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Where to Stay in Machu Picchu

Where to Stay in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Peru Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms or private rooms, communal areas. Simple breakfast often included.

  • Guesthouses (Casas de Huéspedes)

    Smaller, family-run establishments. Personal and intimate stays. Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms sometimes.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    3-star and 4-star properties. Comfortable amenities, private bathrooms, heating. Many in restored colonial buildings.

  • Luxury Hotels

    5-star properties, international chains, boutique hotels. High-end services, fine dining, spas, concierge. Often in historical mansions.

Unique Local Stays

  • Haciendas

    Large colonial estates, converted into luxury hotels. Spacious grounds, historical ambiance in the Sacred Valley.

  • Aparthotels/Serviced Apartments

    Apartment-style living with hotel services. More space, privacy, kitchen facilities. Good for families or longer stays.

  • Eco-Lodges/Boutique Hotels

    Found in the Sacred Valley. Focus on sustainability, local design, nature integration. A distinct experience.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Opportunities for cultural immersion in rural communities, living with local families. Direct support for local economies.

Vacation Rentals & Camping

Vacation rentals offer a local living experience. Camping is mainly restricted to organized treks.

Vacation Rentals

Benefits
  • Local living experience
  • More space than a hotel
  • Kitchen facilities for meal preparation
  • Good for families or longer stays
Considerations
  • Less daily service
  • No front desk for immediate assistance
  • May require more self-sufficiency
  • Booking on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com

Homestays

Cultural Insights
  • Direct cultural immersion
  • Live with local families
  • Participate in daily life
  • Direct support for local economies
Availability Note
  • Less common in main cities
  • Found in rural communities (Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca)
  • Research reputable organizations
  • Cultural differences to navigate

Camping

Trek Inclusion
  • Permitted on organized treks (Inca Trail, Salkantay)
  • Tour operators manage campsites
  • Equipment supplied by operators
  • Designated camping zones
Restrictions
  • No independent camping allowed at Machu Picchu
  • No independent camping along Inca Trail
  • Regulations protect archaeological sites
  • Regulations protect the natural environment

Accommodation Takeaways

Variety & Value:

Peru's lodging landscape extends from basic hostels to luxurious haciendas, with options for every budget. Mid-range hotels and guesthouses balance comfort and cost.

Unique Experiences:

Vacation rentals offer local living, while homestays immerse you in Andean culture. Camping is integral to multi-day treks.

Neighborhood Guide

Evaluate location, ambiance, and access to attractions for your stay.

Cusco Neighborhoods

  • Plaza de Armas / Centro Histórico: Heart of Cusco, surrounded by attractions, restaurants, shops, bars. Can be noisy and tourist-heavy.
  • San Blas: Bohemian, artistic neighborhood uphill. Charming cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, boutique hotels. Picturesque, quieter, steep climbs.
  • Wanchaq / Santiago: Local, residential areas outside historic center. Lower prices for food and lodging. More authentic local experience. Further from main attractions.

Aguas Calientes Areas

  • Central Area (near train station and market): Bustling with activity, most restaurants, hotels, market. Immediate access to Machu Picchu bus. Touristy, crowded, noisy, higher prices.
  • Away from Main Street: Accommodations slightly off main thoroughfares, along the river or up side streets. Quieter, more peaceful, river views. Short walk to central amenities.

Location & Access Considerations

Safety Notes
  • Plaza de Armas and San Blas well-lit and generally safe.
  • Petty crime (pickpocketing) possible in crowded areas.
  • Stay aware of surroundings, especially after dark.
  • Aguas Calientes crime rate very low, safe for walking anytime.
Proximity to Transit
  • Cusco: Plaza de Armas central for walking to sites, taxis, local buses.
  • San Blas: Good for walking to artisan shops and scenic spots.
  • Aguas Calientes: Most lodging walkable to train, bus for Machu Picchu, restaurants.

Ambiance & Noise Levels

Cusco Plaza de Armas:

Lively, can be noisy, especially in evenings with restaurants and bars.

Cusco San Blas:

Generally quieter, more tranquil atmosphere. Some hostels might be lively.

Aguas Calientes Center:

Noisy with constant tourist flow and river sounds. Areas slightly off main street quieter.

& 6.4 Booking Strategies & Recommendations

Plan your stays efficiently with these tips and recommendations.

Advance Booking & Platforms

Booking Lead Times

Booking recommendations vary by season:

  • High Season (June-Aug): 3-6+ months for hotels, trains, permits.
  • Shoulder Season (Apr, May, Sep, Oct): 2-3 months.
  • Low Season (Nov-Mar): 1-2 months. Inca Trail permits always far ahead.
Trusted Booking Channels
  • Major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com.
  • Direct Booking: Through official hotel websites; sometimes with better rates or inclusions.
  • Airbnb: For vacation rentals, apartments, or rooms.

Policies & Price Changes

Deposit & Cancellation Policies

Policy details differ by property and platform. Review terms carefully before finalizing your reservation.

  • Non-refundable rates: Often cheaper, but no changes.
  • Flexible cancellation: Greater peace of mind, usually higher price.
  • Understand terms if travel plans are uncertain.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Accommodation costs vary with demand:

  • Higher Prices: During dry season (June-August) and major holidays.
  • Lower Prices: Expect better deals during wet season (November-March) due to fewer tourists.
  • Polite negotiation possible at smaller places in low season for walk-in rates.

Traveler-Specific Stays

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Mid-range hotels with family or connecting rooms. Vacation rentals via Airbnb offer space, privacy, and kitchen facilities. Seek hotels near parks or with pools.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels with good common areas for meeting others. Smaller guesthouses for a personal, safe environment. Prioritize well-lit, well-trafficked locations.

Long-Stay & Historic Stays

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    For stays over a week, apartment rentals or guesthouses with weekly/monthly rates. These options often present better value and a more authentic living experience. Look for kitchen access.

  • Properties with Historical Significance

    Many Cusco hotels reside in beautifully restored colonial mansions, convents, or buildings with ancient Inca walls. These often fall into mid-range to luxury categories, offering a sleep within history.

Accommodation Comparison Summary

Budget & Mid-Range Overview

These categories cater to value and comfort. Expect dorms or basic private rooms in hostels ($10-$35). Mid-range hotels ($40-$120) include private bathrooms and breakfast. Both often feature communal areas, some with heating.

  • Budget: Hostels, some guesthouses.
  • Mid-Range: 3-4 star hotels, comfortable guesthouses.
  • Common Features: Breakfast, private/shared baths.
Luxury & Unique Overview

Premium experiences from $150-$500+. Luxury hotels offer spas, fine dining, concierge. Unique stays include haciendas and eco-lodges, focusing on sustainability and historical ambiance.

  • Luxury: 5-star hotels, boutique properties.
  • Unique: Haciendas, Eco-lodges.
  • Focus: High-end service, historical settings, tranquility.

Factors for Choosing Your Stay

Location

Proximity to attractions, restaurants, and transportation. Consider walking distances and altitude changes.

Ambiance

Seek a lively atmosphere near main plazas or a quieter retreat in residential areas or outside town centers.

Amenities

Desired features like en-suite bathrooms, heating, complimentary breakfast, or communal spaces.