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WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MANUEL CHAVEZ BALLON MUSEUM IN AGUAS CALIENTES, PERU
Looking for things to do in Aguas Calientes, Peru?
Visit Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum in Aguas Calientes!
Hands down, it is the best thing you can do (besides Machu Picchu).
Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum in Aguas Calientes is also known as the Machu Picchu Museum.
It is named after the archaeologist – Manuel Chavez Ballon.
Needless to say, other than the visit to Machu Picchu Inca ruins itself, this museum is possibly one of the best places to check out while in Aguas Calientes.
Subsequently, this museum will give you a thorough understanding of the Inca culture and the insight into the construction of the citadel.
First of all, the self-guided tour of the museum should take you about 1-3 hours. I gave such a wide range, because it all depends how much reading you like to do.
Furthermore, you can ask at the ticket desk for them to play one of the videos about Machu Picchu.
To be precise, there are four exhibition rooms that house a collection of 250 original objects of stone, metal, ceramic, bone and others found as a result of archeological research in the recent decades in the Inca City of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
In addition, there are graphics, maps and photos from various archaeological excavations.
I found it very interesting looking at the different artifacts found during the excavations.
However, the most fascinating part was reading about the very purposeful planning for the site as well as the process of transforming the granite stones into buildings, terraces and walls. Moreover, I was intrigued by the construction of the stone terraces which recreated the micro climates suitable for a variety of plants.
What caught my attention was the original National Geographic magazine published in April 1913. It was entirely dedicated Hiram Bingham’s discovery of Machu Picchu.
In addition, I studied the copies of letters from the Peruvian government authorizing Hiram Bingham’s team to take artifacts to Yale University for analysis for a period of 18 months. All in all, as we know, Peru did not reacquire these artifacts until 2011.
HOW TO GET TO MANUEL CHAVEZ BALLON MUSEUM IN AGUAS CALIENTES, PERU
Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum is located approximately 2.2 kilometers (40 minute walk) from Aguas Calientes.
Following are step-by-step directions of how to get to Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum:
In the first place, locate the bus stop where the buses leave for Machu Picchu. It is not difficult. Aguas Calientes is a small town. Take a look at the picture right below: the bus stop for buses leaving for Machu Picchu is on the right.
Next, follow the road that that buses take to get to Machu Picchu.
Soon enough, you will pass by the famous Machu Picchu sign. It is a perfect spot to take some pictures!
Continue for about about 15-20 min until the road takes a sharp left turn over the Urubamba River.
Next, you will cross the river over a metal bridge. Take the pedestrian side of the bridge. It is on the right side of the bridge.
Once you reach the end of the bridge, turn right onto the dirt road. A little ways along, you come to the trail that goes up to Machu Picchu. It will be on your on left.
However, make sure to stay to the right to go to the museum. This intersection is well marked. At the end of the road is the museum.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF MANUEL CHAVEZ BALLON MUSEUM IN AGUAS CALIENTES, PERU
Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum in Aguas Calientes is open everyday of the week.
The opening hours are 9 am till 4:30 pm.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT MANUEL CHAVEZ BALLON MUSEUM IN AGUAS CALIENTES, PERU
The entrance fees to Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum in Aguas Calientes are:
- Adults – 22 soles
- College/University Undergraduate Students – 11 soles
- Elementary/High School Students – Free
WHERE CAN YOU BUY TICKETS TO MANUEL CHAVEZ BALLON MUSEUM IN AGUAS CALIENTES, PERU
You can buy the tickets at the entrance to the museum.
Conversely, when you are buying your tickets to Machu Picchu, you can add the tickets to the museum as well.
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Also, click on any of the images below to get inspired and to help you with the planning process with your trip to Peru!
Finally, to help you with your planning process of your trip to Peru, make sure to check out my post: 1-Week Peru Itinerary (+BONUS: 3-Day Extension Itinerary to Peruvian Amazon Rainforest.
