planning
Where to Stay for Machu Picchu
Where to stay for Machu Picchu: hotels in Aguas Calientes, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at the gate, Sacred Valley stays for the altitude, and Cusco.
To visit Machu Picchu comfortably, stay one night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the citadel, so you can take one of the first buses up. Only one hotel sits right at the entrance, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. For the rest of your trip, the Sacred Valley is the best base for the altitude, and Cusco for culture and restaurants.
Where to stay
| Area | Best for | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Aguas Calientes | The night before or after your visit, early entry | 2,040 m |
| Next to the entrance | A once-in-a-lifetime stay with no bus queue | 2,430 m |
| Sacred Valley (Urubamba, Ollantaytambo) | Acclimatizing, quiet countryside hotels, close to the train | About 2,800–2,900 m |
| Cusco | Culture, nightlife, restaurants, most tour departures | 3,400 m |
Hotels in Aguas Calientes
The town has hotels for every budget: simple guesthouses, comfortable mid-range hotels and a few 5★ properties. Among the best-known luxury options are the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, set in cloud-forest gardens, and the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel by the river. Rooms facing the railway or the river can be noisy, so ask for a quiet room.
The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel next to the Machu Picchu entrance. Guests can visit the citadel early in the morning or late in the afternoon without the bus queue. It has few rooms and high prices, so book months ahead. It can be added to our Luxury Machu Picchu Tour by quote.
Staying in the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is about 500 m lower than Cusco, which makes it the best place to spend your first nights. Hotels range from simple lodges to country resorts, and the train to Machu Picchu leaves from Ollantaytambo, in the valley itself. Our Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days and longer packages use this order.
Pros and cons of each base
| Base | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aguas Calientes | Early entry, no 4 am start, hot springs | Busy and humid; prices higher than in Cusco |
| Next to the entrance | No bus, visits at quiet times of day | Very expensive, few rooms |
| Sacred Valley | Lower altitude, quiet, close to the train | Fewer restaurants at night; a drive to everything |
| Cusco | Museums, restaurants, nightlife | Highest altitude; 3.5–4 hours from Machu Picchu |
What to expect from hotels
- Basic and tourist-class hotels: private bathroom, hot water, breakfast and Wi-Fi. Rooms are simple and some are small.
- 3★ and 4★ hotels: larger rooms, better beds and breakfasts, often heating, and in the Sacred Valley gardens and mountain views.
- 5★ and boutique hotels: spas, fine dining and nature walks; in Aguas Calientes, cloud-forest gardens by the river.
Hot water and heating vary more than in other countries, especially in older Cusco buildings. Ask for heating in the dry-season months, when nights are cold.
Tips for booking
- Book Aguas Calientes early from June to October: the best-located hotels fill up first.
- Ask for a quiet room away from the railway and the river if you sleep lightly.
- Leave big luggage behind: trains allow one backpack (max 8 kg) or carry-on (max 12 kg), and most Cusco and Sacred Valley hotels store bags for free.
- Split your nights: one in Aguas Calientes, one or two in the Sacred Valley and the rest in Cusco is the classic combination.
Hotels in our tours
Our tours include basic tourist-class hotels as standard, with upgrades to 3★, 4★ or a hotel of your choice. Tell us your preference in your quote.
Tours to link
Plan this with a local team
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, ticket and guide included, subject to availability. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Machu Picchu journey
Luxury Machu Picchu
Travel in style on the Belmond Hiram Bingham, stay in a 5★ hotel and explore Machu Picchu with a private guide. Fully private, every detail handled.
Machu Picchu journey
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu in 2 days. Train, hotel, buffet lunch, every entrance ticket and guide included. Private option available.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is there a hotel at Machu Picchu?
Yes, one: the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, next to the entrance. Every other hotel is in Aguas Calientes, 25 minutes below by bus.
Should I stay in Aguas Calientes or Cusco?
For a relaxed visit, stay one night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Base yourself in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for the rest of your trip.
Do your tours include hotels?
Yes. Our 2-day tours and packages include basic tourist-class hotels as standard, with 3★, 4★ or custom upgrades.