Opened in 2007 and renovated in 2016, Sumaq is the best hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo and the only five-star hotel on site. It is eight minutes from the station where the trains arrive and where the buses leave to the Sanctuary, One of the 7 wonders of the world. Sumaq offers rustic luxury, which completely matches the place where it is located. Furthermore, the restaurant, with typical Andean cuisine, is wonderful! The spa, with Inca treatments is inviting! The rooms are comfortable and most have beautiful views of the the river. Come and see this five star hotel in Machu Picchu.
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Sumaq: the best hotel in Machu Picchu
Location
The hotel is close to the last station on the Cuzco-Machu Picchu train line, in the small town, which used to be called Aguas Calientes and is now Machu Picchu Pueblo. Therefore, very practical because we can walk, both upon arrival and on the way to Machu Picchu, when the journey is done by bus (25 minutes). It’s a humble little town, with alleys full of small restaurants, bars and also a giant market with handicrafts and typical Peruvian items. Certainly, one of the places with the highest concentration of tourists you have ever seen.
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How to get
There are several train lines that run the Cusco-Machu Picchu route. You can even do a day trip, but honestly, it’s not recommended. I did this on my first trip to Peru and found it quite tiring. The train trip to Machu Picchu pueblo (leaving Poroy station, takes about 3 hours; from Urubamba, 2 and a half hours; from Ollantaytambo, 1 and a half hours – which I did).
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Spending the night there, as I did this time, at Sumaq, the best hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo, is certainly much more practical and comfortable. And ideally, it’s two nights, so it doesn’t have to be rushed.
I went on the Inca Rail First Class train. It was a fun trip, complete with lunch – washed down with wine and pisco – and music on the train. On the way back, I went in the category called 360 degrees, which was still comfortable. The train also has an open part in the last carriage, ideal for taking photos while enjoying the landscape.
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The story of the best hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo
The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is a family property, managed by the second generation of managers. Opened ten years ago, Nice, in Quechua it means “beautiful”, “precious”. The hotel has just been completely renovated with an Andean-contemporary decor. The project is designed by Italian-Peruvian designers Carmine Furgione and Sandra Chavez Olivieri.
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Upon entering the hotel we already feel the style inca-chic. The lobby is full of rustic elements such as wood and colorful fabrics, as well as golden Andean masks hanging on the wall. They add a touch of sophistication to the environment, without losing the welcoming Peruvian atmosphere. Furthermore, the traditional tapestry with exclusive patterns doesn’t let us forget that we are in the best hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
The two lobby areas – the reception is in the middle of them – have an atmosphere of rustic luxury and interact perfectly with the local culture. Which I applaud, because there’s nothing worse than the décor of a hotel that doesn’t say anything about its origins.
The rooms
The rooms also have an ethnic color, yet elegant. It is like plus the view of the river and the green of the forest, almost part of the decoration. The furniture has sober colors and the room offers everything the modern guest needs. I.e, hypoallergenic pillows, goose down duvets, 100% cotton sheets and cable TV. In addition, the minibar has mineral water and natural teas are also offered.
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Altogether they are 62 rooms, divided into three categories: Imperial Suite (01), Deluxe Junior Suite (2) and Sumaq Deluxe (59). Those lucky enough to stay in the Imperial Suite can enjoy the Andean climate in a jacuzzi facing the forest. Have you thought?
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The gastronomy
Gastronomy is a strong point of Sumaq. The Qunuq restaurant, which means “cozy”, is run by chef Carlos Pardo. The menu serves dishes Andean-fusion. Reinterpretations are presented with local ingredients, such as corn, ice-water trout and, above all, potatoes of various colors and shapes. (After all, Peru has 4,000 types of potatoes). In addition, there is also alpaca meat, ceviches – of course – and Andean cheeses.
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The breakfast is super filling and also has some typical dishes, as well as having all the delicacies we expect to start the day off right. In addition, in the afternoon, a nice tea is served daily.
Dinners are always delicious and the “Flavors of the Andes” tasting menu is also offered. A food made with care and that probably delights anyone passing through the village.
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The traditional the world It is one of the great experiences of Peruvian ancestral cuisine. The dish is a type of stew, with various types of meat, potatoes, corn and spices, prepared over a fire inside a hole in the ground. In preparation, cooking is done slowly, between banana leaves and hot volcanic stones. The meat is served in clay pots, dipped in a thick broth and accompanied by colorful geometrically cut potatoes and some vegetables.
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Experiences offered to guests
Still on the gastronomic side, cooking classes are offered, for example. We learned how to make two of the country’s most traditional recipes: trout ceviche and the famous drink pisco sour.
To remember, ceviche became more sophisticated and took over the world with the arrival of two masters of Japanese cuisine in Peru between the 70s and 80s. They are: Toshiro Konishi and Nobu Matsuhisa, of whom you have probably already read the story here on the blog . They created the kitchen fusion Japanese and Peruvian, or Nikkei, the name for Japanese people who live outside Japan.
The Sumaq ceviche, with trout from the icy rivers of the Machu Picchu mountains, was the tastiest I’ve ever eaten in my entire life! Seasoning with just the right amount of acidity.
The shaman’s rituals
O best hotel in Machu Picchu features a shaman from the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After all, we are talking about one of the most mystical places in the world!
He can accompany guests to the Sanctuary, which gives the visit another aura. At the very least, we came out of there lighter. Furthermore, visitors have the chance to see points that are off the traditional route taken by tourists.
The shaman also celebrates weddings in the Andean style. The ceremony, known as Arac Masin, can be ordered by guests. I had the chance to watch one and I can say that it is very extravagant and colorful. Couples in love might even get excited and get into the mood, who knows?
THE SPA
O Choose Spa offers various treatment options. The idea is to enjoy sessions that combine relaxation and ancient Inca techniques for the body and mind. The environment with low light, floral essences and natural oils, such as coca oil, help to relieve stress, for example. Furthermore, they also detoxify the skin and eliminate toxins from the bronchi. In other words, nothing more suitable for those who spent the day climbing and descending the huge rocks of Machu Picchu.
Conclusion
With the Virtuoso seal, the best hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo is also considered one of the top 6 hotels in South America by the renowned Condé Nest Traveler. Finally, in addition to offering rustic luxury, comfort and great cuisine, it makes guests experience this unique destination that is Machu Picchu – one of the seven wonders of the world – in a special and unforgettable way.
Text and photos by Renata Araújo
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