Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
The finest hotel I stayed at in Peru, perhaps the finest I have stayed at anywhere, was the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. It was the perfect resting place to match the magic of Machu Picchu.
The hotel consists of many small stucco, wood and tile buildings nestled among acres of cultivated tropical rainforest. The largest building houses the restaurant, bar and a sitting area filled with interesting objects from local history and culture.
My guest room was huge and beautiful, with an intricate wood beam ceiling, big comfortable bed, sitting area with two cozy chairs and a large TV. The long, tiled bathroom suite includes a room sized shower and heated towel rack. The hotel is green, the room is equipped with opening windows and a natural ventilation system that keeps it comfortable.
A three course meal in the spacious dining room was my best dinner in Peru, with a seafood plate, a mushroom pasta dish, and an indescribably delicious raspberry custard desert. I was accompanied by this wall of Cuchimilco figures from the Chancay culture. They made excellent company, as did an American family I met and chatted with after my meal.
During some down time I sat by one of many busy hummingbird feeders, then joined up with a passing tour of the grounds. The acres include an orchid garden with many species, an herb and tea garden with tea house, and a cliff face with Incan markings.
Shaded tables outside the lobby are the perfect peaceful place to rest, and I took advantage to contemplate my last visit to Machu Picchu. While I was waiting for my departing train, I listened to the sounds of rustling leaves, odd birds, and water flowing toward the Urubamba River.
My only minor complaint would be the ridiculously gigantic iron metal key rings. I understand the reasons, but what is a guy supposed to do with those when they go out in the evening? Just a bit larger and I could wear it around my neck. It was comically inconvenient. Maybe they had an option, but I didn’t ask.
I would absolutely recommend the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. It’s not cheap, but for me it was worth it for one night. It made my entire visit to Machu Picchu that much more special. Visit the hotel website below, or it is available on tours by Inca Expert Travel, which I also recommend. Tell them you heard about it at ShanesAdventure.com!