8 Best Hotels in Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Peru

A five-minute walk from the center of town takes you to this stunning eco-lodge, part of the Relais & Châteaux collection of hotels, made up of rustic-yet-elegant bungalows with exposed beams and cathedral ceilings, set in a minitropical cloud forest. There are 372 varieties of orchids and 18 species of hummingbirds on the grounds, and lodging prices include several excursion possibilities such as bird-watching and orchid tours. Others are available at additional cost, such as a visit to the Spectacled Bear project. It's worth upgrading to a suite to take advantage of a private terrace and Jacuzzi. There are special services available for families, including kid-friendly guides. The restaurant overlooking the surrounding hills is also first-rate.

This upscale and luxurious hotel sits at the edge of town alongside the Vilcanota River and offers all the amenities plus outstanding service with a smile. The first-class rooms are huge and sunny, all with wood-beam ceilings, TVs, and the utmost comfort in beds and bedding. Some rooms also have Jacuzzi tubs. Add to this an elegant restaurant with Peruvian fusion cuisine that easily stands up to the best Lima has to offer. Prices include a breakfast buffet and lunch or dinner. Looking for an extra special way to connect with the ancient Peruvian culture? Ask about arranging a traditional Andean wedding or offering to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth).

This upscale hotel at the entrance to Machu Picchu puts you closest to the ruins, a position for which you do pay dearly, but nowhere else can you sit in a hot tub, sip pisco sours or tea, and watch the sunset over the site after the last of the tourists depart each afternoon. The rooms come with top-of-the-line amenities, and the decor has a light and airy feel. While expensive, the all-inclusive rates include meals from the restaurant and bar, which is exclusive to hotel guests. There is an additional restaurant that has an excellent international menu and serves a popular US$40 buffet lunch, which is open to the public.

Although the feel may be a bit more business than boutique, this is unquestionably the best bet for those wanting a comfortable, modern room and excellent service without a hefty price tag. The availability of adjoining rooms makes this hotel especially attractive for families. Note that the standard-category rooms are completely interior, and traditional rooms are on the side of the train tracks. Superior rooms and junior suites are on the side of the river and therefore the best choice. You'll receive a 25% discount by booking directly on the hotel's website.

The decor and the setting by the river are what make this hotel special—wood floors, beams, and window frames give rooms an elegant yet warm atmosphere; textile art adorns the walls; and stone-and-marble bathrooms blend perfectly with the natural environment outside. As you would expect from this standard of lodging, the beds and pillows are comfortable and the linens and towels of the highest quality; alpaca throws are a nice touch. Splurge for one of the three suites, and you won't be disappointed. They face the river and have enclosed balconies with private Jacuzzis. The spa includes massage rooms, a spacious steam room, a sauna, and a Jacuzzi with a prime view of the river.

Designed to save travelers some dollars and cents without skimping on comfort and class, El MaPi delivers what it promises: simple but stylish rooms, top-tier service, and the same amenities you might expect from one of the more luxurious joints in town. Its informal-with-flair atmosphere and sleek interior design should come as no surprise: the establishment is managed by Inkaterra, the same company that runs the decadent Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel up the road. The beautiful, reasonably priced spa is a big plus; it's open to nonhotel guests as well.

Polished wood floors, white walls, and tasteful furnishings give this hotel an elegantly rustic and homey feel—it's ideal if you want something more upscale that feels like a boutique but don't want over-the-top prices. As if the large modern bathroom (complete with tub) and central fireplace were not appealing enough, most rooms also come with a lovely riverfront view. Warm and inviting, this is a great spot to rest up before or after a day at the famed ruins. When booking, make sure you are staying at the Hatun Inti Boutique and not its sister property, the Hatun Inti Classic, and request a riverside room to avoid train noise.

Tierra Viva has a reputation for creating hotels that offer a great balance between quality and price, and this one, standing above the river at the edge of town, is no exception. Clean, large, carpeted rooms are comfortable, equipped with modern furnishings and amenities and beautifully decorated with colorful woven wall hangings and throws by Indigenous artisans. These weavings are also scattered throughout the hotel's common areas and are offered for sale, complete with a tag that tells you about the weaver. It's not quite as stylish as a boutique hotel, but it has everything you need after a day of hiking around Machu Picchu and at a reasonable cost. Opt for a suite if budget allows.