From US$482 per night
– Traditional Peruvian drinks! You’re welcomed with “chicha morada” (purple corn and pineapple juices), and, later, a pisco sour.
– The town of Aguas Calientes has tiny bugs which love to bite ankles, leaving painful red marks and swelling in many people. Wear bug spray at all times!
The food at Sumac Machu Picchu is phenomenal. From the formal dining to the cooking class, from the welcoming drinks and snacks to the treats delivered to my room: I was impressed. My first taste of alpaca, and of ceviché prepared with river, rather than ocean, fish — delicious! And something I’ve never seen before: ground cherries encased in sugar glass. A master pastry chef — Ribelino Algeria — performs magic here!
Sumaq Machu Picchu is the only 5 star hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. The hotel is in a privileged location a short walk from the train station, but along the quiet part of the river so you’ll not be disturbed by the bar and restaurant scene in this touristy town.
The building’s decor is luxurious with beautiful art filling the lobby. Here you’ll be greeted by welcoming staff bearing a refreshing lemongrass towel and a delicious chicha morada, a traditional drink made of purple corn and pineapple juices. Your room is the epitome of comfort, and you’ll likely need the hot jacuzzi bath after spending your day exploring magnificent Machu Picchu.
While Aguas Callientes is just a base for the ruins of Machu Picchu, I’d recommend booking a few nights at Sumaq. You’ll welcome the opportunity to relax pre- and post-ruins, enjoy the exceptional dining, and learn how to make Peru’s national dish and drink, ceviché and the pisco sour, in a cooking class. Sumaq Machu Picchu also offers a curated selection of excursions to bring you a more in-depth understanding of the Inca and the beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls surrounding the area.
Rates include breakfast, afternoon tea, your choice of lunch or dinner, escorted service from the train, and a cooking class.
