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Hotels

Though some luxury and moderate hotels are available, Cusco and Machu Picchu are primarily backpacker's havens, with many low-cost lodging options and cozy hostels for as low as $14/night.

Cusco Hotels
Accommodations abound around the busy Plaza de Armas and in the quieter historic district of San Blas. In the luxury category, we recommend Hotel Monasterio Cusco (Calle Palacios 136, Plazoleta Nazarenas; 084/241-777; www.monasterio.orient-express.com), which hardly strays from its original monastic design and offers 126 exquisitely decorated rooms, no two of which are identical. Indulge in the hotel's signature five-star massage and bath butler services and dine in one of its two upscale restaurants that serve distinctive Peruvian cuisine. Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka (Plazoleta Santo Domingo; 084/231-961; www.summithotels.com), situated four blocks from the Plaza and facing the Temple of the Sun, surrounds a colonial courtyard of arches and terra-cotta tiles. The hotel features charmingly rustic rooms, a fitness facility, and a full-service spa. Hotel Novotel (San Augustin 239 - Esquina Pasaje Santa Monica; 084/581-030; www.novotel.com), the newest but least impressive of the luxury lodgings, offers Wi-Fi access, concierge and porter services, and a stellar location. Its amenities are modern and dependable, but nights can get noisy, so request an interior courtyard room or upgrade to a two-floor colonial-style room (sleeps four) for only $45 extra per night.

For moderate choices, we love Boutique Hotel Casa San Blas (Tocuyeros 566; 084/251-563 or 084/237-900; www.casasanblas.com), a restored mansion in the San Blas district offering basic rooms with cable TV and private bathrooms, a wooded terrace with stunning views, a piano bar, and the boutique Tika restaurant; the more spacious Suite Apartments include microwave ovens, gas stoves, and cooking utensils. The Terra Andina Hotel (Calle Union 184; 084/249-413 or 084/227-039; www.hotelterraandinacusco.com), a classically restored colonial mansion-turned-B&B, boasts 28 spacious rooms, some with cable and DVD players (in superior rooms); breakfast included. Hotel Marqueses (Av. Garcilaso 256; 084/264-249; www.hotelmarqueses.com) is associated with SAS Travel, one of Cusco’s top-rated travel agencies (see Tour Operators, in Attractions). Originally built at the end of the 16th century, the refurbished colonial house with beautiful hardwood floors and deep red furnishings is now characterized by its warmth and Andean hospitality. Hotel Arqueologo (Calle Pumacurco 408; 084/232-522; www.hotelarqueologo.com) boasts sunny gardens and comfy accommodations; standard rooms are simply decorated, but the Suite Inka accommodations are stunning, with glossy hardwood floors, canopy beds, and bamboo ceilings. Hostal Rumi Punku's (Choquechaca No.339; 084/221-102; www.rumipunku.com) authentic Inca stone doorway welcomes guests to a once-sacred site. Today you'll find a handsome colonial building with peaceful courtyard gardens, balcony terraces, free Internet access, sauna, Jacuzzi, and Norwegian thermal blankets.

Many budget hotels can be found in historic San Blas neighborhood. Casa de la Gringa (084 241168; www.anotherplanetperu.net) is a South African-owned hostel with a hippie-vibe, featuring eclectic rooms, healing gardens, and organized tours. The Dutch owners of the Niños Hotel (Calle Meloc 442; 084/231-424; www.ninoshotel.com) donate all proceeds to a foundation they developed for the children of Cusco. It's one of the finest, cleanest, and least-expensive inns in Cusco (from $18/night), with hardwood floors, a courtyard, and daily breakfast service. Because of its popularity, reservations must be made at least six months in advance. Hostal Corihuasi (Calle Suecia 561; 084/232-233 or 084/260-502; www.corihuasi.com) offers free hotel transportation from the airport, cozy accommodations, and an open fireplace in the lounge. Located in San Blas, just two blocks from the Plaza, balconies and panoramic windows welcome excellent views.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotels
Dozens of accommodations are available in Machu Picchu Pueblo, though most are pretty basic. Touted as the best luxury hotel in town, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (www.inkaterra.com) is a network of whitewashed cottages tucked into the remote mountainside of the lush Andean cloud forest. Perks include a pure mountain spring swimming pool, beautiful gardens illuminated at night, and rates that include full board and three meals. The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (base of Machu Picchu ruins; 084/246-419; http://machupicchu.orient-express.com) is the only hotel directly adjacent to the ruins, so you'll be paying a hefty fee; prices start at $715/night, but include modern accommodations with small terraces opening to gardens, stellar views of the ruins and surrounding mountains, plus three daily meals; the same company owns Hotel Monasterio Cusco, and you can book both stays in both properties for your trip. Hatuchay Tower (Av. Hermanos Ayar M-24; 084/211-201; www.hatuchaytower.com) is a five-story yellow block building that sits along the Rio Urubamba, just steps away from where the buses depart for Machu Picchu. Rooms are clean, spacious, comfortable, and have great views overlooking the river.

For moderate accommodations, the Machu Picchu Inn (Av. Pachacútec 109; 1-866-247-3221; www.peru-hotels.com/machuinn.htm) boasts basic yet spacious en suite rooms; rates include continental breakfast. There's also a pretty decent onsite bar and restaurant serving international cuisine. A bit cheaper is Gringo Bill's Hostal (Calle Colla Raymi 104; 084/211-046; www.gringobills.com), popular with backpackers and large groups, offering comfy accommodations, many with balcony and window rooms overlooking parts of the Upper Amazon tropical rainforest. The rooms at Hostal Presidente (Av. Imperio de Los Incas, opposite police station; 084/244-598) come with cable and private baths (some with Jacuzzi jets); rooms overlooking the Vilcanota River are a bit pricier. Less upscale mid-range hotels include the centrally located Hostal Machu Picchu (Av. Imperio de Los Incas, opposite police station; 084/244-598); renovated in 1999, its vibrantly colored rooms are spacious and clean. The unique, timber-constructed Rupa Wasi Condor House Ecolodge (Calle Huanacaure 110; 084/211-101; www.perucuzco.com/rupawasi) provides the perfect contrast to the bland concrete hotels that dominate the streets; its 5 rooms, including 3 suites with private terraces, are all made of wood.

And for budget at its best, you can't go wrong with the basic rooms at the family-run Hostal Pachacuteq (top end of Pachacutec, up the hill beyond Hostal La Cabana; 084/211-061), where simple but adequate rooms are complemented by an onsite cafeteria. Hostal Continental (Avenida Imperio de Los Incas 127; 084/211-065) is one of the best inexpensive options in town, with tidy rooms, plenty of hot water, and a library.

See Machu Picchu Travel Guide