Vacation rentals are hot and it's quite common for people to browse listings for private homes, apartments and Airbnb properties, as well as hotels, when planning their trips to Machu Picchu. Short term rentals may offer privacy, flexibility and value for various kinds of travelers including families, couples and groups of friends. 

We've seen an increase in the number of people reserving accommodations online from private homeowners when traveling to Machu Picchu. Usually these travelers contact us AFTER they have confirmed their reservations, to set up other services including drivers, tickets, permits, trains, buses and transfers. 

If you're planning to travel to Machu Picchu, here's what you need to know before you book your Airbnb or rental property. The location you choose will determine the kinds of supplemental services you will need for your trip.

Location:

The city of Cusco is home to the nearest airport that serves travelers going to Machu Picchu. With close to half a million inhabitants, it is a thriving metropolis and home to museums, restaurants, shopping and cultural activities. Booking your accommodations within 10-15 minute walk of the main plaza in the historical district is the least costly and most flexible with regards to seeing the sites in Cusco on your own. It is also 11,000 f / 3350 m altitude and for this reason, some visitors will choose to begin their stay in the lower elevations of the Sacred Valley. It has not been proven that there is an advantage to adjusting to high altitude by beginning your stay in the Sacred Valley.  But the perception is widely spread on the internet. 

The Sacred Valley is a rural agricultural district at an elevation of 9000 f / 2745 m altitude. There is no public transportation but the 2-lane road is the main artery to the train station in the village of Ollantaytambo, which is the main station for visitors going to to Machu Picchu. 

Aguas Calientes is the small village located at the base of the entry to Machu Picchu. The only way to get there is by foot on the Inca Trail or by train. We are not aware of any private rental properties available. 

When searching for a rental property, be aware that location will determine:

  • the kind of exposure you have to noise (including motorized vehicles/horns, dogs barking, roosters crowing)
  • the cost of your transportation. You can expect to pay for private taxis and drivers for locations in the Sacred Valley. This will increase your budget for transportation expenses. In Cusco, you can walk around the city center on foot.  Or hire an inexpensive taxi for short rides.
  • access to medical services (limited in the Sacred Valley)
  • the amount of time you spend riding in a car if you plan to visit archaeological and cultural sites in Sacred Valley and Cusco. Cusco is the main hub for transportation services. They can pick you up anywhere you like but it may cost more  and it may involve more time riding in a van.
Other factors to know:
 
Vacation rentals in developing countries are just as beautiful as any you will find anywhere in the world. There are listings with photos of beautiful gardens and comfortable rooms. But it's prudent to pay attention to the amenities which may affect not only your comfort, but possibly your safety.  Look for:
  • properties without any mailing addresses (i.e. "located 100 meters beyond the large tree at the end of the dirt road etc, etc)
  • properties with remote locations and without access to public (or private) transportation
  • properties without WIFI or (unreliable WIFI) or no phones (or phones that require understanding a foreign language)
  • no access to grocery stores for supplies
  • tap water that is not suitable for consumption (unless boiled)
  • no access to medical services

Finding the perfect rental property in a developing country can be challenging, but there's no reason not to do it unless:

  • the property owner is difficult to contact
  • it's not clear what amenities are included
  • replies to your questions are vague or ignored 
  • the amenities you want are not available
  • no heat. It gets very cold at night (year round) and central heat is not typical. Space heaters are sometimes offered but may cost extra and may not heat up an entire house.
  • hot water is usually always included, but may only be available in an on-demand shower head (sometimes called a "widow-maker" or suicide shower)

If you need advice on choosing a location, feel free to contact our US office. Or once you have chosen your location and booked your property, let us know if you need assistance with logistics, guide services, transportation or tickets. 

Ask us about properties in Cusco owned by Vidal Jaquehua and his family. We're happy to provide accurate details about amenities and rates. Here's a link to see photos and self book on airbnb:

The Blue House Hostel located in San Blas

Casita San Blas located in San Blas