Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu

Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), day 8 (1 night)

A 16th century monastery that is now an elegant hotel, the monasterio has a stunning historic ambiance, with several inner courtyards, a chapel, wonderful furnishings, and antique paintings and carpets. The grand lobby bar, warmed by a fireplace, is a great place to sit and unwind at the end of a busy day. The hotel also has a great location just steps from the plaza de armas. As with any historic building, the guest rooms vary in size and configuration, but all are well appointed. This hotel even offers to pump oxygen into guest rooms to help acclimatization to cusco’s high altitude! The monasterio is a member of the leading hotels of the world.

Sonesta Posadas Del Inca, Yucay, Peru

Days 3 to 4 (2 nights)

An 18th century monastery converted into a country inn, the sonesta posadas del inca is delightful retreat in a tranquil valley near the village of yucay.  The extensive gardens are a lovely place to relax and enjoy the views, and a roaring fire warms the lobby in the evening. The hotel is a great base from which to explore the sacred valley.

Hotel Pakaritampu, Ollantaytambo, Peru

Days 5 to 6 (2 nights)

A cozy hotel with a countryside feeling, the pakaritampu is just a few blocks from the main plaza in the traditional village of ollantaytambo. The service is friendly, the food is tasty, and there are lushly landscaped grounds for birdwatching and great mountain views.

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu Ruins, Peru

Day 7 (1 night)

You can’t get closer to the machu picchu ruins than this! With only 31 rooms, this property is famously set right at the gate of machu picchu. Not only does this save you from having to make the half-hour bus trip to get up to or back from the ruins each day, but it also allows you the luxury of popping back to the hotel for a rest or a bite to eat whenever you like throughout the day. The hotel features a small pool in the garden with a view of huayna picchu, two restaurants, and the food and service is wonderful. While the rooms are small and few offer views of the ruins, the sanctuary remains the absolutely top choice of travelers who decide that if they are only going to do it once, they might as well do it right!