Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel – Peru
Sumaq enjoys an almost mystical location at the foot of vertiginous and lush green mountains, on the side of the Vilcanota River. And it’s perfectly placed for exploring the Incan complex of Machu Picchu, being just a 25 minute drive or a 90 minute hike. Atmospherically designed with Andean design motives, locally woven textiles and pre-Colombian art throughout, it perfectly blends luxury and style, whilst also feeling very close to nature. The team is exceptionally welcoming, with that gift of making every guest feel at home. And thanks also to its excellent cuisine, Sumaq is frequently named as being one of the best hotels in the world.
At A Glance
Why We Love It:
For its proximity to Machu Picchu and its unique experiences and excellent food.Style:
Contemporary Andean luxe.Location:
On the edge of Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu, with scenic views of the Vilcanota (or Urubamba) River and surrounding mountains. It’s a three hour train journey from Cusco.Rooms:
62 rooms and suites, all with balconies and mountain views.Children:
Families are given a magical welcome with specially designed experiences.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with mobility issues.Price:
Available on requestrooms
With views up towards Machu Picchu, the surrounding mountains, along the river valley, or the lushly planted gardens, the rooms and suites are stylishly furnished in mahogany, rich dark fabrics, and Incan artefacts. The beds are supremely comfortable, and many of the marble bathrooms come with jacuzzi bathtubs.
food
Not only is the food here outstanding, but the views from the restaurant are first class too. The focus is very much on traditional Peruvian cuisine with influences from the rest of South America and beyond. Meat is roasted to perfection in the ground, and should not be missed, and we definitely recommend the tasting menus, that showcase both the executive chef’s extraordinary talents and local ingredients. There are masterclasses in making ceviche and Pachamanca cooking demonstrations.
activities
Sumaq offers one of the best ways to explore the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu and the town itself below – with a local shaman. On a private tour, you will be introduced to the magical connections with the earth and learn about the sacred rituals in the citadel’s temples. Tours also include a walk up Machu Picchu Mountain, rewarding you with a panoramic view of the entire comples, or up Huayna Picchu for equally mesmerizing views.
Back at the hotel, take advantage of the Spa (especially if you have weary legs), and maybe join the cocktail making class and learn the secrets to the perfect pisco sour.
family
If you’re exploring Peru with younger children, there are few places that do it as well as Sumaq. The hotel has specially designed experiences, from encouraging them to be explorers around Machu Picchu, with their own “explorer kit”, learning about the Inca culture, to becoming a chef for the day in the hotel’s kitchens. The Deluxe Family Room can comfortably sleep at least four guests and the Deluxe Garden View Rooms also work well for families.
sustainability
The hotel is committed to the preservation of the local environment and indigenous culture – practising Rainforest Alliance policies. There are robust energy and waste management systems in place; produce is locally sourced and it supports community programmes.
Location
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
On the edge of Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu, with scenic views of the Vilcanota (or Urubamba) River and surrounding mountains. It’s a three hour train journey from Cusco.