Where to stay in Machu Picchu, Peru? Is there a hotel near the archaeological site? Is it better to stay in Cusco and see Machu Picchu on a day trip, or is it worth spending a night or two in Aguas Calientes, a town 15 kilometers from the Inca citadel?
This text answers all these questions. It is a complete guide on where to stay to visit Machu Picchu.
Here you will find tips on good hotels, luxury hotels and also cheap hotels in Cusco, Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo.
Where to stay in Machu Picchu: Cusco, Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo?
Most tourists combine their visit to Machu Picchu with the Sacred Valley, near Cusco. Therefore, there are people who prefer to sleep there and take an early morning train, which arrives at Machu Picchu around 11 am.
The thing is, Águas Calientes has little to see. Furthermore, Cusco has the best nightlife, great restaurants and more hotel options.
But only do this if you are not going to climb Huayna Picchu. As the times to enter the mountain are scheduled, if you go by train on a day trip basis, you may run the risk of missing your turn.
The day trip is also not recommended for those who want to stay in Machu Picchu for a long time and see the site calmly and during the best hours of light, early in the morning and late afternoon.
And there is a third, lesser-known option: Ollantaytambo, which is part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and even has an archaeological site within the city.
The place is smaller, less trendy, but has several cafes and restaurants. There is also a station where a train leaves early in the morning for Machu Picchu, but with one advantage: tickets for trains leaving there are usually cheaper than those leaving Cusco.
That said, I would split the accommodation: a few days in Cusco and then one or two in Aguas Calientes, which serves as a base to discover Machu Picchu in a more comfortable and leisurely way.
Hotels in Cusco
In Cusco, seven good hotel options are:
- Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco – Operated in a 17th century mansion. Daily rates start at US$90, reaching US$120 in high season.
- El Virrey Boutique – Perfect location, in the main square of Cusco. It’s a couples favorite. Daily rates at 58 dollars.
- Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco – Another with a fantastic location and views of the square. Daily rates at 90 dollars.
- Casa Andina – Good breakfast and great location. Daily rates at 80 dollars.
- Kokoa Cusco – Great location and cheap hotel option in Cusco for families. Daily rates at 40 dollars.
- Casa Cristobal – Also in the center and cheap. Daily rates from 40 dollars.
- Cusco de mis Sueños – Do you really want to save money, but in comfort? Go for this one. Daily at 20 dollars.
See tips on the best neighborhoods to stay in Cusco
Hostels and Hotels in Aguas Calientes, a town close to Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes is so close to the Inca city that it now insists on being called the town of Machu Picchu: it is 15 kilometers to the ruins.
As I explained before, staying in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu is the best option for those who want to get up early at the archaeological site, either because they are going to climb Huayna Picchu or because they want to see the sunrise.
Hotels are already prepared to receive this type of tourist and serve breakfast very early, starting at 4 or 5 am, in addition to having a later check-out time.
In Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu it is also possible take a relaxing hot spring bath after a tiring day of walking, but don’t expect to have much to see in the city.
Good options for hotels and hostels in Aguas Calientes, a town near Machu Picchu:
- Casa Machu Picchu – Hostel in Aguas Calientes with beds in dormitories for 10 dollars and double rooms for 25 dollars.
- Andino Hotel – Three-star hotel perfect for couples who want comfort, but without paying too much. Daily rates at 50 dollars.
- Peru Coca B&B – Inn in Aguas Calientes with daily rates at 30 dollars. Great value for money.
- Machu Picchu Adventure House – Hotel near Machu Picchu, in Aguas Calientes. Simple, comfortable and well located. Daily rates at 40 dollars.
- Nativus Machu Picchu – Another hostel with dorms (12 dollars) and standard rooms (28 dollars).
- Golden Sunrise Machupicchu – A little further away from the town center, but nothing scary. Balconies overlooking the treetops. Daily rates at 120 dollars.
- Panorama B&B – View of the river, great location and 70 dollars a night.
Find hotels in Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu
Hotels in Ollantaytambo
It’s worth staying in Ollantaytambo if you have time to spare and want to include another location besides Cusco and Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes. Or if you are already on your second visit to Peru and want a different experience.
Staying there is also a option for those who buy the train ticket to Machu Picchu leaving from Ollantaytambowhich is usually cheaper than Cusco.
In fact, hotel rates in Ollantaytambo are also cheaper than staying in Cusco and Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.
Find hotels in Ollantaytambo
How much does a hotel cost in Machu Picchu?
Hotel prices vary according to the city, location, style/comfort of accommodation and also the time of year.
- Bed in hostel dorm from 10 dollars
- Double room in hostel from 20 dollars
- Double room in simple hotels from 40 dollars
- Most comfortable/luxury hotels from $120
Expect to pay up to double to travel between May and August, which is high season in Machu Picchu.
How many days is ideal to stay in Machu Picchu?
A whole day is enough to visit Machu Picchu.
Therefore, it is best to combine your accommodation in Cusco with that in Aguas Calientes. For example, book three hotel nights in Cusco and two in Aguas Calientes: one for the day you arrive, at night, and another for sleeping after the tour of the archaeological site.
Another option, for those who have less time, is to take the train back on the same day of the visit and sleep that night in Cusco or even in Ollantaytambo, if the train stops there.
Travel insurance for Machu Picchu
Travel insurance is optional for Peru, but our recommendation is that you never travel without it.
Therefore, in the event of any medical emergency, theft, lost luggage or need to interrupt your trip due to some major unforeseen event, you will be protected.
See our article on the best insurance for South America
Do you want to plan your entire trip to Peru well? Read too:
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