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Machu Picchu TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

The spectacularly well-preserved, mid-15th-century Incan city of Machu Picchu lay lost in the mountains and hidden beneath a dense layer of vegetation until Yale archeologist Hiram Bingham introduced it to the world in 1911. Now, the dwellings, temples, and aqueducts are open to public exploration. Hike the Inca Trail or travel by train to walk in the footsteps of the mighty Inca rulers who, according to archaeological evidence, used this majestic area as a country retreat.

Why Go

 For the spiritual experience of peering down into the Incan ruins from atop Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Hotels

Dozens of accommodations are available in Machu Picchu Pueblo, though, with the exception of a few luxury locales that run for over $700 a night, most are pretty basic (small, with no more than beds, showers, and toilets), cost less than $60 a night, and tailored for backpackers. For all lodging, book well in advance (at least 6 months in high season). For budget accommodations, double check to make sure credit cards are accepted.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Gringo Bills
Backpackers and large groups gravitate to Gringo Bills for its comfy, affordable accommodations in the main square. Request...

Hostal Machu Picchu
Sister property to the Hostal Presidente, Hostal Machu Picchu is located across from the police station and in prime position...

Machu Picchu Inn
The 48 rooms may be basic, but they’re spacious and well-situated near the bus and train station, within easy reach of... culinary | great location

Hostal Presidente
The 28 rooms here are clean and equipped with cable T.V. and private baths (some with Jacuzzi jets); rooms overlooking the... views | charm

Rupa Wasi Eco Lodge
Rupa Wasi, with its five rooms made entirely of wood, provides the perfect eco-friendly contrast to the concrete hotels...

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel
This network of whitewashed cottages is tucked into the remote mountainside of the lush Andean cloud forest. Besides the... smart splurge | all-inclusive | expensive | gardens

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
Staying at the only hotel located directly adjacent to the ruins has a hefty price tag: $715 per night. But included with the... views | expensive | great location

Gringo Bills
Backpackers and large groups gravitate to Gringo Bills for its comfy, affordable accommodations in the main square. Request...

Hostal Machu Picchu
Sister property to the Hostal Presidente, Hostal Machu Picchu is located across from the police station and in prime position...

Machu Picchu Inn
The 48 rooms may be basic, but they’re spacious and well-situated near the bus and train station, within easy reach of... culinary | great location

Hostal Presidente
The 28 rooms here are clean and equipped with cable T.V. and private baths (some with Jacuzzi jets); rooms overlooking the... views | charm

Rupa Wasi Eco Lodge
Rupa Wasi, with its five rooms made entirely of wood, provides the perfect eco-friendly contrast to the concrete hotels...

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel
This network of whitewashed cottages is tucked into the remote mountainside of the lush Andean cloud forest. Besides the... smart splurge | all-inclusive | expensive | gardens

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
Staying at the only hotel located directly adjacent to the ruins has a hefty price tag: $715 per night. But included with the... views | expensive | great location

Machu Picchu Restaurants

Most of the eateries in Machu Picchu Pueblo line the two main roads – Avenida Imperio de los Incas and Avenida Pachacútec – with offerings that range from pizza and buffets to French cuisine. Just as in Cusco, restaurant hawkers flood the streets, menus-in-hand, trying to lure you in with lunch specials and free drink offers.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Café Inkaterra
Located at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, this upscale eatery takes traditional Andean cuisine and adds contemporary... culinary | smart splurge | restaurants

Tampu Bar Restaurant
Only hotel guests can indulge in the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge’s stellar Peruvian and international cuisine, but the menu... culinary | restaurants

Indio Feliz
Head to this plant-bedecked, bi-level restaurant for the best dining in Aguas Calientes. French chef Patrick Vogin and his... culinary | views | prix-fixe | restaurants

Pueblo Viejo
This animated spot on restaurant row is perfect for meat lovers (choose from Argentinean-style parilladas, grilled lamb trout,... culinary | prix-fixe | restaurants | peruvian

Manu
Menu items at this cozy jungle-theme joint (think walls strung with snakeskin) include wood-fired oven pizzas, crepes, and... culinary | restaurants | peruvian

Toto's House
When the clock strikes noon, beeline to Toto’s house for its steal-of-a-deal $11 lunch buffet. The treat? A mixed selection... culinary | great value | restaurants

Café Inkaterra
Located at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, this upscale eatery takes traditional Andean cuisine and adds contemporary... culinary | smart splurge | restaurants

Tampu Bar Restaurant
Only hotel guests can indulge in the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge’s stellar Peruvian and international cuisine, but the menu... culinary | restaurants

Indio Feliz
Head to this plant-bedecked, bi-level restaurant for the best dining in Aguas Calientes. French chef Patrick Vogin and his... culinary | views | prix-fixe | restaurants

Pueblo Viejo
This animated spot on restaurant row is perfect for meat lovers (choose from Argentinean-style parilladas, grilled lamb trout,... culinary | prix-fixe | restaurants | peruvian

Manu
Menu items at this cozy jungle-theme joint (think walls strung with snakeskin) include wood-fired oven pizzas, crepes, and... culinary | restaurants | peruvian

Toto's House
When the clock strikes noon, beeline to Toto’s house for its steal-of-a-deal $11 lunch buffet. The treat? A mixed selection... culinary | great value | restaurants

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