Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel is a luxury five-star hotel located at the foot of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Peru.

Located at the foot of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu near the Vilcanota River in Peru, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery with views of the mountains and landscapes. The recently refurbished property features a contemporary interior inspired by thousands of years of Andean culture, and has 62 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites.

In addition to five-star personalized luxury service, innovative Peruvian cuisine, and cultural experiences that highlight mystic connections with local traditions (such as exploring Machu Picchu with a Shaman and a culinary demonstration), Sumaq has been awarded Rainforest Alliance certification for its focus on sustainability.

The hotel is also home to Aqlla Spa, a peaceful sanctuary that combines relaxation, luxury, and ancient Inca techniques for the body and mind. In Quechua Aqlla means “chosen one,” and during their visit each guest enjoys a highly personalized experience tailored to their individual needs. The menu features a variety of locally-inspired and traditional treatments that feature native ingredients to the region, along with ancient Inca techniques complemented by an atmosphere of light and floral essences.

We spoke with Angie Clavijo, General Manager, who shared insider tips and spa bonuses, recommended spa treatments to try, and more.

The hotel is next to the Vilcanota River and offers impressive views of the mountains and landscapes.

Why You’ll Love It: Our guests love the special aromas of the fragrant, local products we work with and the variety of treatments we offer—especially the indigenous Andean treatments. The spa facilities are also an important factor of preference for our guests, who especially enjoy the rooms for couples’ sessions, the large jacuzzi for a private service, and the igloo-shaped steam sauna. We have ancient healing traditions in Peru based on an abundance of indigenous medicinal plants, herbs and roots, and at our Aqlla Spa we are adopting more and more of these powerful ingredients in one-of-a-kind treatments that offer our guests exceptional benefits.

The recently refurbished property features a contemporary interior inspired by thousands of years of Andean culture.

Key Features: Aqlla Spa is inspired by the indigenous Inca culture and incorporates their ancient beauty practices and techniques in its treatment program. Aqlla spa makes its own spa products with regional ingredients, including an Andean essential oil made with muña, eucalyptus, rosemary, and coca. Facilities include four treatment rooms, steam sauna, Jacuzzi, and hydrotherapy baths. The Spa area was created from natural materials, including local wood, and decorated with eucalyptus leaves. In the spa, we play traditional Andean music with ancestral instruments, including the zampoña and quena.

The luxury property has 62 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites, including one imperial suite and two junior suites.

Snacks Served: In addition to our special Andean spa cookies, guests can enjoy therapeutic herbal infusions of muña, black tea, and coca, among others.

Bonus: At Sumaq Hotel Machu Picchu, we incorporate Andean and Incan culture into every aspect of our hospitality and gastronomy experience. This extends to Aqlla Spa, where guests can enjoy a very special snack--: spa cookies made from Andean cereals such as wheat, quinoa, and oatmeal. Both nutritious and tasty, they’re an excellent way to enjoy an authentic bite of the Andes before or after your treatment.

The hotel is also home to Aqlla Spa, which offers traditional indigenous treatments.

Insider’s Tip: Since virtually all of our guests come to Peru to visit the world-renowned citadel of Machu Picchu, we suggest scheduling one of our indigenous Andean spa treatments immediately following your hike. It’s an excellent way to extend the special experience, while helping you relax and recharge. There’s nothing to compare with an authentic spa therapy in the shadow of the Machu Picchu mountain!

Aqlla is Quechua for "chosen one" and provides guests with a place where the body and soul connect in perfect harmony, with the spirit of the Ancient Inca at their core.

Unique Treatment: Andean Stone Massage: a 60-minute rejuvenating massage with hot stones extracted from the Andes. The stones are heated with eucalyptus leaves and a pinch of salt at the right temperature for body massage. Then the stones are covered with oils, giving both an aromatic and therapeutic result.

At Aqlla Spa, guests enjoy extraordinary sessions that combine relaxation, luxury, and ancient Inca techniques for the body and mind.

Splurge Treatment: Our couples treatments: Aqlla Spa (85 min); Imperial Spa (125 min); and Apu Spa (60 min). In these three special treatments for couples, we offer champagne, mineral water, fruit skewers, and seasonal fruit juices.

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel also offers a variety of cultural experiences that highlight mystic connections with local traditions.

Insider’s Favorite: The Deep-Hydration Cleansing Facial with Quinoa taps the nutritional benefits of indigenous quinoa to prevent premature aging of sensitive and dehydrated skin. The Andean powerhouse grain—loaded with amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients—has been used for its health benefits for thousands of years in Peru and was the nucleus of the Inca diet. Using quinoa locally sourced in the Andes, the three-step treatment begins with a facial exfoliation and scrub, followed by toning and nourishing of the skin, and is completed with intense nutrition to seal and protect the skin.

Guests can enjoy an array of special experiences, including a culinary demonstration and, for children, mini-chef classes and Andean Tales.

Featured Products: At Aqlla Spa, we work with products and ingredients that are both natural and local. Being located at the foot of Machu Picchu, we are surrounded by rich ancient products that were used since the time of the pre-Inca and Inca cultures. We work with products such as the legendary “coca leaf” converted into natural essential oils that are used in massages.

Another important product is the pink salt of Maras extracted from the pools of Salineras in Maras, Cusco. Pindas are other products that we use in a special treatment called Sabai. These pindas are cotton fabric bags filled with 32 types of aromatic and medicinal herbs such as muña (Andean mint), eucalyptus, rosemary, chamomile, and orange essence, among others.

For more information, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @sumaqhotel

[Images courtesy of Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel]