These Airbnbs Near Machu Picchu Provide a Historical Experience in the Andes

Trekking the Inca Trail? Check out Matador’s guides to everything you need to thrive on the trail:

• The perfect backpack for every type of traveler, from hostelers to hikers
• 10 must-haves for the traveling yogi
• What to pack for an epic trekking adventure in Latin America
• All the fall camping gear you need to have an epic trip
• All the outdoor gear you need to keep moving on the trail this spring
• Hotels near Machu Picchu for the perfect post-trek relaxation

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

• Airbnbs in Cusco and Sacred Valley
• Airbnbs in Aguas Calientes
• Machu Picchu trip planning guide

Airbnbs in Cusco and Sacred Valley

Relaxing, peaceful cabin with a fireplace near town center

 

See more photosThis bright, peaceful, and beautiful cabin features a large garden for relaxing. Inside and out, you’ll be surrounded by lush plants and vibrant and authentic Peruvian decor. Get cozy by the fireplace in the shared living space, or eat in the well-equipped kitchen space. Upstairs, you’ll find two comfortable bedrooms with plenty of natural light. This cabin is close to the historic center of the city, just a 10-minute walk from the main square.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $64 per night

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“The Glass House” in Sacred Valley, Cusco

 

See more photosThis unique studio loft is located in a gated community protected by a security guard, right in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with gorgeous views of the land and serving as a perfect home base for a Machu Picchu experience. It’s an hour and a half from Cusco airport and a 50-minute ride to Ollantaytambo train station that will take you to Machu Picchu. This house is integrated into the mountain, surrounded by nature and feeling like a true part of the land — even featuring a real, large boulder in the living room since it’s quite literally built into the side of the hill. Soak up the sun from the large windows, which offer direct views of these sacred mountains. Additional home features include a wood fire stove, a large king bed and spa-quality robes.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $91 per night

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Rustic Chic, and Sunny Airbnb in Sacred Valley, Cusco

 

See more photosSoak in the beauty of this rustic, modern, and sunny villa property that’s nestled into the Sacred Valley in the fields of the Village of Huaran. The house was built using traditional, local materials, further enhancing its connection with the Earth with the comforts of home and breathtaking views of the mountains from any angle. There are also two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining area, a living room with a fireplace, and a communal fire pit shared with the other villas. You’ll be treated to a “welcome basket” with fruit and snacks — as well as a basket of breakfast on the first day, including eggs, cheese, bread, butter, milk, fresh coffee, and tea.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $154 per night

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Stunning Sacred Valley Airbnb in the jungle

 

See more photosYou’ll feel as if you’re practically outdoors, surrounded by the tall windows encircling this property, boasting panoramic sights of the forest. But you’ll be safe inside this upscale structure in the Sacred Valley of the Andes mountains amidst verdant fields within the Village of Huaran. This house was built using traditional materials found in the region, which fosters a special connection to the land around it. There are two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining area, a living room with a fireplace, a private garden, and the same communal space with a fire pitas the rustic chic, sunny Villa meaning larger groups can book both of these properties and have their own individual spaces. You’ll be treated to a breakfast basket on the first day, with goods like eggs, cheese, bread, butter, milk, fresh coffee, and tea.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $193 per night

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Luxury fairy tale Airbnb in the Sacred Valley

 

See more photosThis home feels like a fairy-tale set in the Andes — and even includes free breakfast each morning. The villa was built in a traditional style, blending into the natural environment, using luxury materials. Towering ceilings and large windows bring in plenty of light and boast scenic views from all angles. The master suite bedroom features two beds which can be joined to make a double bed, an ensuite bathroom, and a balcony with awe-inspiring views. The three other bedrooms also enjoy their own dedicated bathroom space, and there’s a kitchen with everything needed to make a tasty meal. Extra amenities include assistance with organizing transportation to and from the airport as well as tours to the main sites in the area: Machu Picchu, Inca trail, Cusco City, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Maras, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and more. You’ll rest easy knowing there’s a 24-hour surveillance service to watch over you while you’re visiting.

Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $225 per night

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Sleep Suspended in this hanging sky pod at Sarlodge Adventure Suites

 

See more photosThis bucket list property sits an hour and a half away from Cusco city and allows you to sleep in a hanging pod at more than 9,500 feet above sea level inside a comfortable climate-controlled environment with unparalleled views of the Inca’s Sacred Valley. Spend time soaking in the sky-high hot tub, or embark on a thrilling Via Ferrata and zipping experience. Dinner, wine, and breakfast are included — making it a great place to set as a home base. The Inca constellations, like Baby Llama, The Condor, and Southern Cross, among others, have inspired each pod’s name. Check out <em>Matador’s</em> full review of the Sarlodge Adventure Suites.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $465 per night

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Airbnbs in Aguas Calientes

Vibrant jungle dwelling in Aguas Calientes

 

See more photosThis private and quiet cozy Airbnb in Aguas Calientes is the perfect basecamp for ascending Machu Picchu. It’s safe, clean, and close to the central plaza while being surrounded by incredible jungle Mountain Views. Bright blue furnishings and plenty of natural light make the space feel like a home. Cook in the private kitchen, and enjoy access to a private bathroom. Beware, there are more than 100 stairs you’ll have to climb to reach the apartment — but it’s worth the effort.

Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $28 per night

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Mountain view Airbnb in Aguas Calientes

 

See more photosThis cozy room for two at an inn offers a view of the mountains and access to the valley and the Aguas Calientes River. You’ll have access to a private bathroom, and the decor within is bright and authentically Peruvian-inspired. The property is right up the hill from the train station, near an artisan market, making it a great spot to settle in before or after exploring.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $32 per night

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Unwind in the jacuzzi at this eco-lodge Airbnb in Santa Teresa

 

See more photosYou’ll enjoy a super comfortable bed, a fresh breakfast each morning, breathtaking views of the Sacsara Valley, a private balcony, and a personal hot tub overlooking the valley at the Vertikal Ecolodge in Santa Teresa. Cozy in by the fire each dusk and taste the fresh coffee each morning. This property is less than five miles from Machu Picchu on the hydroelectric route.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $70 per night

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Luxury Dome Airbnb with panoramic views in the District of Santa Teresa

 

See more photosSpend a unique evening in a comfortable luxury dome and admire panoramic views of the mountains beyond in this unique nature experience. This property is located in Sahuayaco – Camino del Salkantay, 50 minutes away from The Cocalmayo Thermal Bath and serves as a restful spot to connect your trip with Machu Picchu. There are three beds, an en-suite bathroom, hot water, and a hair dryer as well as breakfast included each morning making for a restful experience. Spend time out on the terrace, or make use of the fully equipped kitchen area if you want to make your own food. There’s also a hammock area and a firepit area for stargazing at night.

Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $80 per night

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What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu (also spelled Machupijchu), is the site of ancient Inca ruins. This landmark is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. It was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It’s more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

What does Machu Picchu mean?

The literal translation of Machu Picchu is “Old Mountain.” It’s often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.”

Why is Machu Picchu important?

It is said that the structure/town was built for the Incan emperor Pachacuti.

When was Machu Picchu built?

Machu Picchu is estimated to have been built around 1450 AD and was said to have been built for the Incan emperor Pachacuti. It was discovered by history professor, Hiram Bingham, in 1911.

What city is Machu Picchu in?

Agua Caliente is the closest town to Machu Picchu, but it’s rather remote — and there’s no real city anywhere nearby. Cusco is the closest big city.

What’s the closest airport to Machu Picchu?

Jorge Chávez International Airport is Peru’s main airport. It’s a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Cusco, which is Machu Picchu’s closest airport.

How do you get to Machu Picchu?

First, you need to get to Cusco. From Cusco, you can choose to ride the train or trek — but most travelers choose to take the train to the Machu Picchu Station in Aguas Calientes and ascend from there.

Where is Machu Picchu located on a map?

It’s located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Cuzco, Peru, in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains.

When searching for accommodations, it’s important to know there aren’t many lodging options outside the ruins themselves.

The city of Cusco, which inhabits about 500,000 full-time residents, sits at about 11,000 feet and is home to the nearest airport for those heading to Machu Picchu. It’s a bustling metropolis with museums, restaurants, shopping, and more.

The Sacred Valley is closer to the ruins. It’s a rural agricultural district sitting at about 9,000 feet, and there’s no public transportation, but the 2-lane road is the main artery to the train station in the village of Ollantaytambo which is the station for visitors traveling to Machu Picchu.

You’ll likely want to set your home base before and/or after the trek as Aguas Calientes, which is a small village outside of Machu Picchu. The only way to get there is by foot on the Inca Trail or train.

How do you get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

It isn’t possible to travel directly from Lima to the remote Inca ruins — this journey would require three separate travel segments. You’d have to first travel from Lima to Cusco, then get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu) and finally, trek from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.