A cloud forest sanctuary minutes from Machu Picchu — pioneer of sustainable luxury in Peru
The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is unlike any other approach to a luxury mountain retreat. Set in 12 acres of cloud forest just minutes from the railway station in Aguas Calientes, the hotel is a collection of 85 whitewashed casitas connected by stone paths through lush gardens teeming with 372 recorded orchid species, hummingbirds, and spectacled bears. Inkaterra has pioneered sustainable luxury tourism in Peru for over 40 years, and the conservation programmes here — including a rare orchid rescue centre and a spectacled bear habitat — are as extraordinary as the accommodation itself.
The original casita style — a private whitewashed cottage with a thatched roof, set within the cloud forest gardens. Each suite has a porch with direct garden views, a fireplace for cool mountain evenings, and the Inkaterra signature bathroom with botanical treatment products.
Larger casitas with expanded living areas, private outdoor soaking tubs overlooking the cloud forest canopy, and upgraded butler service. Among the most romantically positioned rooms in Peru.
A private two-bedroom house within the hotel gardens — ideal for families or couples travelling together who want complete privacy within the property.
The main restaurant serving sophisticated Peruvian cuisine — dishes made from ingredients sourced from the hotel's organic garden and local Andean producers. The breakfast spread (included) is exceptional by any standard.
The hotel's fine dining restaurant, offering a multi-course tasting menu of contemporary Peruvian cuisine with highland and jungle ingredients rarely seen outside high-end Lima restaurants.
The hotel is genuinely within a functioning cloud forest — expect humidity (80%+), birdsong, and the occasional mist rolling through the casitas. This is the appeal, not a drawback.
Aguas Calientes is only accessible by train or on foot (Inca Trail). The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the train station. PeruRail and Inca Rail both serve the route from Ollantaytambo (1h45m).
WiFi is available throughout the property but can be slow — Aguas Calientes's connectivity is limited by its remote mountain location. Plan accordingly.
The spectacled bear habitat is a genuine conservation programme — bears rescued from captivity or injured in the wild. Sightings are possible daily from the adjacent trail.
📌 Km 110 Vía Férrea, Aguas Calientes, Cusco Region
The closest hotel to the bus that ascends to the ruins — a significant advantage for early-morning visits.
The town market and main restaurants are a short walk along the railway tracks.
First bus departs 5:30am from the centre of Aguas Calientes.
A beautiful private garden and waterfall accessible by foot along the railway tracks.