Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: The Ideal Location for Families Visiting Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu is a bucket list trip that deserves an equally exceptional place to stay. Most travelers base themselves in Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Town), just a 25-minute bus ride from the ancient ruins, spending at least one night there before or after their visit. During our recent Peru trip, we found a property that elevated the entire experience beyond typical sightseeing. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel turned our journey into an immersive encounter with the Andes and a genuine connection to Peru’s natural wonders.

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Arrival in Machu Picchu Town

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is located in Aguas Calientes and sits within five acres of cloud forest alongside the Vilcanota River. Arriving at this hotel is part of the adventure. Most guests arrive via PeruRail or Inca Rail trains from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. It’s a journey that winds through the mountains with spectacular valley views.

The hotel provides complimentary transfers from the Aguas Calientes train station. We were met by hotel staff who whisked away our luggage and led us on a 5-minute walk to the property. Once you cross the footbridge, you feel like you’ve arrived in a secret garden. Unique plants and birds can be found throughout the property, and the river provides a constant, soothing backdrop.

For families, this location is ideal. You’re close enough to catch the first buses to Machu Picchu in the morning (just a 10-minute walk to the bus station), yet tucked away in a peaceful natural setting away from the crowds.

Accommodations at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Inkaterra offers various room types, all designed with rustic elegance, featuring whitewashed adobe walls, eucalyptus-beamed ceilings, and terracotta tiled floors.

Superior rooms are cozy and well-appointed, with a king bed or twins – perfect for families with young children. Each casita feels like its own private cottage with views of the gardens or mountains.

For larger families or those seeking extra space, I highly recommend the Superior Deluxe rooms. These offer separate sitting areas and spacious layouts. Some accommodations include fireplaces, which are perfect on rainy days or after a day of exploration. There are also junior suites, junior deluxe suites, suites, and the Suite Inkaterra.

We stayed in Villa Inkaterra, and both my husband and kids asked to change our trip so we could stay longer. The villa consisted of two separate suites, joined by a common door.

Our room featured a king bed with luxurious linens, a comfortable seating area perfect for relaxing with a book, and large windows overlooking the lush gardens. The bathroom included both a shower and a soaking tub. There were two separate living room areas, which were perfect for reading on a rainy day. Outside was a heated plunge pool, an outdoor shower, and a large bed for lounging.

The boys’ suite was equally spacious, with twin beds, a living room, a fireplace, a stunning bathroom, and the same outdoor space as ours next door. Let’s just say, no one was disappointed by this property.

What sets these accommodations apart is how they are immersed in nature. We didn’t see anyone from our suite, and the backyard space in both suites has complete privacy. Birds were calling throughout the day, and the rainy day we had only added to the atmosphere.

World-Class Amenities at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

In addition to the comfortable rooms, Inkaterra offers amenities celebrating the region’s natural and cultural heritage. This isn’t just a place to sleep between Machu Picchu visits, it’s a destination in itself.

The Unu Spa

The property’s spa offers treatments inspired by ancient Andean traditions. The signature massage uses stones from the Vilcanota River, while other treatments incorporate local herbs like muña (Andean mint) and amaranth. 

The spa’s atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, with treatment rooms designed to maximize the connection with the surrounding forest.

Complimentary Activities for Families

Inkaterra offers an impressive array of complimentary nature excursions throughout the day. Here are some of the ones you can choose from:

• Bird watching – If there’s a bird watching fan in your group, they won’t want to miss this walking tour with an opportunity to see local species like the booted racket-tail, golden-headed quetzal, or the 18 different types of hummingbirds found on the grounds.
• Nature walk – The hotel has a network of trails, and a guide will take you through the grounds, pointing out important plants, orchids, and insects along the way. Kids really love this one!
• Orchid trail – There are approximately 3,000 species of orchids in Peru, and over 400 of them in the Machu Picchu region alone. Explore the property’s grounds with a guide and learn about the species and how to find hidden orchids along the way.
• Tea house – Visit the property’s organic tea plantation and tea house, where you will learn about the traditional tea-making process. Take part in picking and pressing leaves and sealing your own tea bag.
• Twilight Walk – This early evening walk is designed for guests to connect with the spiritual side of Machu Picchu. Guests will find an enchanting waterfall, pre-Inca pictographs, and stop at the Rocotal Observatory.

The hotel also offers additional excursions for an extra charge – including guided hikes at Machu Picchu and visits to the local market and museum.

For active families, there’s also a small fitness room, though most guests prefer the natural exercise of hiking and exploring the property. Our teenage son went into town and used the community fitness center for a minimal fee.

Where to Eat at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Dining at Inkaterra focuses on authentic Peruvian cuisine featuring ingredients from the region. The main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spacious, high-ceiling room with windows overlooking the river and gardens.

Breakfast offers a generous buffet featuring tropical fruits, breads, Peruvian cheeses, and made-to-order eggs. I loved the hotel’s homemade jams using local fruits. There are also traditional foods like pancakes that are perfect for picky eaters.

Lunch and dinner menus showcase Peru’s culinary heritage with dishes like alpaca tenderloin, local trout, and quinoa risotto. The staff was great with accommodating dietary restrictions (we have one with a nut allergy).

The Café Bar is a great stop for a pisco sour in the evening. There are several outdoor terraces where you can listen to the sounds of the forest while enjoying a beverage.

Room service is also available if needed.

What You Need to See in Machu Picchu with Kids

The main reason you’re here is to visit Machu Picchu, and Inkaterra’s location makes this incredibly convenient. The hotel’s concierge can help arrange tickets and transportation and provide invaluable advice about your visit.

The first bus up to the ruins departs around 5:30 AM, which is great if you have early risers, but not so great if you’re traveling with teens. Arriving early means you can enjoy Machu Picchu before the crowds and potentially see the morning mist lifting from the ancient city. The bus journey takes about 25 minutes up a winding mountain road with spectacular views.

Consider hiring a guide for a family-friendly tour before your visit. There will be guides available on-site, but for this once-in-a-lifetime trip, I think it’s worth it to do your research ahead of time or book directly through the hotel.

A guide will bring the ruins to life with stories about the Inca people who built this remarkable city. Most tours last about 2-3 hours, which is perfect for children’s attention spans.

Key areas to explore include the Sun Gate (if you’re up for the hike), the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. Don’t miss the photo opportunities with the iconic Huayna Picchu mountain in the background.

For families with older children or teenagers, consider hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These require separate tickets purchased well in advance, but the views from the top are extraordinary. The hikes are challenging but manageable for kids over 12.

After exploring the ruins, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and an afternoon exploring the town’s markets before heading back to Inkaterra to relax.

Why This Hotel Is Perfect for Families Visiting Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu requires significant travel and planning, and choosing the right place to stay can make or break the experience. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel elevates your trip, shifting the focus from a single destination to a broader immersion in this stunning property.

The staff’s attentiveness is exceptional—no request is too large or too small. This level of service transforms a good trip into an extraordinary one.

While Aguas Calientes offers many accommodation options, Inkaterra is the most luxurious property in town and stands alone in its ability to immerse guests in Peru’s natural beauty.

If you’re visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll find many places to stay, but Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is on another level. Even though this was our first visit to the property, we’re already planning our return.