It’s hard, if not impossible, to prepare yourself for the Machu Picchu experience. This place is magical, and the occasional fog that settles in from time to time only helps to make the setting that much more surreal. Most visitors to Machu Picchu arrive in nearby Cusco first. After adjusting to the altitude of the Andes Mountains for a few days, it’s then on to the Machu Picchu train. The closest town to Machu Picchu is Aguas Calientes, which was basically renamed Machu Picchu Town. It is here where you will find the bulk of the Machu Picchu hotels. There is one very exclusive Machu Picchu hotel that is perched near the famed Inca ruins, but you’ll have to have a pretty healthy budget to stay there. The Machu Picchu hotels found below the ruins are just fine by most, and it’s only a short bus ride up the mountain. Here are a few suggestions for Machu Picchu hotels to help you secure the ideal lodging for your trip.

Backpackers and those just generally traveling on a budget will likely want to consider choosing a hostel for their Machu Picchu hotel. The Hostal Continental is a nice inexpensive choice, offering 12 clean and stylish rooms. The hotel was updated in 2001, and it’s got a nice location. A nice breakfast is included in the already agreeable rates, though you’ll have to grab it at the hostel’s sister hotel, the Hotel Presidente. There aren’t many amenities to boast about here, but people don’t usually come here to sit around in their rooms all day. Shared bathrooms are standard, and the hotel has a library. The convenient laundry service might prove very handy, and you won’t want for hot water in the showers. The Hostal Continental faces the railroad tracks on one side, and a river on the other. The noise of the trains doesn’t bother most, and at night, the sound of the river will help lull you to sleep. If your main purpose is to find a discount place to stay before heading on to Machu Pichhu, this hostel is a sufficient fit.

The Wiracocha Inn is another discount Machu Picchu hotel you might consider, and it’s without question one of the nicer budget options. Each unit here has its own modern and clean bathroom, which is a big plus, and the hot water is good 24 hours a day. There are 21 rooms here, the majority of which feature double, matrimonial, or triple beds. There is one Quadruple room if you are a group of four. Breakfast is included in the rates, and the hotel’s Cafeteria Bar is open around the clock. You can grab all kinds of drinks here, as well as a list of snacks and appetizers. If you want to get away from the noise in town, this is an ideal lodging pick, as you are about a 5-minute walk from the main plaza and train tracks. There aren’t many amenities in the rooms, other than comfortable beds, but if you’re just looking for an affordable and honest Machu Picchu hotel, it’s hard to go wrong with the Wiracocha Inn.

Peru Map

Found overlooking the mighty Urubamba River, just on the edge of town, the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is an excellent pick for those with room in the budget. It isn’t cheap to stay here, but the facilities are outstanding, and the service is great. This new entry among the upscale Peru Machu Picchu hotels is owned by a Peruvian family that is dedicated to offering luxury accommodations near the famed Machu Picchu ruins. A night or more here is bound to make any Sacred Valley trip that much more enjoyable. There are 60 amenity-filled rooms to choose from here, including deluxe, standard rooms, junior suites and the Sumaq Suites. Each room features an inspired decor, and the beds are about as comfortable as you could want. Room amenities include wireless internet access, thermal heating, cable television, a safe box, an MP3 player, a mini-bar and more. There is a very nice gift shop on-site, and the hotel spa is ideal for a bit of pampering after a long day. Between the hotel restaurant and the cafe/bar, you’ll be impressed with the cuisine. This is definitely one of the best Peru Machu Picchu hotels.

Also not cheap, but well worth it if you can swing the lofty rates, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu boutique-style hotel is the next step down from the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Hotel. The Inkaterra enjoys a nice garden setting, and the hotels offers bird watching and orchid tours. Guided hikes are also possible to arrange, and the hotel’s Nature Center is great for both kids and adults. 24-hour room service is standard at this luxurious Machu Picchu hotel, and the outdoor pool is a great place to hang out. The Vilcanota River is close by, and the cloud forest setting is quite agreeable. There are 85 “casitas”, or cottages, to choose from here, and all are large and well-decorated. Comfort is the name of the game, and should you book a junior suite, you’ll have your own fireplace and terrace. The Villas here even feature their own plunge pools. Grabbing a savory meal at the restaurant is always enjoyable, partly because the restaurant overlooks the river. Hotel porters will meet you at the train station and help you with your bags. The list of extras is long when it comes to the Inkaterra, and you’ll surely have a memorable experience. Room amenities include complimentary, recycled rubber slippers, wireless internet access, a plasma TV with satellite cable, a mini-bar, a DVD player and a home stereo with iPod capabilities.

If you are lucky enough to secure a room at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, you will enjoy the most exclusive experience among the Peru Machu Picchu Hotels. This is the only hotel found at the ruins, and being able to wake up and walk to them before the crowds hit is a treat without compare. You might also wander out at night to enjoy views of the ruins under a starry sky. There aren’t too many experiences quite like it in the world. This once plain Machu Picchu hotel was eventually made into a luxurious lodge, and though the rates here are high, the demand is strong. Booking ahead for one of the cozy rooms here is always a good idea, especially if you have your heart set on the place, which is likely to happen. You can choose from the 29 “standard” rooms, or book one of the 2 suites. 12 units have excellent mountain views, and all rooms feature satellite TV, a mini-bar, a safe box, an alarm clock stereo, a hair dryer and a telephone. Staying at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is somewhat akin to staying at one of the lodges on the rim of the Grand Canyon. The location is unbeatable. The service is quite nice here too, and there are nice meal plans for guests, as there is nowhere else to eat up here. This Machu Picchu hotel is worth the splurge, and you’ll have bragging rights for life.