Best Luxury Hotels by Machu Picchu
Quite often, 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 visit, we opted for luxury instead: staying at Inkaterra’s El Mapi Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Their gracious porters met us at the train station, took our bags, & escorted us to the hotel just a few blocks away.Â
I can tell you: this is the way to go.Â
Machu Picchu.
Here, I’ll be recommendations for the best luxury hotels by Machu Picchu ~ places so nice, you might even run into a celebrity or two….(shows like “The Bachelor” have filmed here, as Peru is SO incredibly scenic.) If there’s anywhere I recommend splurging a bit: it’s here. Accommodations range from $150-650+/night.  Belmond Sanctuary Lodge takes the cake for priciest ~ but it’s also the only hotel located AT Machu Picchu.
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 my favorite luxury hotel by Machu Picchu: stunning, set-in-the-jungle Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. It was voted as Conde Nast’s #3 Hotel in ALL of South America, & the #15 Best Hotel in the World! Rooms are sumptuous, & larger than the Belmond Sanctuary ~ so if you’re looking for the absolute pinnacle of luxury, & prefer being in town (near restaurants & shops) vs. up by the ruins: then stay here. Inkaterra is so nice, in fact, that it has attracted celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, & Molly Simms. The only other hotel where you’re as likely to run into stars would be at the Belmond.
Inkaterra is set amidst a gorgeous garden, & rooms are decorated with warm & colorful accents, highlighting the beautiful textiles you’ll find all over Peru (some of my favorites were found in Pisac)! Breakfast is included, & their restaurant is OUTSTANDING.
Check prices for the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo here.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel was ranked by Conde Nast readers as the #3 Top Hotel in South America. Photo by Inkaterra.
Stars like Cameron Diaz & Leonardo DiCaprio favor Inkaterra’s Machu Picchu Pueblo when in Peru. Photo by Peru for Less.
2. Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel, $220+/night
Next up is where we just stayed last month, another Inkaterra property: their Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel. The location is perfect, as it’s set right in the center of Aguas Calientes, a few blocks from the train station. This is a calm, chic oasis in the midst of the hustle 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!”Â
Luckily for us, we were.Â
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 large & tastefully decorated, with inspiring quotes written on the wall. Our suite had three separate areas: a bedroom, large bathroom, & cozy living room/sitting area. All could be partitioned off from one another for privacy, with incredible views towards the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu.Â
Non-suite rooms are slightly smaller, but make up for it with tasteful amenities.Â
If you have a chance, also check out their spa, which is bathed in wood & has soaring views of the mountains. Having a massage, sauna, & hot tub with these views after hiking Machu Picchu is the ultimate reward.Â
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 listed ~ but it’s a fantastic option for affordable luxury: 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 takes you up to Machu Picchu).Â
Many rooms have river views, & if you’re on 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 of pricing is the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. This is an absolutely beautiful hotel, set on the Urubamba River. So in many rooms, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of rushing water. The hotel is also set along the road where buses hightail it up to Machu Picchu, so it may be a bit noisy in certain rooms (ask for one facing the river).Â
But, other than that, you’ll find a luxurious sanctuary awaiting after your Machu Picchu adventures. Travelers rave about the food here, & rooms are spacious & beautifully decorated. Â
5. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, $650+/night
At the top end, but closest to Machu Picchu (literally right at the entrance), is Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. This is the ONLY hotel in the world that will give you views of Machu Picchu…..from your room!! This is a place to really splurge, as it offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these incredible mountains at all times of day, in the privacy of your own space.
Though no other hotel on earth boasts the incredible location of the Belmond, the only downside is that you’re kind of “stuck” on top of the mountain while staying there. Getting down to town requires a 25-minute, rather exciting bus-ride. It’s a bit isolated ~ so if you want to explore town, it’s may be challenging, especially if returning late at night. If you want basically just enjoy the property, their restaurants (which are great), & the views: then this is a great retreat.
Best Luxury Hotels by Machu Picchu
I hope this post helps you plan your Peru itinerary, adding a touch of pampering to your stay. After trekking at altitudes of 8,000-11,000+ feet ~ TRUST me: you’ll really enjoy a nice room & massage after all the outdoor activity!
xoxo NoeliaÂ
Read Next:Â What is Machu Picchu Like for Female Travel?
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