Best Areas to Stay in Machu Picchu
Choosing the right neighbourhood makes a huge difference to your experience. Here's an honest breakdown of where to base yourself.
The only base for visiting Machu Picchu — there is no alternative. Choose between budget guesthouses and the luxury Inkaterra and Belmond Sanctuary Lodge properties.
The best neighbourhood to stay in Cusco — cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and stunning colonial architecture. All guesthouses are in converted colonial mansions.
The grand central plaza is surrounded by hotels at every price point. Convenient but noisy and more tourist-oriented than San Blas.
Staying in the valley (lower altitude than Cusco at 2,800m) is an excellent acclimatisation strategy. Some of Peru's finest luxury lodges are here.
Best Hotels in Machu Picchu
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Nestled within a cloud forest just minutes from Machu Picchu, the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel is a collection of whitewashed casitas set among lush gardens...
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
The only hotel at the gates of Machu Picchu — the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is located metres from the site entrance, giving guests exclusive access b...
Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi
A warmly decorated boutique hotel in the San Blas neighbourhood — Cusco's most charming district of narrow colonial lanes and artisan workshops. Tie...
How to Get the Best Deal
- Book 2–3 months in advance for peak season (especially Patagonia lodges and Galápagos boats which sell out months ahead)
- Shoulder season (April–May or September–October for most destinations) offers 20–30% lower rates with comparable weather
- Always compare the hotel's own website against third-party booking platforms — direct booking often includes perks
- Check cancellation policies carefully; many South American lodges have strict non-refundable deposits