Best Luxury Hotels by Machu Picchu!
Quite often on this blog, I’m giving my best advice on how to make travel more affordable. But not today! Today, we’re talking about the “Best Luxury Hotels by Machu Picchu!” I’ve been to Machu Picchu twice: the first time, we stayed in a horrific hostel, as part of the 3-day “Inca Jungle Trek.” NOT recommended!! For my second Machu Picchu visit, we opted for luxury instead, staying at the Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Their lovely porters met us at the train station, took our bags, & escorted us to the hotel a few blocks away.
I can tell you: this is the way to go.
Machu Picchu.
In this article, I’ll be giving my recommendations for the best luxury hotels by Machu Picchu. If there’s anywhere I recommend splurging a bit: it’s here. Accommodations in this article range from $150-650+/night (Belmond Sanctuary Lodge takes the cake for priciest), & they’re all located in Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu) ~ except for the Belmond, which is located up on the mountain, literally at the Machu Picchu entrance.
Map of Hotels by Machu Picchu
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel
Sumaq Hotel Machu Picchu
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Entrance
Best Luxury Hotels by Machu Picchu
1. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, $450+/night
This is probably my favorite luxury hotel by Machu Picchu: the stunning, set-in-the-garden-jungle Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. It was voted by Conde Nast as the #3 Hotel in ALL of South America, & the #15 Best Hotel in the World! Rooms are sumptuous & larger than the more expensive Belmond Sanctuary ~ so if you’re looking for the height of luxury, & prefer being in town as opposed to up next to the ruins, then stay here.
The hotel is set amidst a gorgeous garden, & rooms are decorated with warm & colorful accents, highlighting the beautiful textiles you’ll find all over Peru. Breakfast is included, & their restaurants is OUTSTANDING. All around, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo has a warmer, more organic feel than the Belmond ~ so if it’s authenticity you’re looking for (with a slightly lower price tag), then I highly recommend staying here. Reviews are stellar & you will NOT be disappointed.
Check prices for the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo here.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, ranked by Conde Nast readers as the #3 Hotel in South America.
2. Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel, $220+/night
Next up is where we just stayed last month, & also an Inkaterra property: the Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel. The location here is perfect, as it’s set right in the center of Aguas Calientes, a few blocks from the train station. El Mapi is a calm, chic oasis in the midst of the hustle & bustle that is Aguas Calientes. Walking through town, tired from our journey, we walked right by El Mapi & saw its gorgeous bar & restaurant. Not realizing it was our hotel, we said, “I wish we were staying here!” Luckily for us, we were.
A welcome drink awaits you in the chic lobby of El Mapi!
Food at El Mapi’s restaurant is AMAZING!!! Our dinner was one of the best we had in Peru, with their traditional dish called “Lomo saltado.” Rooms are simple but chic, with inspiring quotes on the wall. Our suite had three separate areas: bedroom, large bathroom, & a cozy living room/sitting area. All areas could be partitioned off from one another, for privacy, with views towards the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. Stunning. Rooms that aren’t suites are slightly on the small side, but make up for it with tasteful amenities.
If you have a chance, also check out their spa, which is bathed in wood & has soaring views out towards the mountains. Having a massage, sauna, & hot tub with these views after hiking Machu Picchu is the ultimate reward.
Check prices for the Inkaterra El Mapi here.
Best Luxury Hotels by Machu Picchu
3. Casa del Sol Machu Picchu, $155+/night
This is the least expensive hotel on this list ~ but it’s a fantastic option for more affordable luxury: the Casa del Sol Machu Picchu. Rooms are cheerful, good-sized, & decorated with warm Peruvian accents, full of character. The location is perfect, in the middle of Aguas Calientes, & right across the river from the bus station (that will take you up to Machu Picchu). Many rooms & the restaurant have river views, & overall, if you’re on more of a budget, Casa del Sol is a great option.
The least expensive option on this list: Casa del Sol Machu Picchu.
4. Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, $329+/night
Right in the mid-range in terms of pricing, lies the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. This is an absolutely beautiful hotel, set across from the Urubamba River, so that in many rooms you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of rushing water. Sumaq is also set right along the road where buses hightail it up to Machu Picchu, so it may be a bit noisy from certain rooms. But, other than that, you’ll find a luxurious sanctuary awaiting you after your Machu Picchu adventures. Travelers rave about the food here, & rooms are spacious & beautifully decorated.
5. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, $650+/night
At the top end in terms of pricing, but closest to Machu Picchu (literally right at the entrance), is the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Is it worth the high price tag? Hard to say. If money is no object to you, & you’re DYING to have a room right next to the ruins, & even possibly with a view of them, then by all means: stay here. But for the high price tag, rooms are a little on the boring side (i.e. more modern, with few Peruvian accents) & on the smaller side, unless in a suite).
Though no other hotel on earth boasts the incredible location of the Belmond, the downside is that you’re kind of “stuck” on top of the mountain while staying there. Getting up & down the mountain to town requires a harrowing, 25-minute bus-ride. Which means, it’s a bit isolated ~ so if you want to explore town, it’s going to be challenging, especially returning late at night. If you want to eat all your meals there & basically just enjoy the property, then this is a great retreat.
Best Luxury Hotels by Machu Picchu
I hope this post on the best luxury hotels by Machu Picchu has helped you plan your Peru itinerary a bit better, & add in a touch of pampering to your stay. After trekking around at altitudes of 8,000-11,000+ feet ~ trust me, you’ll enjoy a nice room & if you’re lucky, a massage after your high-altitude sojourns! Have you stayed at any of these hotels before? Let me know in the comments below…
xoxo Noelia
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