Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

★★★★★

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is one of the pioneers of ecotourism in Peru, and staying here turns the night in Aguas Calientes from a logistical necessity into one of the highlights of the trip. The hotel sits at the edge of town, by the railway and the Urubamba River, but once inside the gate you are in a private cloud forest of several hectares, with stone paths winding uphill through dense vegetation, streams and waterfalls to a village of whitewashed, red-roofed casitas. Rooms are spread among the trees, many with fireplaces, terraces and views of the forest or the river, decorated with Andean textiles and furniture, and they feel more like cottages than hotel rooms. Inkaterra's conservation work is at the heart of the experience: the grounds are home to a celebrated collection of native orchids, many species of birds, including hummingbirds and the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru's national bird, and butterflies, and the company's naturalist guides lead daily walks for guests to explore them, along with birdwatching outings, visits to the organic tea plantation and evening nature walks. There is a restaurant with Peruvian cooking that draws on Andean and Amazonian ingredients, a bar, and a spa in the forest with a sauna and treatments based on local plants. The staff also organize Machu Picchu visits with experienced guides, as well as hikes to the Mandor waterfalls or up Putucusi mountain. For many travelers, the combination of natural beauty, comfort and the short walk to the train station makes this the best place to stay at the foot of the citadel.

Who it suits: nature lovers and birdwatchers, honeymooners, families with children who enjoy wildlife, and anyone who wants their Machu Picchu trip to include more than the ruins. It is an ideal base for two or three nights, allowing a full day at the citadel, a mountain climb such as Huayna Picchu, and a day in the forest. Travelers with limited mobility should note that the grounds are on a hillside with stone paths and steps, and the upper casitas involve a climb; ask for a lower room if needed.

Location math: the hotel is next to the railway at the edge of Aguas Calientes, a few minutes' walk from the train station, and the shuttle buses up to the citadel leave from the town center, a short walk away. The ride up takes about twenty-five to thirty minutes. The hot springs, market and restaurants of Aguas Calientes are within easy reach, but the hotel's own grounds feel far from the bustle of town, which is its great advantage.

Practical notes: rates are high but often include breakfast and dinner as well as the guided nature activities; check what is included when you book. Book well ahead for the dry season, and reserve your Machu Picchu tickets and trains before you confirm. The rainy season from November is when the orchids and birds are at their best and the forest is at its lushest, but bring a rain jacket and insect repellent. Train luggage limits mean you should travel light and leave large suitcases in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.