Inca Trail & Inkaterra Machu Picchu: A Match Made in Heaven

Conquer the Inca Trail and unwind at the luxurious Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. My review covers the hotel’s location, amenities, dining, and FAQs to help you plan your perfect Machu Picchu travel itinerary.

Serendipity often leads to the most surprising and fulfilling journeys. Something that I experienced during my recent Latin America travels. Initially, I intended to continue my four-month expedition from the Arctic to the Antarctic by exploring Ecuador after visiting Panama and Colombia. However, fate had some other plans – the frustratingly complex visa process for Ecuador forced me to change my travel plans at the last minute. With three unexpected weeks ahead, I felt uncertain about my next move. Then, by chance, Enrique Umbert from Mountain Lodges Peru contacted me, inviting me to discover the wonders of Peru instead. This unforeseen change took me on an incredible adventure, from the lively streets of Lima to the heart of the Amazon, through the historic beauty of Cusco, the enchanting Sacred Valley, and finally to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. More about that once-in-a-lifetime trip will be shared in my upcoming articles. Stay tuned.

Organised expertly by Mountain Lodges Peru, this three-week Peruvian adventure concluded with a memorable experience: a one-day hike on the Inca Trail followed by an overnight stay at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. In this article, I share my honest review of staying at this distinctive hotel and address some frequently asked questions about visiting Machu Picchu. When planning my Machu Picchu travel itinerary, I knew I wanted to experience the magic of the Lost City and then unwind in a special place. After intense hiking on the Inca Trail and visiting the Machu Picchu Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, I needed a place to rest and extend that magical feeling. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel seemed like the perfect choice—a sanctuary promising luxury, comfort, and sustainability. And in many ways, it was. However, my only issue was that arriving exhausted after the trek meant I didn’t get to experience everything it offered. Nonetheless, I had a great stay at the property and here’s what I experienced first-hand.

Location: A Cloud Forest Oasis Near Machu Picchu Pueblo

Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) is the nearest settlement to the Machu Picchu ruins. Among the numerous hotels in the area, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel stands out as one of the finest accommodations, with its unique location adding charm. This 85-room eco-resort is nestled within twelve acres of high-mountain cloud forest, teeming with diverse flora and fauna, wild birds, and exotic orchids. Being situated at the edge of the town means local bars and restaurants are within easy reach if you choose to explore. While I personally didn’t venture out much due to my exhaustion and limited time, it’s good to know the options are there.

Arrival: A Seamless Welcome After the Inca Trail (Thanks to Silvia!)

Arriving at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel was a huge relief. I was not in the best of health, and on top of that, midway through the Inca Trail, I accidentally fell into the waterfall. As a result, I trekked in wet shoes, had blisters on my feet, and was terribly exhausted when I reached Machu Picchu Pueblo. But thankfully, the hotel, just minutes away from the shuttle station, felt like a perfect place to rejuvenate. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and coca tea, which was a much-needed remedy for my post-trek fatigue. What was especially great was that my room was ready before my arrival. My guide, Silvia, had efficiently arranged for my luggage to be brought ahead, so I didn’t have to worry about a thing. This was a huge plus after a day of hiking. The hotel’s lush gardens, with over 200 bird species and 372 varieties of orchids, looked beautiful, but honestly, all I wanted was to get to my room and sleep. The check-in process was smooth enough, thanks to the pre-arrival arrangements.

The Room: Rustic Elegance and Thoughtful Touches (But I Barely Saw It)

My casita (Suite) was one of 85 rooms and suites located throughout the property, all adorned in a classic Spanish Colonial style. This boutique hotel, consisting of 85 rooms, was designed to evoke a charming Andean Village atmosphere and constructed from stone, adobe, stucco, and eucalyptus beams. It perfectly combines rustic charm with modern conveniences. The furnishings in my room were crafted by local artisans, and the warm blankets on my bed were made of alpaca wool. The inviting marble bathroom included a rain shower and eco-friendly bath products, although I mainly used it for a quick rinse before collapsing into bed. I especially appreciated the spacious panoramic windows offering a garden view, an outdoor tub, and a seating area.

The room welcomed me with a handwritten note from the hotel manager, delicious chocolates, a refreshing gooseberry, and a complimentary Pisco Sour bottle. It also featured a special award-winning organic black tea. Exclusively available at Inkaterra, this tea was honoured with the prestigious Medaille Gourmet Gold in 2023 and received a silver medal at the 7th Annual Teas of the World Awards in November 2024 in the ‘Black Tea with Buds’ category. Along with the tea, there were two small pouches, which came very handy in storing coins for the rest of my trip.

Plush bathrobes and slippers (made from recycled materials, which I appreciated) were laid out on the bed, inviting me to relax and unwind. Even the key to my room was impressive—huge and ornate, it felt like a relic from another era. Despite the presence of wood-burning fireplaces in some rooms, the hotel maintains a carbon-neutral footprint, which is commendable.

Dining: A Culinary Journey I Did Manage to Enjoy

Even though I was tired, I truly enjoyed my dining experiences at Inkaterra. I had three meals there – dinner, breakfast, and lunch, each being exceptional. The hotel had two restaurants: a dining room cum bar and Café Inkaterra. I had dinner and breakfast in the dining room and lunch at Café Inkaterra.

While both were excellent, Cafe Inkaterra particularly stood out to me. Nestled between the train tracks and riverfront, it boasted the most elegant and intimate dining space in the area. As I crossed the train track to visit the café, I saw an Amazonian palm-thatched roof, large windows, and a contemporary design married with an Andean vibe. The service, mirroring that of the hotel, was impeccable. The restaurant, overlooking the Vilcanota River, showcased a menu ranging from Peruvian classics like lomo saltado (beef and potato stir-fry) to casual international favourites like lasagne and burgers. The breakfast buffet was equally remarkable, featuring fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and local specialities like tamales. The food truly stood out during my brief stay.

Amenities and Activities: I Missed Out

Inkaterra is more than just a place to rest your head—it’s an experience. The property offers guided nature walks through its private ecological reserve, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. I was interested in the birdwatching tour and the on-site spa, with treatments inspired by Andean traditions, but unfortunately, my exhaustion and short stay meant I didn’t have time for any of these activities.

Sustainability: Luxury with a Conscience (But I Didn’t Investigate Deeply)

One of the reasons I chose Inkaterra was its dedication to sustainability. The hotel is a model of eco-tourism, using renewable energy, supporting local communities, and preserving the environment. I didn’t have the energy or time to investigate their practices in detail, but I appreciated their stated commitment.

Checking Out: Early Room Departure, But Luggage Well Taken Care Of

I checked out of my room early in the morning to explore the Machu Picchu Citadel, while the hotel graciously stored my luggage until my Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo at 1:30 pm. This was immensely helpful, allowing me to enjoy my visit without worrying about my bags. The staff expertly managed the luggage storage and ensured everything was ready for me upon my return. Additionally, their concierge service delivered my luggage directly to the railway station before my train’s arrival. Now, that’s what you call exemplary customer service.

Booking Your Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Stay & Understanding the Price

If you’re planning your own Machu Picchu travel itinerary and considering a stay at Inkaterra, booking can be done through several channels. You can book directly through the Inkaterra website, which often has special offers and packages. Alternatively, you can book through online travel agencies like Booking.com, Expedia, or through luxury travel specialists. As my trip was organized by Mountain Lodges Peru, they handled the booking for me, which simplified the process considerably.

Understanding the price of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is essential for planning your budget. As a luxury eco-lodge and one of the best places to stay in Machu Picchu, prices are on the higher end. The cost can vary significantly depending on the time of year (peak season vs. low season), the type of room or suite you choose, and any packages or inclusions you opt for (such as meals, spa treatments, or excursions). Generally, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars per night. It’s always best to check the official website or your chosen booking platform for the most up-to-date pricing and availability.

Is Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Worth the Price?

This is a common question (Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel price). While Inkaterra is a luxury hotel, it is undoubtedly a unique experience that you pay for. Considering its unique setting within the cloud forest, the high quality of the food I experienced, and the potential for immersive experiences (which I didn’t fully utilise due to my limited time), it can be worth it for the right traveller. Reading Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel reviews before finalising your Machu Picchu travel itinerary can definitely help set your expectations right.

Planning Your Machu Picchu Travel Itinerary: FAQs and Tips

Here are some frequently asked questions and tips for planning your Machu Picchu adventure:

• Closest Town to Machu Picchu: Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) is the closest town.
• Closest Hotel to Machu Picchu: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is one of the closest, offering easy access to the site.
• How to get to Inkaterra Hotel: The hotel is located 70 miles from Cusco, and the train journey takes approximately three and a half hours. However, many tourists choose to stay for a day or two in Ollantaytambo, from where they can enjoy a beautiful 1.5-hour train ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo. If you opt for the 15-km one-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (like I did), you will disembark at the KM 104 train station. After completing the trek, a shuttle will take you to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), from where Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel is barely 3 minutes away.
• Machu Picchu Itinerary/Machu Picchu Travel Itinerary: Plan your Machu Picchu itinerary in advance, including your Machu Picchu tickets (Boleto Machu Picchu). Consider spending at least two days in Machu Picchu (2 days in Machu Picchu) to fully appreciate the site.
• Best Weather to Visit Machu Picchu: The dry season (April to October) is generally considered the best time to visit.
• Machu Picchu Routes: There are various routes to Machu Picchu, including the Inca Trail and train journeys.
• Machu Picchu Tickets Official Website/Machu Picchu Tickets Explained: Purchase your tickets in advance from the official website to avoid disappointment. Last-minute Machu Picchu tickets are very hard to get.
• Where to Stay in Machu Picchu/Places to Stay in Machu Picchu/Best Places to Stay in Machu Picchu/Places to Stay Near Machu Picchu: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a fantastic option for a luxury experience.
• Best Restaurants in Machu Picchu: Consider the restaurants at Inkaterra, which offer excellent dining options.
• Is Machu Picchu Worth Visiting: Absolutely! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Overall: A Place I’d Like to Experience Properly

My stay at Inkaterra was a bit of a mixed bag. The hotel itself is beautiful, and the food was excellent. However, my extreme exhaustion after the Inca Trail meant I didn’t get to fully appreciate everything it had to offer. I’d love to return someday when I’m not so tired and have more time to explore the grounds and participate in the activities. The location is undeniably fantastic for visiting Machu Picchu. If you’re looking for where to stay in Machu Picchu and want to be close to the entrance, this is a solid option.