Sumaq Hotel | Stay at the foot of Machu Picchu

We stepped off the train and immediately immersed ourselves in a flood of sounds of the Amazonian Cloud Forest. Beyond us, Machu Picchu staggered, hidden behind jungle-cliff sides as scattered clouds fluttered around the bend. I’ll save you the fluff. We’ve all heard of Machu Picchu’s stunning reputation, but what I didn’t know coming to see this great place for my second time is how it would personally affect me, especially when planning the best places to stay in Machu Picchu.

I don’t know if I can accurately explain it. I can’t really give it full justice. I arrived at the gates of the World Heritage Site brimming with excitement. After multiple plane rides, shuttle buses, trains, and another bus, I’m standing amongst one of the Seven Wonders of the World, fresh from our luxury hotels at Machu Picchu. It’s a mix of disbelief, confusion towards what you’re seeing and its significance, and jaw-dropping awe. It almost seems unreal, as if you’re looking at a hologram, and then you step into the hidden city.

Before I knew it, after what seemed like minutes on the mountain (but in actuality was a full 4 hours), I was on my way back down to the Aguas Calientes - a town quite literally at the base of Machu Picchu. My eyes welled up at the thought of knowing when I would be back at this magical place. If you have yet to venture to Machu Picchu, please do yourself a favour and put it at the top of your list, as it’s an experience you will never forget in an Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu hotel.

Stepping onto the cobblestone paths towards Hotel Casa Sumaq had me in high spirits as I observed the great Vilcanota River roaring just to the side of me. The best surprise of the day was realising that my room had a direct view of the incredible river. As I unpacked my suitcase, I spotted several tropical birds lazily lounging on my balcony, all the while the river’s sound permeated the room. We enjoyed Pisco Sours at the bar and continued to marvel at the view, gazing at the cliffs bordering Machu Picchu, the hallmark of Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel luxury.

I’ve got to be honest. We only had one night at Casa Sumaq, and I did not want to leave! We had plenty of amazing things to see on our trip, but being amongst the cloud forest, listening to the river, the atmosphere is electric. I could spend weeks in this region and not once ever stop being amazed. Casa Sumaq’s location is the number one aspect that makes it one of the best luxury hotels in Machu Picchu. It’s the closest hotel to the site. Wake up in the jungle to the sounds of the Vilcanota, and you’ll never want to leave. Plus, Aguas Calientes was fantastic in and of itself to explore, another highlight worth noting in a Sumaq Hotel Machu Picchu review.

A round of applause for our tour guides at Lima Tours for setting up this fantastic itinerary. Also must thank my travel companions and fellow photographers for contributing here @AndyLalwani, @JustinCBlomgren & @HarperBF.