Avenida Hermanos Ayar 401, Aguas Calientes, Peru | (877) 245-6003
Five- to 10-minute to train station and buses to Machu Picchu
Spacious rooms have minibars and air-conditioning
Clean and modern interiors with Andean-inspired accents
Breakfast included, plus lunch and dinner served in restaurant
Room service available
24-hour coffee and tea available in lobby
Luggage pick-up and drop-off available at train station
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Business center and laundry service available
Feels isolated from village area
Views from some rooms aren’t very appealing
Water sounds from river can disrupt sleep
Free Wi-Fi is spotty
One of the more modern properties in the Agua Calientes area, the upper-middle-range Tierra Viva Machu Picchu goes for clean, contemporary decor combined with colorful Andean accents to highlight its sense of place. While it’s further from the village than other hotels, buses to Machu Picchu are just a five-minute walk away, making this a convenient home base for tourists headed to the site. Many of the 43 simple and spacious rooms have terraces with views of the Urubamba River, though soundproofed windows aren’t the best at blocking out rushing water noise. Features are limited to a restaurant, free breakfast, a three-computer business center, and free, spotty Wi-Fi. The stylish SUMAQ Machu Picchu Hotel has a spa and free meals, but at considerably higher rates.
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Scene
Simple but modern, with an atrium-style lobby and colorful elevator mural
The Tierra Viva Machu Picchu’s contemporary aesthetic of a simple structure housing light-filled interiors, is a notable contrast from the ancient Peruvian surroundings nearby. Pristine white walls, modern stone flooring, and wood banister balconies inside the atrium-like lobby keep the spaces looking fresh. The elevator is decked out with an Andean-inspired mural. Andean-patterned cushions on chairs and artwork throughout the common areas lend a playful pop of color and local flavor. Tired travelers will appreciate the free hot beverages by the reception desk. Overall, tourists of all ages exploring the Machu Picchu area seem to appreciate the comfortable vibe here.
Location
Further from village center than other hotels, but a five-minute walk to Machu Picchu buses
The hotel’s location as one of the last buildings on the road to Machu Picchu is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s just five minutes on foot to the Main Square and the bus station for Machu Picchu, and many travelers even find it feasible to simply walk to the mountain from the hotel. The train station is an easy 10-minute walk away. On the other hand, it can feel somewhat removed from the other hotels in the heart of the village. While the adjacent Urubamba River makes for amazing views, the noise of the water can be disturbing. From Cusco’s Velasco Astete airport, the hotel is a two-hour drive plus a 90-minute train ride away. Staff does arrange luggage pickup and drop-off at the train stop.
Rooms
Spacious and comfortable, with mini-fridges and kettles, but views are hit-or-miss
Like the lobby, the spacious and comfortable rooms here are simple and modern, with local touches like Andean bed runners and wall art that adds character to the otherwise minimalist decor. All units have large closets and floor-to-ceiling windows. Room amenities include air-conditioning, safes, and mini fridges half-filled with several beverages. Free water bottles and electric kettles are provided. However, some rooms have awkwardly-placed wall-mounted TVs, and the free Wi-Fi can be slow. Several rooms have terraces, but only those in the Suites are large enough for outdoor seating. While some rooms have lovely river views, others look out to neighbors’ balconies. Noise-cancelling windows block out some noise, but some guests have noted that the sounds of the river can seep through.Bathrooms are small but clean, with walk-in showers and fixed showerheads. Suites have bidets and separate tubs. Free toiletries are provided, along with hairdryers that can be dysfunctional.
Features
Free breakfast, a restaurant, room service, and a business center
Amenities are few at this small hotel. An on-site restaurant in a lovely glass-walled room serves a daily breakfast included with room rates. The decent spread features meats, eggs to order, cheeses, breads, fruit, and hot beverages. It's also served very early in the morning, to cater to guests who want to get an early start. Lunch and dinner are also served and available for room service. There's a three-computer business center available to use for free. The hotel also offers laundry service. Wi-Fi is free, but spotty.
