Machu Picchu Hotels and Accommodation

(Machu Picchu, Peru)

Anyone wanting the ultimate Peru experience will find that a visit to Machu Picchu is an absolute must, but it can be a little confusing choosing your accommodation and deciding where to actually stay. Many people arrive at Machu Picchu for a day trip, favouring the hotels and similar lodging options in the neighbouring city of Cusco.

There are also plenty of hotels all around Cusco, although due to its relative proximity to Machu Picchu and the extreme popularity of this region, this accommodation is amongst the most expensive in the whole of Peru. Therefore, tourists often choose to stay for a night or two in nearby Aguas Calientes - a rather touristy town standing in the valley below the Inca ruins.

Where to Stay

Those trekking along the breathtaking Inca Trail, from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, will likely choose to camp, since there are no hotels here. Since the months of June, July and August are especially dry, they are always very popular. However, these months are also rather cold, particularly at high altitudes, and therefore good quality sleeping bags are essential.

These can be hired at various travel agencies around Cusco. Do book ahead to guarantee your place as the main camping grounds along the Inca Trail, since these are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You will likely camp next to the ruins of Phuyupatamarka and at the final site of Winay Wayna, close to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and the glorious Machu Picchu site, although there is some youth hostel accommodation available for backpackers, suiting those prepared to pay a little more.

The Sanctuary Lodge on the Hiram Bingham Avenue is the only actual accommodation at Machu Picchu itself and this rather upmarket hotel establishment is operated by none other than the Orient Express group. Very expensive and often fully booked, the Sanctuary Lodge is always in great demand, since this well-placed hotel is just a matter of meters from the very entrance to the Machu Picchu site, and enjoys stunning views of both the Urubamba River and the Huayna Picchu Mountain. This particular accommodation also comes complete with a good restaurant serving buffet lunches, and a terrace overlooking an area of the ruins.