Fleewinter

Most tourists stay in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes but the Belmond, which is the only hotel at the base of Machu Picchu itself, undeniably wins points for its tremendous location.

This luxurious hotel with landscaped ponds and views of the Huayna Picchu Mountain (note you cannot see Machu Picchu from here) boasts great food, good quality rooms and an amazing outdoor area.

There are 4 categories of rooms and suites available: Standard, Superior Terrace, Deluxe and Suites. All rooms include free WiFi and rooms with iPod docking stations, cable TV and work desks in a palette of tans and earth tones. Some rooms have terraces - most of which open into a big public lawn.

Standard rooms have King-size or twin beds, a shower-only marble bathroom and are about 15 m2. Some have patios (these are walled with a view of treetops). The Superior Terrace rooms are similar twin bedded rooms with a terrace that opens into a public garden. Deluxe Rooms have also the same surface but have a choice of King or Twin beds and additionally offer sightly better views as well as some rooms include a fully furnished terrace. The Suites are the largest rooms of the property with 35m2 and include King-size bed, separate living area, furnished terrace, a shower-only marble bathroom and Mountain views.

Of the two suites, number 28 is our favourite as it has huge private terrace with views of Huayna Picchu Mountain. It can have two extra beds in the living room for a family but this would make it very tight and blocks access to the terrace. Families are better advised to go for suite number 36 which is bigger and more spacious for fitting two extra beds and it has two bathrooms - but the terrace is less private as it spills onto the public lawn area. Both suites have complimentary bottles of rum and pisco for guests.

Tampu restaurant offers all meals with local produce skillfully prepared and served in a gorgeous setting with floor to ceiling windows, choice of local and international cuisine is offered. The offer is well rounded with Tampu bar, where the talented barman mixes classic and creative concoctions before calling it a night after a day of exploring. Pisco tastings are also available.

Among the hotel’s facilities, you can enjoy the Spa with treatments based on ancient Inca techniques and the beautifully arranged gardens overlooking Machu Picchu, where you can marvel at the near-countless variety of flowers and birds that populate the region, as well as an outstanding orchid path and a dedicated relaxation area, perfect for re-energizing with yoga or meditation.

The hotel also offers a range of unique activities such as treks, traditional “Pachamama” (mother nature) tribute ceremonies and coca leaf readings, special to make the best out of the special energy of the place

The hotel is located a short 2 minute walk away from Machu Picchu’s main entrance. Belmond also runs a luxury train line, straight into the heart of Cusco with an independent transport service from Machu Picchu. Please note clients still have to wait in the (often very long) queue to take the bus down to Agas Calientes at the end of their stay.