Ok, this time the ambassador is asking, not answering .

I've been several times in Cusco and even recently, but it's 5 years since my last time in Machu Picchu, and I know some things have changed.

I'll be only one day in MP (oct. 17), cause I have several things to do in Cusco city. My train arrives 7:40am to AC (from Ollantaytambo), and the departure is at 6:10pm. Those were the best trains I could get (I just bought today). Besides, I choose to arrive very early, cause since it's october, the probability of afternoon rains are higher (usually it doesn't rain at the morning, but who knows anyway!). So probably I'll spent the whole morning within the ruins (with a friend, it's his first time in MP). We are not interested on climbing to Huayna Picchu so one day is fine to us.

We are not within a guided tour group (I know all MP sections, zones, and some explanations), so probably we will be finishing by noon, 1pm, and then going back to AC for lunch. So these are my questions:

1. What good restaurant do you recommend in Aguas Calientes?
2. What do you suggest we can do until 6pm? (suggestions for a non-rainy afternoon, and for a rainy afternoon, just in case).
3. Has anybody been recently in the AC thermal baths? How is it? Is it worth it?
4. Is there any place nearby to see orchids?
5. While visiting the ruins... I've read food is forbidden, but can I carry cookies, soda or some snack within my bag? Of course I won't leave any trash, plastic or papers within the sanctuary. I have read that even it's "forbidden", it's tolerated whenever you don't litter. Any experiencie you can share?