Hostal La Payacha

The room shook every time a train went past, and they kept running until around 1 AM. I couldn’t get any sleep before Machu Picchu. We tried calling reception that night and got no answer; in the morning, the receptionist denied the problem without any empathy or apology. For an important stop before a once-in-a-lifetime trek, the stay ruined the experience. Spend a bit more somewhere else if you want basic quiet and respectful treatment.

The steady river noise was heavenly to me, especially after we’d had sleepless nights at another hotel on a busy street where it was loud until midnight or even morning. We came here for our second and third nights. Our riverside room was cozy, clean, and had a fresh feel, warm lighting, a beautiful view, and an amazing breakfast. The water stayed warm and steady, and most of all, we slept well because it was very quiet. One note: if the water is cold, let the staff know so they can switch on the hot tank and show you how to get the best heat.

We couldn’t sleep here, and it wrecked what should have been one of the best nights of our trip before Machu Picchu. Trains kept passing until 1 AM, shaking the whole building like we were on the railway. Reception didn’t answer when we called for help. In the morning, the receptionist denied there was a noise problem, as if we’d made it up. The lack of concern and honesty was shocking. Don’t stay here if you want to avoid a sleepless, frustrating night before your hike.

All we needed was a little sleep before an early departure, but our room was right beside the train tracks and it was impossible to rest. I’d asked for a matrimonial room, but we got separate beds, with the pillows beside the window, which did nothing to block the noise. It was extremely loud. I can usually sleep anywhere, but here I couldn’t fall asleep, and once I finally did, I kept waking up, even at 1 a.m., sweating and anxious from the sounds. There was no one to find at night. When we spoke to the woman at 5 a.m., she said we were wasting her time. Nothing else mattered as much as getting sleep, and we got none. Please look after yourself if you have a tiring, adventurous vacation and need rest before Macchu Picchu. 🫶🏼