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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Cuzco And The Sacred Valley, Peru

Accommodation Types

Variety of Choices

  • Hostels/Guesthouses

    Budget-friendly options, with dormitories or basic private rooms. They often cater to backpackers and budget travelers, with communal spaces and a social atmosphere.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Comfortable hotels with private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and amenities like complimentary breakfast. These properties balance comfort and value.

  • Luxury Hotels

    High-end properties feature extensive facilities, fine dining restaurants, spas, and premium services.

  • Outstanding Luxury Stays

    Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, located directly at the Machu Picchu entrance, and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, known for its unique cloud forest setting.

Other Accommodation Notes

  • Unique Local Accommodation Types

    Most accommodations are standard hotels and guesthouses. Their proximity to Machu Picchu is a main draw.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    You find limited vacation rentals and apartment options compared to major cities. Most are private rooms or small apartments available through popular booking platforms.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    These options are not common in Aguas Calientes itself, as the town mainly operates as a tourist service hub. They are more prevalent in nearby Sacred Valley communities.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    No official camping sites exist in Aguas Calientes or near Machu Picchu. Camping is only permitted as part of multi-day treks, like the Inca Trail, only with authorized tour operators and specific permits.

Neighborhood Guide

Aguas Calientes is a compact town, essentially one main area clustered around the train station and the Urubamba River. Subtle differences in location can distinguish your experience.

Town Center

Benefits
  • Maximum convenience for train station.
  • Bus stop for Machu Picchu nearby.
  • Wide array of dining choices.
  • Everything a short walk.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy due to constant train traffic.
  • Bus queues contribute to noise.
  • General buzz of late-night.
  • Early-morning tourist activity.

Riverfront Areas

Benefits
  • Potentially quieter.
  • Pleasant river views from many rooms.
  • A more relaxed atmosphere.
Considerations
  • Slightly longer walk to train station.
  • Slightly longer walk to Machu Picchu bus stop.

Hot Springs Area

Benefits
  • Proximity to the thermal baths.
  • Tends to be a bit quieter than the very center.
Considerations
  • No specific cons from content reference.

General Safety and Noise

Safety:

All areas of Aguas Calientes are generally safe. Practice standard precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded market areas and around the train station. Keep valuables secure.

Noise Levels:

The town center, specifically areas very close to the train tracks, can be quite noisy. Hotels further from the main square or those situated along quieter river sections offer more peace. For a quieter stay, ask about a room away from the tracks or choose a hotel on the town's periphery.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking secures your preferred accommodation, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (June-August): Book hotels 3-6 months in advance. Popular or higher-end options fill quickly.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Book 1-3 months in advance. Availability is generally good, but popular places still fill.
  • Low Season (November-March): Booking 2-4 weeks in advance is usually sufficient. Popular hotels still benefit from earlier booking, especially around holidays.
  • Prices vary by hotel. Always check the specific deposit and cancellation policy before finalizing your booking.

Trusted Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com are widely used. Agoda has Asian strength.
  • For hotel chains, check IHG Hotels. For budget options, Hostelworld is a specialist.
  • For vacation rentals, Vrbo. House/pet sitting exchange is at TrustedHousesitters.
  • Direct Booking: Many hotels have their own websites. Sometimes, direct booking features better rates, special packages, or more flexible cancellation policies.

Important Notes on Pricing

Negotiation Customs
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not common for established hotels.
  • Prices are generally fixed.
  • Limited flexibility for very basic guesthouses/hostels during low season.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Accommodation prices are significantly higher during the dry season (June-August).
  • Prices are higher around major holidays.
  • Expect to pay a premium during these periods.

Considerations for Your Stay

Cancellation Policies

Non-refundable rates are often cheaper but offer no flexibility if your plans change.

Booking Time

Earlier booking is always a good strategy for popular places, regardless of season.

Peak Season Pricing

High demand in dry season and holidays results in elevated costs.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for different budget levels in Aguas Calientes.

Budget Stays Approx. $20 - $50/night

Supertramp Hostel Machu Picchu

Offers dorms/basic privates, a social atmosphere, and basic amenities.

  • Good for meeting other travelers.
  • Simple and functional.
Pirwa Hostel Machu Picchu

Features dorms/basic privates, a social atmosphere, and basic amenities.

  • Central location.
  • Clean and practical.

Mid-range Comfort Approx. $80 - $200/night

Hotel El Presidente

Comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, breakfast included, and a good location.

  • Good value.
  • Reliable service.
Inti Punku Machu Picchu Hotel / Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu

Both offer comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, breakfast, and good locations.

  • Consistent quality.
  • Convenient for Machu Picchu bus.

Luxury Stays Approx. $300 - $1500+ /night

  • Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

    Premium service, unique cloud forest setting, fine dining, spa. Known for extensive gardens, orchid collection, and spectacled bear conservation program.

  • Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

    Premium service, unique settings, fine dining, spa, and a focus on local culture and amenities.

  • Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

    Unique for its location directly at the entrance of Machu Picchu, for unparalleled access to the site. Guests are among the first or last visitors of the day.

  • General Luxury Features

    These properties include extensive facilities, fine dining restaurants, spas, and premium services.

Specialized Stays

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Many mid-range hotels offer family rooms or connecting rooms. Look for properties with amenities like small gardens or larger suites. Some hotels may offer early breakfast options, helpful for families planning early Machu Picchu visits.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels like Supertramp Hostel Machu Picchu offer dorms and common areas, good for meeting other travelers. Mid-range hotels also deliver safe and convenient options for solo travelers.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Aguas Calientes typically functions as a short-stay destination, usually for 1-2 nights for Machu Picchu visits. Long-stay options are rare. For longer durations, consider staying in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

  • Properties with Cultural Significance

    Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel with its extensive cloud forest gardens and conservation efforts. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge with its unparalleled access to Machu Picchu.

Traveler Type Summary

Budget Traveler Focus

Hostels are a top choice, providing social spaces and basic private rooms for those looking to save.

  • Supertramp Hostel Machu Picchu
  • Pirwa Hostel Machu Picchu
Luxury and Unique Experiences

For premium service and distinctive settings, consider high-end hotels directly at the site or within natural environments.

  • Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
  • Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
  • Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Overall Accommodation Tips

Book Early

Especially for high season or luxury options, securing your stay well in advance is a good idea.

Consider Location

Decide between a bustling town center or a quieter riverside spot based on your preference.

Read Policies

Always check deposit and cancellation terms, as they vary between properties.