Where to stay in Aguas Calientes after four demanding and unforgettable days on the Inca Trail is an important aspect of your trekking experience. Are you the type to splurge on the five-star lodging experience or are you simply after a cozy and clean spot to rest your head after one too many nights in a tent? It’s certainly something to think about in advance of your Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. In this blog post, we present a few Aguas Calientes hotel options to fit every budget and style.
High-End Stays
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
This intimate mountain lodge by Inkaterra Hotels is set amidst terraced hills on a private 5-hectare reserve, meaning its 83 casitas are surrounded by cloud forest, orchids, and, last time they checked, 214 different bird species. The hotel itself offers a variety of in-house excursions to complement your post-Inca Trail Trek experience, as well as an inviting spa to nurture your tired and sore muscles.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Touted as the only hotel located at the entrance to Machu Picchu, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is as close to the finish line as an Inca Trail trekker can get. Its relaxing gardens, rejuvenating spa, and hotel activities, like pisco tasting and private sunrise breakfasts, are exactly what you’ll never knew you were craving when you reach the end of the Inca Trail.
Sumaq
Considered to be one of South America’s best hotels by travel publications like Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel is an invigorating oasis at the foot of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The hotel is known for its five-star personalized service, innovative cuisine, and cultural experiences, like exploring Machu Picchu with a shaman and experiencing an Andean wedding ceremony.
Mid-Range Hotels
Inkaterra El Mapi
The Inkaterra El Mapi is an atmospheric experience. As soon as you enter its lobby of lofty ceilings, panoramic windows, and natural accents, you’ll feel right at home. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Machu Picchu Pueblo on a street known for its restaurants. The rooms are comfortable and contemporary featuring all of the amenities one could need to rest and restore after an Inca Trail trek.
Casa Andina Standard
The Casa Andina Standard hotel is a great no-frills, yet modern, option for your post-Inca Trail recuperation. With 53 comfortable rooms, some of which overlook the river, your stay includes the welcome amenities of room service, a breakfast buffet, and soundproof windows to allow you the rest and recovery you need after your four-day Inca Trail trek and tour of Machu Picchu. It also happens to be steps from the Machu Picchu Pueblo train station.
Low-Cost Options
Inti Punku
This inexpensive Aguas Calientes chain of hotels is both comfortable and conveniently located. Each of Inti Punku’s three properties – Machu Picchu, El Tambo, and Alameda Inn – are within minutes of the train station and mere steps from a variety of affordable restaurant options and the local handicraft market. The rooms are cozy and comfortable with amenities like heating and air conditioning, LCD televisions, and en suite bathrooms and showers.