Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

The hotel sits on a private reserve of about 12 acres of cloud forest at the edge of Aguas Calientes, across from the train station. Guests stay in 80 whitewashed adobe casitas spread along stone paths through the gardens, so it feels more like a small village than a hotel block. The grounds hold a large collection of native orchids, 372 species by the hotel's count, and 317 bird species have been recorded on the property.

Getting to Machu Picchu is simple. You step off the train almost at the gate, and the buses up to the citadel run often from town. Book your timed entry ticket early, then plan the rest of your stay around the grounds. The hotel runs its own guided excursions and can arrange the one-day Inca Trail walk with a bus back down. The restaurant overlooks the Vilcanota River and serves contemporary Peruvian food, and the Unu Spa uses Andean plant extracts in its treatments.

This is the hotel we would point most people to if they want two nights near Machu Picchu rather than a quick in-and-out. It suits people who like walking, birds and plants. The caveats: the casitas are spread out, so expect some walking on garden paths, the air is humid, and you are still on the edge of a busy town. With the railway right there, light sleepers may hear the trains.