Located at the base of the Machu Picchu Mountain, home to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, is the small town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Town). Whether you plan to arrive by trek, horseback or train to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes will be your base for accessing the mountain the following day.
With so many Machu Picchu hotels to choose from, it’s difficult to know which will provide you with the good night’s rest and relaxation you’ll need before what’s sure to be the highlight of your Peru vacation, your big day at Machu Picchu. Our destination experts have helpfully compiled a list of the best places to stay near Machu Picchu.
Pueblo Hotel By Inkaterra
A member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, the Andean-inspired Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is a unique lodge that will certainly set the tone for your trip to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. This collection of adobe casitas sits at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain, nestled between the cloud forest and serene Vilcanota River, with beautifully landscaped grounds that include terraced hills, waterfalls, and serene natural spaces. Spread over 12 acres, Inkaterra Pueblo is a destination in itself.
For those who don’t want to sacrifice comfort while getting close to nature in the Andes, this eco-luxury lodge will certainly deliver. Great for couples, families or groups of friends, Inkaterra’s extensive services and facilities cater to every type of traveler. Relax in the downstairs lodge by the roaring fire, dine in the world-class restaurant offering innovative Peruvian-fusion cuisine and spectacular views of the river, or unwind in the Unu Spa after a long day on the mountain.
Despite being just minutes from Machu Picchu, Inkaterra manages to remain a world of its own.
Exterior Of Sumaq Hotel in Aguas Calientes
The Quechua word meaning “beautiful and pleasant”, SUMAQ is a stunning luxury hotel situated at the base of Machu Picchu Sanctuary and across from the Vilcanota River. Focused on immersing guests in the traditions of Andean culture, SUMAQ remains family-owned and guarantees to offer the country’s finest level of service and hospitality.
Having perfected the services needed for a short stay before and after a trip to Machu Picchu, it’s no surprise SUMAQ was named the “#1 Best Hotel in Aguas Calientes” by the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards”. The facilities, rustic in style yet luxury in quality, offer breathtaking views over the Vilcanota River and upon Machu Picchu Mountain, and cater to solo travelers, couples, families, and even larger groups. Whether you choose to indulge in the fine dining and cocktail hours offered at the restaurant, take an in-house cooking class of your own, or treat yourself at the high-end spa, SUMAQ offers a level of luxury that you wouldn’t believe you could find tucked high in the Andes.
View Of The Huayna Picchu From The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
For travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the destination of Machu Picchu, look no further: the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel actually on Machu Picchu Mountain, right next door to the ancient Inca citadel. While other travelers are shuttling up and down the mountain each day, this ultra-luxury stay enables guests to simply walk next door and tour the site at any time of day, with tours led by Belmond’s expert guides.
Take a moment to yourself in the gorgeous gardens only steps away from the gates of Machu Picchu, or sit down for a gourmet meal with sweeping views of the Wonder of the World itself. The lodge has two restaurants, a bar, and room service that all offer exquisite international and Peruvian cuisine, making it easy to find everything you need atop the mountain. Wellness is a priority at the Belmond Sanctuary, where you can enjoy spa treatments using ancient Inca techniques, and informal relaxation exercises.
With 32 rooms and suites, the Belmond can accommodate groups, couples, families with children, and even has private wedding facilities for those wishing to get married atop mystical Machu Picchu or spend their honeymoon there!
Casa Del Sol Hotel in Aguas Calientes
In the heart of Aguas Calientes, (Machu Picchu Town), the recently refurbished Casa Del Sol Boutique Hotel is a cozy Peruvian-owned stay offering high-end accommodation and personalized service right next to the sacred Urubamba River. You won’t be just another guest at this boutique hotel, where attention to detail is of utmost priority.
Reserve a river-facing suite and enjoy your private balcony Jacuzzi, offering views of the surrounding nature, Machu Picchu Sanctuary, and unobstructed stargazing come nightfall. Dine in the exquisite in-hotel restaurant where you’ll find gourmet Peruvian dishes created with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, learn to cook with a cooking class, or settle into the bar with a hand-crafted pisco sour at the end of a long day. With single, double, triple and matrimonial rooms, Casa del Sol can accommodate any type of group.
Casa del Sol is Peru’s largest collection of boutique hotels, also making this a wonderful choice for guests who may be interested in staying in other Casa del Sol’s throughout the country.
Hotel Hatun Inti in Aguas Calientes
One of Machu Picchu’s most intimate boutique hotels, the 14-room Hatun Inti excels in personalized customer service in the heart of Aguas Calientes. This hotel is a great, reliable option for guests looking for a night or two before or after Machu Picchu.
Hatun Inti is bathed in romantic ambiance, offering a roaring fireplace and Jacuzzi bath right in your room. The breakfast buffet offers a hearty start to a day on the mountain, also offering the service of preparing food for those heading out especially early on a tour. Reception can arrange tours or other reservations, and in-house medical service is always available.
At Hatun Inti, guests are always made to feel right at home.
El Mapi By Inkaterra
For those who know the power of the respected Inkaterra name, you won’t be disappointed by the new hotel offered by the Inkaterra Hotel Group: Hotel El Mapi. A modern, contemporary creation, El Mapi is unlike any other hotel in Aguas Calientes, with a clean feel and social yet relaxing vibe.
Enjoy a complimentary pisco sour upon arrival, served by some of the best mixologists at El Mapi’s bar. With a focus on Peruvian fusion, the bar and restaurant serve offerings that are reminiscent of those found in Lima’s most renowned restaurants. The rooms, simple yet clean and spacious, offer all of the modern facilities and amenities that you’re looking for. Computers are available for use in the lobby, and the high speed Internet will appease travelers who still want every 21st-century comfort while in the mountains.
Popular with couples and groups of friends, El Mapi is a unique hotel right at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain.
A peaceful refuge in the tourist town of Aguas Calientes, Tierra Viva offers a strategic location near the hills that is still convenient for accessing Machu Picchu, but just a few steps further out of the bustling and noise of the center of the town.
Rooms are spacious and well maintained, able to accommodate any type of group (including families with small children, or guests requiring access to an elevator). Facilities include a business center, lounge with fireplace, bar, room and laundry service, currency exchange, and a beautiful panoramic sun terrace to help you take in the views of Aguas Calientes and the nearby Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Tierra Viva offers a consistently positive stay for those seeking a clean, convenient, and calm stay at a great value.
Modern, comfortable, clean and conveniently located, Casa Andina Hotel is a member of the reliable Peruvian hotel brand that perfects the essentials while maintaining a fair price.
Services at Casa Andina Machu Picchu include an on-site café and restaurant, breakfast buffet included with your booking, laundry, and access to the business center. The Superior and Junior Suite rooms offer tranquil views of the Vilcanota River, and the location is perfect for accessing the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Where will you stay near Machu Picchu? With a range of hotels from luxury to boutique, modern to rustic, and the customer service and hospitality in the heart of the Andes mountains at one of our recommended Machu Picchu hotels, it might be hard to get yourself out of bed to see Machu Picchu itself (but you definitely should)!
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