Where to Stay in Machu Picchu – A Guide to This Historical Sanctuary
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 wonders of the world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru.
Machu Picchu is an ancient town on the sacred valley of the Inca, located in the Cusco region.
Among the things to see in this wonder of the world are the Main Square, where rituals were held, and the Intihuatana, which resembles the Inca sundial.
The history, landscape, ruins and stairways are just some of the reasons why you should visit Machu Picchu, Peru.
Machu Picchu can be visited throughout the year, however, the best time is from May to July, when the days are sunny and bright.
Alejandro Velasco International Airport, the gateway to the city of Cusco, is the closest air terminal to Machu Picchu.
To enter the archaeological complex, tourists can navigate trails such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and the Inka Jungle trek.
It is also possible to get there by bus or train that departs from Ollantaytambo or Poroy, in Cusco, to the closest town to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes.
The best area to stay to visit Machu Picchu is Aguas Calientes, for its varied hotels and restaurants. (See accommodation in Aguas Calientes).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Machu Picchu, Peru.
The Best Areas to Stay in Machu Picchu, Peru
1. Our Favorite Area: Machu Picchu Town or Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu Town or Aguas Calientes is the best area to stay in Machu Picchu because it is one step away from the historic sanctuary.
It is a town in the Urubamba river valley that stands out for its variety of restaurants with typical Peruvian food.
Another advantage of staying in Aguas Calientes is that it houses the Ollantaytambo Train Station and the bus terminal.
Aguas Calientes also stands out for its shops and for hosting a craft market.
Other attractions in Aguas Calientes are the Mandor Gardens, which invite you to enjoy its waterfalls and swimming wells, and the Butterfly House.
After visiting the archaeological refuge, it is recommended is to immerse yourself in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes is the best area to stay to visit Machu Picchu for its many hotels, and for being mostly pedestrian.
Why is this a recommended area to stay to visit Machu Picchu:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Mandor Gardens
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Waman Hotel
The Waman Hotel in Aguas Calientes has comfortable rooms. Breakfast is served daily and Wi-Fi is free. It is 3 minutes walk from the main square and 10 minutes.
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Budget
Intillaqta Machu Picchu
Inti Llaqta is a 5-minute walk from the main square and the bus station and offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu, free Wi-Fi, a bar and a service.
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Luxury
Golden Sunrise Machupicchu
Golden Sunrise Machupicchu is located in Machu Picchu, 300 meters from the hot springs of Machu Picchu, and offers a bar, a shared lounge and river views. This 4 star hotel.
2. Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is another good area to stay to visit Machu Picchu for being a quiet place, surrounded by nature and cheap hotels.
Santa Teresa is a town in the department of Cusco and is an alternate route to visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Most of Santa Teresa’s popularity is due to the Cocalmayo Thermal Baths, which are said to have healing properties.
Likewise, towards the southwest of Santa Teresa, there are spaces for relaxation and fun, including places where you can practice extreme sports such as canopy.
Santa Teresa connects with Machu Picchu through buses and vans and it is a very pedestrian-friendly area, with beautiful landscapes and some nightlife options.
Why is this a recommended area to stay to visit Machu Picchu:
- Cheap area to stay to visit Machu Picchu
- Nightlife options
- Thermal baths
3. Cusco
Cusco is an excellent area where to stay to go to Machu Picchu for its many low-cost hotels, history, and culture.
Cusco has innumerable attractions and emblematic places, among which are the Plaza de Armas, considered the cultural center of the city for its festivities.
Likewise, tourists can enjoy the restaurants, bars, and cafes that are located along the square.
Another site that deserves a stop here is the Barrio San Blas or Los Artesanos, where you can get beautiful souvenirs.
Among the advantages of staying in Cusco, it is worth highlighting that the city houses the Ollantaytambo or Poroy train stations that leave directly for Aguas Calientes.
Cusco is among the best areas to stay to go to Machu Picchu for its picturesque streets and accessibility to the Lost City by train.
Why is this a recommended area to stay near Machu Picchu:
- Connected to Machu Picchu by train
- Charming streets
- Arts and crafts
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Tambo Arriero Hotel Boutique
This charming colonial-style boutique hotel is located in the Nueva Alta neighborhood, just 5 blocks from Cusco’s main square. It offers spacious rooms and free Wi-Fi.
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Budget
Casa de Mama Cusco Recoleta
Casa de Mama Cusco-Recoleta offers private rooms with cable TV, a solarium and free Wi-Fi. It is a 5-minute walk from the central Cuzco Plaza de Armas.
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Luxury
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
This hotel features stunning interior decor with exposed old bricks, vaulted ceilings and elegantly designed furniture. Cusco Cathedral and the main square are only 3 blocks away.
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