"Good value, charming place.”
wanderLust18
San Francisco, California Dec 9, 2008

We enjoyed our stay at Rupa Wasi. We had reserved a standard room, but got upgraded to a suite on arrival, since it was available. The cabin had a charming tree house feel to it with large glass windows and a nice view. Overall, it was clean and comfortable and located just a 5 min walk from the train station and bus stand (although almost every place in Aguas Calientes is conveniently located). They serve breakfast starting at 5 am and sell boxed lunches that you can carry for your visit to Machu Picchu. A few things though - leaving the windows open could invite moths and other insects in (although it didn't turn out to be a big problem). Also the water in the shower would keep changing from hot to cold every 30 seconds, but not a huge problem again.

"Perfect for the Place of Adventure!”
sfcitygirl
San Francisco, California Oct 29, 2008

We stayed here for only one night in December of 2007. Our main goal was to scout the area and see Macchu Picchu, We wanted a place that was clean, quiet, fit into the surroundings, was modestly priced and had a bit of character. This place was perfect for what we wanted! Rustic, quiet, fabulous location to get to everything. We arrived around 9:30 in the AM from the Cusco train. They had our room ready for us so that we could check in, get settled and move on with our plans to explore Aguas Calientes for the day. We were very happy with our choice of stay for the evening. Wish we would have had more time to relax with a glass of wine on that cute little front balcony!

"A great place to stay and have dinner”
T-Scoop
Ottawa Oct 16, 2008

Our group of 7 stayed at Rupa Wasi for a night after our 4 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. I read so much about this place (good and bad reviews from TripAdvisor) and have requested our travel agent to book us into this place, 3 suites and 1 standard. Our travel agent normally uses a different hotel (Inti Inn) in a higher price category, but I was intrigued by the "treehouse" descriptions, so I decided to take a chance and instructed my travel agent to switch our accommodation to Rupi Wasi's three suites. I was hoping that I made the right decision for our group and it was indeed. The treehouse is as unique as it was described, excellent view, unique and fun to stay at the loft. The bunk beds on the lower level were nothing special (watch out for low ceiling and headroom), but my husband and I were using the double bed in the loft, just use the bunk beds to spread out our stuff. There was no curtain anywhere, but the location is totally private, no need for curtain. The four persons who occupied the other two suites with balconies were happy too with the suites, the only not-so-great room is the lower floor standard room - it was dark as the window opens into public area and as a result it was kept closed at all time.

Sure there are lots of steps to climb to get up to the hotel. But in Aguas Calientes, everywhere you go is full of steps. Besides, after Inca Trail, those steps were nothing. The restaurant was excellent, one of the best meal we had in Peru, very well presented and prepared with flair. Some of us went back to Machu Picchu early next morning to climb the Huayna Picchu, a simple but adequate breakfast was served. They kept our luggage and delivered on time to the train station later in the afternoon.

Overall, I am very happy to be staying in Rupa Wasi. Only regret was we have so little time in our treehouse to enjoy the view.

"Great place to stay”
Oct 15, 2008

Rupa Wasi Hotel is a great place to stay in Machu Pichu. Folks are friendly and helpful. Rooms are comfortable and the suites (really bigger bedrooms) have terraces overlooking the mountains and towards Machu Picchu. One of the best bits for us was the restaurant (now called Tree Tops) where we had some of the best food (fusion) in South America.

"Just what we expected"
ungs
chicago Sep 14, 2008

Rupa Wasi is exactly what we expected it to be. It is like a tree house for grown ups. We wanted to stay somewhere that was not on the main plaza so that it would not be as loud during the night. The views from our suite were amazing.

The people that worked at the Hotel were super nice and really helpful. We were also able to keep our bags at the hotel during our trip to MP. We left at 4:30 in the morning and they had prepared breakfast for us to take them with us which was great.

They also have a restaurant that is apart of the hotel which was really great. The food was amazing and the ambiance was fantastic.

We met the owner who was very nice. All in all this was a great experience and we loved the views as well as the location.

We did not mind that we have to take step us to the hotel as we felt that that added character to the place. I would def. recommend this place.

“Rupa Wasi a delight!”
June 15 2008
The Rupa Wasi Eco Lodge was exactly what we had hoped it would be for our 3-night stay in Aguas Calientes. The lodging - best described as a rustic B&B with a treehouse feel - blends the flavor of the surroundings with comfort and charm. It's perched up the hill on the outskirts of town, which makes for a peaceful and tranquil setting.

We and our companion couple, all in our 50's, had the two 2nd floor suites. Each have a balcony with view of the mountain face (photo inserts) and provided a relaxing spot to unwind after our aftenoon arrival by train, and for a rest before dinner after each day's trek around the Machu Picchu ruins. The rooms have lots of wood and have an open loft feel. Bath with modern amenities had good water pressure and plenty of hot water. Everything was very clean.

The owner, Francisco, and his staff (photo insert) were so friendly and accommodating and we felt very welcome from the moment we were greeted at the train station. There is also a restaurant on the premises where the continental breakfast (included) is served. We added a dinner to one of our nights and were treated to a traditional Peruvian dinner served in a beautiful gourmet style (photo insert). We also ordered a very nice sack lunch, which was ready and waiting for us as we headed out after breakfast.
Addressing the misgivings we had read from previous reviewers on TripAdvisor, if you have the unrealistic expectation of this being a Holiday Inn type accommodation this is not for you. It is a basic lodge with a calming, Bohemian feel. If because of that you foolishly deny yourself a stay at Rupa Wasi, you'll be losing out on a wonderful addition to the Machu Picchu experience. Any concerns about dampness should be tempered with realistic expectations deserving of an accommodation in a cloud forest, and we found to be no problem at all. Rupa Wasi was one of the highlilghts of our memorable trip to Peru. Not only would we highly recommend it, but look forward to staying with them again on a return visit to Machu Picchu someday.

Liked
Tranquil location and wonderful staff at good value.
Disliked
Wished we had more than three nights there.


“Excellent food!!!!!!!”
May 29, 2008
I have to agree with another traveller that I almost cried seeing the steps leading up to the hotel due to my aching legs after the 4-day Inca trail. But after a nice hot shower (with great water pressure), a nap in the very comfortable bed and some "muscle cream" on my legs, the stairs weren't a problem anymore.

We had reserved the room on the top floor, but the lady at the reception immediately tried to talk us into a better room - on the second floor. We were skeptical at first, but after demanding to see them both so we could decide ourselves - she was right. I wouldn't have liked the downstairs rooms either, but the second floor rooms are nice with balconies. They must have renovated the bathrooms and installed railings and toilet paper holders in the last couple of months, because the bathroom was very clean and nice when we stayed there May 18th. True that there is nowhere but the extra single bed to put your luggage on, but that worked for us, and the stair railings were used to air our sweaty clothes.

The best thing this hotel has to offer is the food though. We had our best dinner in Peru at the restaurant. Red wine stain on the table cloth - yes, very casual service - yes, but the modern take on traditional Peruvian dishes presented in a very appealing way and tasting absolutely delicious is what's important. We also had breakfast at the hotel (included) and brought lunch packs to our 2nd day at Machu Picchu. The very generous lunch tasted delicious eaten at the Sun Gate!!

Liked
Great food, comfortable bed, good showers, different
Disliked
Lack of storage,

“Nice experience”
May 23, 2008
Our experience in Rupa Wasi was excellent. We stayed at the tree-house lodge which has a great view of the city and mountains. Mind you Aguas Calientes as well as Machu Picchu is in "ceja de selva" which means that they are bordering tropical climate, yes it is very humid but it is to be expected.

The service was great and since they have no Tv in the room our whole family got together in the restaurant and played games and had a great time sharing quality time.

The beds are comfy, the water pressure is good and hot water works just fine.
This is not the Ritz or Hilton and you will overpay for a hotel anywhere in aguas calientes. But to me it was well worth the price.

Liked
hot shower, comfy bed, great view

“Good showers and yummy food”
May 19, 2008
Augas Calientes is not a place to write home about, when we arrived we were shocked by just how many little hotels could be crammed into one place! But we knew we were there - to see one of the most amazing man-made wonders of the world.

Luckily the lodge sent someone to meet us at the train station because we wouldn't have been able to find our own way through the steep stairways and little alleys. You couldn't call the walk scenic but as soon as we arrived through the gate to the hotel the atmosphere was tranquil and homely. The staff were friendly and attentive and did everything they could to make sure we were comfortable.

I have read some of the other reviews on this website - and if we hadn't already booked (and paid a deposit) i would probably have been put off. I'm glad I wasn't - some work must have put into the place since those photos were taken because what I saw didn't resemble that. Although, the atmosphere in the town is humid and wet (hence the name) - so I guess they have a fight on their hands to fight the damp!

We had been traveling in Peru for several weeks before we stayed at this place and I had one of the best nights sleep of my life and woke up to a hot shower (I understand this is not so common in Aquas), a great breakfast and a pack lunch to take up to the ruins.

Nice hostal, terrific breakfast”
Feb 4, 2008
Ciuto Bogota
We didn't expect much, being on a budget in the ugly Aguas Calientes.
But this hostal really exceeded what we were expecting.
Nice location, helpful staff, terrific breakfast.

TreeHouse was Fantastic for a Family
Jan 31 2008
San Fransisco family
Our family of four (2 adults, 2 kids, 13 and 9) stayed at Rupi Wasi for one night during a two week trip to Peru and loved it. It was definitely our favorite hotel of the entire trip. It was definitely funky not fancy, but it had a great vibe.

The treehouse room is a little two-story room with a bunkbed and bathroom on the first floor. The second floor is more of a loft with a very comfy double bed, windows on three sides and a view from which you could see a glimpse of Machu Picchu in the mountains above, as well as look down into the town below. It's cool at night but there were nice cozy comforters on all the beds.

In the evening, after our first day at Machu Picchu, we all gathered there on the bed and watched the stars come out and laughed and talked about what a great time we had at the ruins. In the morning, we watched the sun come up over the mountains and Machu Picchu from our bed. The staff was very welcoming in the small lobby and in the restaurant where we had toast and yogurt with quinoa for breakfast.

The hotel is a little walk from the train station and from the town square, but it's so lovely being up this hill. Very quiet and peaceful and beautiful. We would definitely go back again.

Charming Ecolodge
Jan 31 2008
roedemor
Who would know that Rupa Wasi ecolodge would be the turning point and one of the factors making my stay in Peru an absolute ositive and complete experience. I made my reservation online and everything went as planned. I was picked up from the train station from where I was showed the way to the hotel located at the most charming and fortunate spot in town. I had the pleasure to stay at the suite with a cosy and stylish decoration, making you feel welcome and in touch with your surroundings. Not to mention the spectacular view from the panorama vindows at the top. The accomodation and attention was excellent in every detail. I had been recommended to try the cusine at the restaurante of the ecolodge where I enjoyed a delicious meal in the rustic and warm surroundings making come back for every meal of my stay at this magical place. You truly made my stay an absolut pleasure and great unforgettable experince I will bring with me home and recommend warmly to everyone.

Wandering_Hoser, Ottawa, Canada
Sep 20, 2007
An interesting place to stay while in Aguas Calientes. We wanted something basic without slumming it too much and that's what we got. We had the 2 bedroom suite in the trees. The place was small, clean, bright, quiet, well located, had very comfortable beds and the best shower of our 18 day stay in Peru. The staff seemed friendly, they asked us which train we were on and sent someone to help us with our bags to the hostel. Our train didn't leave until 6:00pm the next day and they held our bags until we were ready for them without charge.

Ximena226, Fort Lauderdale
Aug 4, 2007
We stayed in Rupa Wasi for 4 days in July. We had a wonderful and peaceful time. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The vibe was like no other. Chef Julio is AMAZING! We ate the best food in our whole stay in Cusco in Rupa Wasi. Everything was incredible. We highly recommend this place for those who are open minded and have positive vibrations!

Photolandscape, Portland, Oregon
Aug 25, 2007
We just concluded a two-night stay at Rupa Wasi. All things considered, I would recommend it highly. The rooms are spartan, but comfortable. We had a 2nd floor room with a view of the valley. What impressed us most were: the kind and helpful staff, and especially, the small restaurant under the supervision of chef Julio. It was the best food we had during our ten days in Peru. I wish Julio would move to the U.S. and open a restaurant in my town. He is really teriffic

MoreThanJustAMom, Vermont
Jul 13, 2007
This was one of the best places that we stayed in. We had a second floor room with a view of the valley; it was beautiful! We spent a few hours just relaxing on our porch, listening to the river and watching the hummingbirds fly by. The woman who works at the desk gave us information on what to do in town. The food at their restaurant was the best we ate on our entire trip. We also bought their baged lunch for our day on Machu Picchu. The lunch was a bit heavy to carry around, but was so delicious!