When I traveled to Machu Picchu, I went the long route, taking my time from Lima to Cusco, to the Sacred Valley, and finally reaching the little town of Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu over a span of 5 days. By the time I got off the PeruRail train and set foot in Aguas Calientes, I was tired, to say the least. But my stay at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, the luxury hotel nestled in the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, was simply rejuvenating.

Here is what I found:

See Also: The Machu Picchu Insider’s Guide

Inkaterra is a Peruvian hotel chain with several luxury properties throughout Peru. The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a 5-star hotel located at the foot of Machu Picchu, in the town of Aguas Calientes. The moment I stepped off the train station and entered the hotel grounds, I encountered a tranquil tropical paradise.

The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel’s Tropical Surrounding

Bird of paradise, orchids, and other flowers decorate the walking trails that lead from cabaña to cabaña. In the hotel’s main lobby, I received a welcome drink as the staff described the lay of the land, explained what amenities were included, and answered my various questions.

I was then taken to my standard room, which featured a queen-sized bed, extra large shower, and thick dark wood furniture. I found a waffle-cotton robe and slippers in the closet as well. The bedroom was decorated with an elegant minimalist style. The wide windows are allowed to speak for themselves and show off the natural beauty of the Peruvian cloud forest.

Strolling along the walking trails surrounding the hotel grounds, I found a shallow fountain and shaded benches inviting me to stop and relax. Although the rest of the town is just a few minutes’ walks away, the property seems isolated and quiet among the thick tropical vegetation. Some of the superior and deluxe guest rooms are separated from other guest rooms and feature private yards and outdoor Jacuzzi tubs.

The amenities

The center of the hotel property seems to be oriented around the outdoor swimming pool. There are tea and cookies served each afternoon by the pool. There’s also a Jacuzzi surrounded by shady trees, a changing room, and showers. Plus, guests can enjoy a spa treatment or massage at the adjacent spa.

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel also offers currency exchange, an internet cafe, a bar, and a restaurant. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the bar serves up great Pisco Sours. I sat down to dinner and was pleasantly surprised by the elegance of the restaurant, with its low lighting, wide windows, and well-mannered waitstaff.

In fact, one of the most wonderful aspects of my stay at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel was the patience, kindness, and helpfulness of the staff. I enjoyed trying to practice my Spanish with a very patient young man who served the tea each afternoon at the pool. And each staff member greeted me with a friendly Buenas Dias during my stay.

The breakfast buffet was open especially early, to accommodate those who wanted to reach Machu Picchu by sunrise. I woke at 4:30 AM to get an early start, and was greeted with a bountiful feast at the breakfast table.

The Machu Picchu Experience

I then took off for a day at Machu Picchu, and only returned to the hotel in the late afternoon in order to pick up my luggage. Thankfully, the hotel staff allowed me to lounge by the pool and use the changing room and Internet cafe while I waited for my train to arrive. The Inkaterra hotel was so accommodating that it made my time at Machu Picchu so enjoyable and care-free.

Because Machu Picchu is located in such an isolated place, deep in the Peruvian cloud forest, it is not easy to reach in just one day. To really explore the Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu region in full, it’s best to take your time and consider splurging for a luxury Machu Picchu hotel option.

SouthAmerica.travel can arrange a Machu Picchu Peru Tour that includes a stay at the 5-star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo.

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