Best Hotels Near Machu Picchu
Are you looking for the best hotels near Machu Picchu in Peru?
Machu Picchu is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and one of the most visited destinations in Peru (and all of South America.) Seeing the ruins of this impressive Incan citadel is a bucket list experience.
What town is Machu Picchu closest to? Machu Picchu is closest to the small town of Aguas Calientes, Peru. The most common way to visit Machu Picchu without trekking in via the multi-day Inca Trail is to arrive by train to Aguas Calientes, which is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo (Machu Picchu Town.)
This town is the touristy gateway to Machu Picchu. There are no vehicles in Aguas Calientes except for the buses that take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu (you can also walk, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours.)
All of the hotels located closest to Machu Picchu are in the town of Aguas Calientes, with the exception of one ultra-luxury hotel that has the privilege of being right by the entrance to Machu Picchu.
Where to Stay Near Machu Picchu
How many days do you need for Machu Picchu? You need one full day for Machu Picchu. I highly recommend arriving in Aguas Calientes the day before you plan to visit Machu Picchu and spending one night there. You can leave late the next day on the train after your visit or the next morning after that.
Another option is staying in nearby Ollantaytambo, the closest stop on the train, but this is still about 2.5 hours from Aguas Calientes. If you base yourself in Ollantaytambo, you will not be able to visit Machu Picchu early in the morning because you’ll have to factor in the time for getting to Aguas Calientes.
Most people spend one night in Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu. It’s a nice and quaint town and worth staying there, plus spending the night allows you to see Machu Picchu first thing in the morning.
One important thing to note about Aguas Calientes is that it’s pedestrian-only. You’ll have to walk from the train station to your hotel, and some hotels are located uphill from the train station. If you have a big heavy suitcase, it’s better to store it back in Ollantaytambo or Cusco and bring only a small bag with what you need for a couple days. (Plus the train to Aguas Calientes has a luggage limit anyway!)
Here are my top picks for where to stay near Machu Picchu, Peru:
- Bucket list splurge: Sanctuary Lodge
- Best luxury hotel: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- Best mid-range hotel: Inti Punku Machupicchu Hotel & Suites
- Best budget hostel: Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels near Machu Picchu.
Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!
Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel
Staying at Sanctuary Lodge near Machu Picchu is the ultimate splurge for an unforgettable experience. This five-star hotel is located just steps away from the entrance to Machu Picchu, meaning you can be the first one through the gates before the crowds arrive for a one-of-a-kind tranquil experience.
The hotel also offers direct views of the sacred Huayna Picchu Mountain. Many rooms have private patios that open out into the lush jungle. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in your stay for an all-inclusive experience. There’s also a spa if you fancy a massage after a day of walking around Machu Picchu.
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Inti Punku Machupicchu Hotel & Suites
Inti Punku Machupicchu Hotel & Suites is where I stayed in Aguas Calientes for one night, and I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable mid-range hotel near Machu Picchu. This hotel is located just a short walk from the Aguas Calientes train station, which makes it so convenient.
The included buffet breakfast was good and offered lots of options for fueling up before a big day of exploring Machu Picchu. This is a great option for mid-range hotels near Machu Picchu.
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Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel is a lovely hotel in Aguas Calientes that is the perfect base for exploring Machu Picchu. It’s just an eight-minute walk from the train station so it’s very convenient.
Many of the rooms here offer beautiful jungle views, along with the restaurant and the outdoor terrace and garden. Your stay at Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel also includes a free buffet breakfast.
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Casa del Sol Machupicchu
Casa del Sol Machupicchu is an affordable luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes. This hotel is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the train station. The property overlooks the Urubamba River and several small waterfalls, making for some very picturesque views from the hotel restaurant.
Breakfast is included in your stay at this hotel. Casa del Sol Machupicchu also has a spa with a hot tub available for an extra charge. Massages are also available for after your visit to Machu Picchu.
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Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels near Machu Picchu. This elegant hotel combines colonial style with jungle charm for a truly luxurious experience.
Located just a short walk away from the Aguas Calientes train station, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is the perfect place to base yourself. Some rooms have private patios overlooking the jungle. Breakfast and dinner are both included at the hotel, and there’s a spa and Andean sauna where you can relax and unwind.
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Rupa Rupa High Jungle Eco B&B
Rupa Rupa High Jungle Eco B&B is an affordable hotel that is centrally located in Aguas Calientes near the train station. This property is focused on sustainability and has many eco-friendly touches.
Guests will enjoy comfortable rooms with views of the jungle. There’s also a terrace where you can take in views of the surrounding mountains. A free breakfast is included with your stay at this hotel.
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El MaPi by Inkaterra
El MaPi by Inkaterra is a hotel that has the same owner as Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. This hotel is a more affordable alternative but still maintains the same high quality and touches of luxury.
This modern, stylish hotel boasts comfortable rooms and a free breakfast buffet and a la carte dinner. There’s also a spa, sauna, and hot plunge pool available for an extra charge. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Machu Picchu and maybe even get a massage for your sore muscles.
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Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu
Supertramp Hostel is one of the best budget accommodations near Machu Picchu. Located just a six-minute walk from the Aguas Calientes train station, this hostel is a very convenient place to base yourself.
You can choose from budget-friendly dorm rooms with shared bathrooms or private rooms with private bathrooms if you want a little more space for yourself. A free breakfast is also included in your stay.
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Best Hotels Near Machu Picchu
This guide showed you the best hotels near Machu Picchu, Peru.
To recap, my top four picks for where to stay are:
- Bucket list splurge: Sanctuary Lodge
- Best luxury hotel: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- Best mid-range hotel: Inti Punku Machupicchu Hotel & Suites
- Best budget hostel: Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu
Have a great trip and enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu!
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