, flat, 30-minute walk along the Vilcanota River (following Av. Imperio de los Incas) until you reach the Puente Ruinas. Here, tucked away in the cloud forest, is the Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón.

Because it requires a bit of a walk, most tourists skip it entirely, making it a peaceful sanctuary. Inside, you’ll find a fascinating collection of Inca artifacts, tools, and ceramics excavated from the citadel. It is the absolute best way to understand the history of Machu Picchu before you actually step foot in the ruins tomorrow.

The Secret Garden: Don’t miss the botanical garden attached to the museum. It is a stunning, quiet space filled with native Andean orchids and lush vegetation. It’s a photographer’s dream and a great place to clear your mind.

Afternoon: The Riverside Oasis at Mapacho

After your scenic walk back toward town along Av. Imperio de los Incas, you will be thirsty, slightly tired, and ready to relax. Luckily, you don’t have to go far.

Right on that very same road sits Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Food. Since you have nowhere to rush to, this is the perfect moment to experience the Peruvian art of the sobremesa a long, leisurely meal.

Instead of a cramped cafe, grab one of our tables right by the massive windows overlooking the roaring river. It’s the ultimate spot to rest your legs, use our Wi-Fi to plan tomorrow’s route, and treat yourself.

What to Order for Your "Bonus Day"

Since tomorrow is the big hike, you want food that is incredibly flavorful but won’t weigh you down. Here is the perfect «Day 2» menu:

To Refresh: Start with our famous Trout Ceviche with Avocado Cream. It’s light, zesty, and instantly cools you down after your walk from the museum.
To Carb-Load for Tomorrow: You need good energy for your 4 AM wake-up call. Our Three-Cheese Gnocchi, made from native Peruvian potatoes, provides the high-quality carbohydrates your muscles will need for the steep Inca steps.
To Relax: You survived the ticket line; you deserve a reward. Order a pint of our refreshing Golden Ale or a tasting flight of our local craft beers. It is exactly what you need to calm your pre-hike nerves and ensure a great night’s sleep.

Make the Wait Worth It

Getting stuck in Aguas Calientes for an extra day isn’t a delay; it’s an opportunity. Explore the ancient history at the museum, breathe in the fresh air of the orchid garden, and then let us serve you the best food and craft beer in the Andes.

Tomorrow, you conquer the mountain. Today, you relax by the river.

Your riverside lounge: Av. Imperio de los Incas 614 (Right on your way back from the museum!)

Save your window seat: mapacho.pe/contacto