11 Best Hotels Near Machu Picchu

Surrounded by steep escarpments and lush verdure and shrouded in swirling mist, the sprawling Inca ‘Lost City’ citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru is everything we’d ever dreamt of — and then some. Perched high in the Andes mountains, the spectacular bucket-list marvel is probably the most famous archaeological site on the planet, drawing slack-jawed visitors like us in droves. Since nothing can diminish the thrill of actually being here, whether it’s the ruins or the thrill of the arduous trek to get here, hotels near Machu Picchu fill up pretty quickly. Aguas Calientes, a.k.a. Machu Picchu Pueblo, and Ollantaytambo are the towns closest to the site, with buses and cars available from the former and trains available from the latter.

Not only did we find a wide choice of stays here, but they ranged from modern, sleek ones to charming traditional lodges, authentic to the region. The best bit? They lay across all kinds of budgets and thus catered to all kinds of travelers. With this awe-inspiring ancient city having been seared into our collective consciousness, we decided to plan a grand vacation to Machu Picchu, which is one of the most beautiful places in all of Peru. To that end, here’s a detailed guide to the best stays in the region, depending on your budget and the kind of journey you want to make to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most incredibly beautiful heritage sites.

Also read: Did you know that Machu Picchu is also one of the world’s most famous lost cities?

Sol y Luna – Relais & Châteaux, Urubamba

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We begin with a rather special Relais & Châteaux property in the Sacred Valley, the Sol y Luna, hidden in a narrow bylane on Urubamba’s quiet north-western edge.

Lush, tropical gardens surround this gorgeous resort – think bougainvillea, cactus flowers, and fruit trees with butterflies and hummingbirds. We loved the warm hues, the tasteful Andean art-and-craft pieces, and the faux-rustic style. The large spa was our favorite place to be at the end of a long day, but the hotel also had its own stables and even a well-stocked craft shop. What’s more, they had guided trips and excursions to the places around, after which we’d usually be at the small but lovely outdoor pool. Two restaurants and a bar serve excellent food and cocktails.

Choose from 43 pretty, adobe-clad, and stone-built casitas across 3 main categories. Our premium casita had an open fire, a garden, and a private terrace with an outdoor whirlpool.

Skylodge Adventure Suites, Ollantaytambo

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Most unique. Had you ever imagined staying in aluminium pods clinging to a granite slope above the Urubamba Valley? Welcome to Skylodge Adventure Suites, the only million-star hotel in the Machu Picchu region, which made us feel that we were in a spaceship rather than a hotel. Tucked, or rather suspended in the Sacred Valley, the pods can be accessed via a ferrata route of 170 metal steps and aluminum wires. It’s an adrenaline-inducing 1.5-hour climb to this vantage point, which requires a decent level of agility and fitness. We ziplined to the valley floor the next morning.

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We arrived, dressed in harnesses, gloves, and hard hats, with all our food and water crammed into our guide’s backpack at the three sleeping pods, which had a double bed and two single ones. We loved the minimal and clean interiors, where the focus is on the world outside. What’s more, four lights run on solar power, and there’s a primitive toilet cubicle at one end of the pod.

That being said, the bilingual guides are the stars here, as they’re versatile, safety-conscious, and they clean, cook, and climb! All breakfasts and dinners are planned in advance, but dinners are delicious, four-course, organic affairs, and breakfasts have everything from fresh fruit and granola to eggs and coffee.

Río Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Urubamba-Ollantaytambo

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On the Urubamba-Ollaytaymbo highway, the Río Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, stands majestically. The “Rio Sagrado” in question is the Urubamba River, which runs through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This Belmond outpost isn’t your everyday luxury hotel — here, you’re meant to merge with the landscape.

Choose from 19 rooms and suites, including 2 multi-bedroom villas, which are modeled after traditional Andean villages. We loved the familiarly luxurious interiors, all in a pared-down contemporary style and sprinkled with Peruvian accents. Every single comfort is there, save one: a TV. Rather, there are carefully engineered views of the sacred river itself, and we forgot all about cable. While the villas sleep upto six people, we chose one of the suites, which came with private garden terraces. Sigh — perfection.

The rest of the hotel was no less impressive, especially the bar/restaurant that serves Peruvian fare from homegrown ingredients. Meanwhile, the small spa heightened our relaxation, especially since we explored the valley on foot and horseback, and we were tired. Don’t forget to try their Pisco Sour, and make sure you go home with the recipe.

Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Urubamba

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A very special stay in the charming town of Urubamba is at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, which balances contemporary luxury with historical authenticity rather beautifully. It stands out in the Incan Sacred Valley as the only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station that offers direct access to Machu Picchu — observation and dining cars included!

Tucked along the Vilcamayo River, at the foot of Chicón mountain, Tambo del Inka was within walking distance of everything in Urubamba. We loved the handsome interiors, complete with a clean design and Andean fabrics. Moreover, there were magnificent views from nearly every location on the property, including the rooms.

The views extended to the indoor pool, which was filled with Incan waters, as well as the welcoming Kallpa spa, where we’d unwind after long days of exploring the region. In the central dining room, a welcoming stone hearth stands tall and proud, doling out New Andean cuisine.

Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu, Aguas Calientes

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Best value for money. Does staying around Machu Picchu mean only staying in hotels? Nope. Welcome to Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu, one of the most sought-after and popular hostels in the entire region! Staying at this funky hostel put us a mere two-minute walk from the train station at Aguas Calientes, making it the perfect base for backpacking through this ancient Peruvian site.

We loved everything about this hostel, especially its vibrant wall murals that seemed to radiate the energy of every world traveler who came and stayed here. Choose from equally bright and vibrant mixed-gender and female-only dorm rooms, all of which have comfy bunk beds and lockers to store our stuff. What’s more, there were even options for private rooms, all of which featured colorful art. Nevertheless, all bathrooms were shared.

Our days started with delicious breakfasts, which were included in the room rates. Other amenities and communal areas included a rooftop terrace with a bar, our favorite, as well as an adjacent restaurant and even a TV room.

El MaPi Hotel by Inkaterra, Aguas Calientes

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Sitting right in the heart of Aguas Calientes, El MaPi Hotel byInkaterra turned out to be a great value stay close to Machu Picchu, considering how close we were to the sanctuary. This contemporary, stylish, calm, and chic oasis boasted spacious digs and amenities, along with a fantastic location. The cherry on top was the Inkaterra brand name.

We loved the rooms and suites here, as they had large windows with fantastic views of the gardens and the Andean mountains around. What’s more, they were all tastefully decorated, with inspiring quotes written on the walls. We’d booked ourselves a suite which had three separate areas: a cozy living/sitting room, a large bathroom, and a bedroom for privacy. Of course, the mod-cons and the incredible views made the stay even more worthwhile.

Even if we hadn’t been on the trails all day long, we’d stuff ourselves with the delicious fare at El Mapi’s restaurant, and it was one of the best meals we had in all of Peru. At the end of long days, we’d be at their wooden spa, which also had soaring views of the mountains. Soaking in the hot tub and sauna, and enjoying a massage, was the ultimate reward.

El Albergue, Ollantaytambo

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We now come to Ollantaytambo, where the El Albergue awaits us in one of the most peaceful and picturesque settings we’ve ever seen. Nestled on the outskirts of Ollantaytambo, this hotel allowed us to explore not just Machu Picchu’s ruins, but also the rest of the serene and peaceful Sacred Valley. We had the choice of just 15 rooms and suites here, so staying here was a very intimate and exclusive experience. What’s more, they were all decorated in a chic, rustic style and had wonderful views of the beautiful gardens and the mountains. Additionally, it also had comforts such as cloud-like beds, modern bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and the like, making our stay as comfortable as it could get.

As we mentioned earlier, it was a delight exploring the surrounding region while staying at this hotel. One of the best ways to make the most of the countryside is horse riding. You could also rent bikes or hike in the surrounding mountains. When you get back to the hotel, fresh off the trails, the sauna beckons. We enjoyed massages, relaxed in the sauna, and unwound at this peaceful and unique spot.

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Aguas Calientes

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A luxurious sanctuary awaited us at Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel after our Machu Picchu adventures. The setting was beautiful — it sat at the foot of the sanctuary, close to the Vilcanota River. So, we could enjoy fabulous views not only of the Andean mountains but also of the ancient site and its gorgeous ruins.

A swath of rich Peruvian colors greeted us when we stepped into the hotel, creating a welcoming interior. The same vibe continued in the rooms and suites, where the warm Inca-inspired decor radiated a sumptuous feeling of luxury. What’s more, the plush rooms and suites came with coffeemakers, minibars, plush beds, flat-screen TVs, and even free Wi-Fi, with some rooms offering river views and the suites adding whirlpool tubs.

The restaurant was where we’d start and end our days, with delicious breakfasts and Asian and Andean flavors for dinner. However, what we loved the most here was the long roster of activities. For instance, they made sure that we were acclimatized to long walks when we landed here. Moreover, there were even mini-chef classes, culinary demonstrations, trips to the ancient site, and a shaman guiding us to discover spiritual and emotional healing.

Casa del Sol Machupicchu, Aguas Calientes

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Best affordable luxury. No one does affordable luxury near Machu Picchu quite like Casa Del Sol, which boasts an idyllic location on the banks of the Vilaconta River right in the heart of Aguas Calientes. The location was not only perfect for exploring, but we’d also fall asleep to the sounds of the slightly gushing waters of the river; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience indeed.

Choose from a bunch of rustic-chic yet polished rooms and suites, all of which have not only local touches but also mod-cons. Think sleek bathrooms, minibars, flatscreen TVs, and Andean textiles, along with river or mountain views. If you’re looking for something special, we’d suggest the polished suites, which even have private terraces with whirlpool tubs. The best ones in the house, of course, had views of Machu Picchu.

Our days began with complimentary breakfasts at the casual restaurant, which also served other meals and had river views. At the day’s end, we’d head to the cozy cocktail bar for a drink. When we wanted to unwind, we’d head to the hotel spa for treatments inspired by ancient Incan philosophies. However, one of the best things about staying here was that we not only enjoyed a fantastic tour of Machu Picchu through the hotel, but we also partook in other activities. This included a guided trek of the San Miguel Bridge as well as learning how to make Pisco Sour, Peru’s signature drink, at a cocktail class with the hotel bartender!

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes

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Behold the second most famous hotel close to Machu Picchu — and Aguas Calientes’ best stay — the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. This colonial-style property sits close to the train station in the town and even has a standing cooperation with PeruRail. So, we could have lunch at this hotel right after we arrived by train at discounted prices, which is exactly what we did. Did we mention that they even had lovely and spacious orchid gardens to boot? Yep.

Located around half an hour from Machu Picchu, this hotel has many atmospheric rooms and suites with traditional designs, open architecture, and lovely views. What’s more, all of them had charming details, including warm lighting, tartan fabrics, exposed beams, and working fireplaces.

One of the best things about staying here was that breakfasts, dinners, and train transfers were complimentary. So, we didn’t have to worry about starting and ending our days thinking about looking for food. What’s more, this hotel had a bunch of other amazing amenities, of which our favorite was the sleek, glass-walled bar/restaurant with panoramic views of the Urubamba River. Additionally, the hotel also had a posh yet cozy spa as well as a thatched cafe that overlooked the Vilcanota River, which was the perfect spot to unwind with an evening tipple.

Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Aguas Calientes

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Best location. The hotel closest to the Machu Picchu citadel happens to be the chic boutique Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, which boasts an unbeatable location right at the entrance to the ruins. In fact, it’s the only hotel in the entire world where you can see the ruins right from your room! Plus, staying here allowed us to be the first in and the last out of the ancient site. Formerly, and more popularly, known as the Orient Express, this outstanding luxury hotel offered us a stay experience of a lifetime. It’s not surprising, given that Machu Picchu happens to be one of the top luxury destinations in South America.

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Please note that there are a very limited number of rooms and suites here, but they’re all extremely charming. They’re all simply styled and peppered with contemporary artwork against whitewashed walls, making them striking to stay in. What’s more, they all boasted pretty terraces with spectacular views, which is where we’d even enjoy breakfast sometimes. They also had minibars, flat-screens, and free Wi-Fi for staying connected and comfortable. The digs aren’t the cheapest, but they’re absolutely worth it. The town of Aguas Calientes might be an exciting 25-minute bus ride, but it was all worth it.

Our days began with buffet breakfasts, either on the scenic deck or in the comfort of our room. What’s more, there were a ton of additional amenities, including a restaurant, a cozy bar, and lush gardens. Did we mention that there was even a spa with views of the ruins?

Our Verdict!

While we loved all of the stays near Machu Picchu for their varied experiences, here’s a specialized list of our favorite ones.

• Best affordable luxury: Casa del Sol Machupicchu, Aguas Calientes
• Most unique: Skylodge Adventure Suites, Ollantaytambo
• Best value for money: Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu, Aguas Calientes
• Best location: Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Aguas Calientes

Where to Stay Near Machu Picchu?

Interestingly, and importantly, Machu Picchu is one of those incredibly rare places on earth that you need to visit before it disappears. Since it sits in such a precarious location with changing atmospheric and weather conditions, the site has been changing since it was first discovered.

That being said, there are a few amazing towns to stay when you visit Machu ‘The Big Incan Apple’ Picchu. We begin with Aguas Calientes, a.k.a. Machu Picchu Pueblo, which is the town closest to the ruins and serves as its main gateway. It lies just 9 km (5.6 mi) from the site and is packed with hot springs, cafes, and hotels. Secondly, there’s the historic and picturesque village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, which lies around 46 km (29 mi) from the ancient site. A major train stop for those headed to Aguas Calientes, it’s home to a massive fortress and authentic Incan street planning.

Thirdly, there’s the equally scenic and tranquil town of Pisac, which has an authentic and relaxed vibe, hillside ruins, and extensive markets. It lies around 70 km(45-50 mi) from Machu Picchu, and has trains to Ollantaytambo. Lastly, there’s Urubamba in the heart of the Sacred Valley, further from Ollantaytambo. It’s a more comfortable and centrally located base, and also this has a lower, more temperate weather.

What is the hotel closest to Machu Picchu? 

The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge sits right at the start of the Machu Picchu hiking trail and entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel. It’s also the only hotel with that location!

When is high season for Machu Picchu?

Usually, the high season for Machu Picchu runs from May to October, with the peak from June to August. That’s because this is when the weather here is the driest.

Which is the best town to stay near Machu Picchu?

For an authentic, scenic experience of taking the train, stay in Ollantaytambo. Do you want to be at the ruins early? Stay in Aguas Calientes.