Tierra Viva Machupicchu is a 4-star hotel located in Aguas Calientes, the village that serves as the gateway to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. The property sits just meters from the main square and a short walk from the train station, making it a practical base for exploring the Inca citadel.

Why stay here

The hotel brings together several useful assets for a stay in Aguas Calientes: a central location, a 24-hour reception capable of arranging guided tours and train tickets, and 43 rooms with the modern comfort expected of a 4-star property. The Andean décor, punctuated by local artworks and colorful textiles, gives the establishment a stronger regional identity than most hotels in the village.

Atmosphere and signature

The most distinctive feature of Tierra Viva Machupicchu is its panoramic elevator, whose walls are entirely covered with graffiti and Andean patterns signed by Peruvian artist Carolina Málaga. This artistic commission transforms utilitarian equipment into a visual work in its own right and anchors the establishment in a commitment to promoting contemporary Peruvian creativity.

The lounge, equipped with a fireplace that glows as temperatures drop in the evening, functions as a gathering point. A bar offers hot and alcoholic beverages. In the bathrooms, robes made from Peruvian cotton extend the attention paid to local materials.

Rooms

The hotel offers 43 non-smoking rooms organized as follows:

• 3 suites with terrace
• 4 Double rooms in Superior or Honeymoon categories
• 36 Twin rooms

Each room features air conditioning, a minibar, a desk, a flat-screen television with cable, a safe, a telephone, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms (shower or bathtub) are equipped with a hairdryer, robes made from Peruvian cotton, and toiletries.

Suites and superior double rooms add a small sitting area, a breakfast room, and space for an extra bed. Some rooms overlook the Urubamba River and the mountains surrounding the village.

Services

A buffet breakfast is served in the morning near the entrance and offers a blend of local and international products: hot and cold beverages, cereals, eggs, pastries, and fresh fruit. The reception, available at all hours, can arrange guided tours of the site, provide practical information about the region, and assist with train ticket reservations. Laundry service is available.

Access and location

Aguas Calientes is not accessible by car: you arrive by train from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley via Inca Rail or PeruRail. The journey follows the Urubamba River through valleys and gorges. Once you disembark at the station, the hotel is just a few minutes' walk away. For Machu Picchu itself, shuttle buses connect the village to the site entrance at higher elevation.

Around the area

Machu Picchu, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, remains the reason for your visit. To make the most of the site, it's advisable to set out early to avoid crowds. Hikers can enhance their visit by ascending Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which offer different perspectives of the ruins and valley.

In Aguas Calientes itself, the Manuel Chávez Ballón museum features exhibitions on Inca construction techniques and artifacts discovered on site. Natural hot springs, which gave the village its name, allow you to recover after your hike. Several artisan markets sell textiles, jewelry, and wooden crafts.

Extending your Pérou journey

Tierra Viva Machupicchu fits into a classic Pérou itinerary. To extend your experience, you can head to Tierra Viva Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, or stay there before the Machu Picchu leg by passing through Amaru Colonial in Cusco. In Lima, Villa Barranco Ananay makes an ideal start or end-of-journey stop. For a secluded escape on Lake Titicaca, the Suasi Island Lodge offers an isolated alternative.

Discover our full range of Pérou travel packages to build a complete itinerary.