The Best Boutique Hotels in Aguas Calientes, Peru

Gringo Bill’s Boutique Hotel is nestled just on the outskirts of town, offering total tranquility for winding down after an arduous day of hiking. Its 40 rooms have plump beds and pillows, and some even feature hydromassage baths for the ultimate post-hike repose. There’s unlimited coffee on tap and a bustling buffet breakfast to get you energized. Not to mention the pool, bar and restaurant, set on a terrace with immaculate views of the surrounding mountains.

Casa del Sol lies on the banks of the Vilcanota River, so, if you’d like to be lulled by the sound of flowing water, this is your spot. There are romantic suites as well as family and single rooms, all blending contemporary design with Andean patterns and colors. The bathrooms feature granite basins, and, for some extra pampering, there’s the K’intu Spa offering coca-leaf scrubs and Inca-stone massages. Not forgetting the Andean restaurant and riverfront terrace either, primed for enjoying a pisco sour.

Taypikala Boutique’s sun-dappled rooms, with views over the mountains, are enough to warrant a stay here. The ivory and ceramic walls complement bamboo furniture, creating the perfect setting for gazing out at the majestic backdrop. If you opt for a suite, you’ll even have your own living area and whirlpool tub. The bar and restaurant offer Peruvian cuisine from the Highlands and frothy pisco sours to further elevate your stay.

For a laid-back, more budget-friendly option, head to Terrazas del Inca Bed and Breakfast just across the river from the town center. As the name suggests, there are several terraces with riverine views that are ideal for taking in the sights. The humble, homespun rooms come with feather-down pillows and yet more river views – and the intimate restaurant serves both Peruvian and Italian delicacies.

Inti Punku Hotel is just five minutes from Aguas Calientes train station and a 15-minute walk from the toasty thermal baths in town. With a more contemporary interior than some of the other stays in the area, its 43 rooms are brightly lit and adorned with sleek wooden furnishings. There’s still a nod to the historic Andean setting, with pops of color and traditional patterns on the walls in common areas, including the Kinwa Restaurant, where you can feast on a buffet breakfast before hikes or toast adventures with a cocktail by night.

Set in the heart of Aguas Calientes, the detail-oriented Jaya Hotel dotes on your every need – its staff has even been known to greet guests at the train station. The rooms offer a touch of modern elegance, with some featuring Jacuzzi tubs, so you can take a well-deserved soak after a long day of vigorous hiking. The breakfast offers nourishment in the form of fresh fruit and baked goods, which can be packed up to accompany you on the trail.

Give the ramshackle huts of Aguas Calientes a miss altogether, and opt to stay at the site of the sacred Machu Picchu instead. Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the great Inca citadel, this is the only hotel allowed to operate in the area, which makes it truly unique. Unbeatable location aside, guests rave about the complimentary pisco tasting session, epic mountain views and the ability to casually stroll down to the monument in the morning well before the hordes of tourists arrive.

Considered the finest hotel in Aguas Calientes, elegance and opulence are in abundance at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Dark wooden awnings and high ceilings give it a luxury lodge kind of vibe, while the spa, Jacuzzi, and swimming pools keep guests entertained between excursions. It may be substantially pricier than other options in town, but it’s nice to know some of the profits are donated towards local conservation efforts.

As the other prestigious high-end hotel in Aguas Calientes, the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel offers unbeatable views of the Urubamba River at the northern edge of town. The complex features an eclectic mix of modern and indigenous design while also boasting a stylish dining area, well-appointed rooms and even an in-house Inca art exhibition.

For a sister hotel of the elegant Inkaterra Pueblo, the El MaPi Hotel takes a surprisingly different direction in its design. Each room is notably more contemporary, while the numerous vibrant common areas are the epitome of chic modern design. Despite coming in at around half the cost of the former, it still has all the amenities you would expect from a hotel of such caliber.

For a bit of luxury with a reasonable price tag, the modern and stylish Tierra Viva Machu Picchu ticks all the boxes. Each of its 42 rooms is tastefully decorated, while an abundance of indigenous artwork can be enjoyed (and purchased) throughout the hotel. The pièce de résistance, however, is a colorful mural that spans the entire five-story central elevator.

As a premier cabin-style boutique in Aguas Calientes, the 20-odd rooms at Hotel La Cabaña Machu Picchu provide a high level of comfort for a very reasonable price. If the budget permits, opt for one of the suites, which have plenty of space as well as a charming balcony with breathtaking mountain views.

A long-time favorite in Aguas Calientes, the Casa Andina Standard is a hit for its no-nonsense modern and minimalist design. Spacious and airy rooms, a fine riverfront restaurant and a plethora of high-tech amenities make this hotel a solid midrange boutique option.