Where to Stay in Machu Picchu: An Intrepid Traveller's Retreat
Venturing to the historical marvel of Machu Picchu in Peru is an encounter with the sublime—a testament to Inca ingenuity set against a backdrop of awe-inspiring mountain landscapes. The absence of direct roads to Machu Picchu has preserved its secluded splendour. Yet, a journey to these ancient ruins need not be a strenuous endeavour. One can embrace the mystical allure of this lost city with the convenience and luxury of a picturesque train voyage and an extraordinary stay in boutique hotels, each offering unique comforts.
Getting to Machu Picchu: Elegance and Antiquity on Rails
Reaching the enigmatic 'Lost City' is an experience to savour with two available routes: the luxurious passage by train or the historical traverse on foot along the Inca Trail. The Hiram Bingham Train by Belmond is the quintessential choice for the train enthusiast seeking ancient opulence. Adorned with 1920s-style Pullman coaches, this locomotive journey resurrects the golden age of rail travel. One can recline in plush leather seats, dine in a polished wood-panelled car, and enjoy the unfolding Andean scenery, all while savouring a delectable three-course meal. The train's bar carriage, with its exuberant live music and a balcony offering panoramic views, invites passengers to sample Peru's signature Pisco Sour—a refreshing prelude to the wonders of Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes: The Quirky Threshold to the Past
The town of Aguas Calientes, cradled at Machu Picchu's feet, presents an eclectic tapestry of construction amidst natural splendour. Unfinished towers built around the vital railway evoke a peculiar charm that complements the town's role as a travel conduit. With no vehicular roads to its name, Aguas Calientes thrives as a pedestrian haven flanked by vibrant cafes, welcoming guesthouses, and a myriad of market stalls.
Despite its unconventional aesthetics, the town's proximity to nature's grandeur—the murmuring Urubamba River set to join the mighty Amazon, and limestone peaks that rise from the cloud forest like ancient monoliths—imbues it with an undeniable appeal. The town's namesake hot springs continue to beckon the intrepid and the weary, offering solace after their descent from the Inca Trail. Though the town's thermal bathhouse favours simplicity over spa-like finesse, it remains an authentic restorative experience.
Discerning Accommodations: A Sanctuary Above and a Pueblo Amidst the Clouds
In the realm of luxury and exclusivity, two lodgings near Machu Picchu stand out, captivating guests with their unique characteristics and enriching the travel experience with exceptional service and unforgettable experiences:
The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge offers an experience like no other, with its unrivalled location a mere breath away from the ancient ruins. Gary, a seasoned traveller and Llama Travel's Sales Manager, recounts his stay as a highlight of his honeymoon: "Mere steps from the entrance to Machu Picchu, the Sanctuary Lodge is a special hotel in a very special location. After a good nights’ sleep, we rose very early to be the first people to enter the site of Machu Picchu and had it to ourselves for a time before the crowds arrived from the valley below. We felt very lucky to have the place to ourselves, even if only for a short time. Afterwards, we returned to the hotel for a sumptuous breakfast." Guests often reflect on the ease of access to the ruins, appreciating the unique advantage of being steps away from one of the world's most iconic sites. Gary's narrative echoes the sentiment of many who have stayed here, emphasising the luxury of exclusivity and the joy of serene mornings spent in quiet admiration of Machu Picchu before the arrival of the day's visitors.
“After our guided excursion of the ruins of Machu Picchu we were able to enjoy a wonderful pisco sour masterclass with the entertaining mixologist at the Tampu Bar. We got to sample different types of pisco and the delicious pisco sour itself while we mingled with fellow guests from around the world and shared stories of our journey to and time spent in the magical citadel of Machu Picchu. ”
The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel is more than an accommodation; it's an immersive foray into the heart of a cloud forest. Here, guests like Luca, Llama Travel's director, have found a sanctuary where the essence of Machu Picchu extends beyond its stone structures: "On more than one occasion, I have taken the 4-hour train journey not just to visit ruins of Machu Picchu, but to stay in the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel just outside of the town." With casitas peppered across lush grounds, guests are treated to intimate encounters with nature, underscored by the charm of local architecture and the warmth of Peruvian hospitality.
“Crossing a wooden bridge, you escape from the hustle of Aguas Calientes and enter a little paradise. The hotel is set in a peaceful cloud forest where humming birds flit around the feeders and trails wind through the trees and ferns. The orchid trail is particularly special, where over 350 species of orchids have been identified. One of my favourite things about the hotel is walking to my room after dark, when the paths are illuminated by lamplight.”
The rooms in the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel are simple and comfortable, but for Luca, the romantic cloud forest setting makes this hotel stand out. It's a world away from the frenetic buzz of tourists visiting Machu Picchu.
Both the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo offer much more than a night's stay—they promise an enriching chapter in the story of your visit to Machu Picchu. Each establishment remains dedicated to creating an environment where luxury intertwines with the spirit of adventure, allowing every guest to indulge in the beauty of this ancient site.
