SUMAQ WASI HOSTEL B&B — Hotel in Machu Picchu

I will preface this review with the fact that I am not a very picky person. I am a backpacker, who is just as comfortable sleeping outside as I am in bed. It is actually for all the backpackers and budget travelers out there that I write this review.||||After 4 days on the Salkantay Trek, I walked into Aguas Calientes only to realize the closest camp ground was 1/2 mile back the way I had just walked. Tired, and desperately wanting to get my pack off my shoulders, I walked into the first hostel I saw as I entered town, which just happened to be Sumaq Wasi. I will say the price was very reasonable... so reasonable in fact I splurged on a private room instead of a dorm setup. The host showed me to my room, and upon entering it was clear that the shower was on, and had been for some time. The host apologized for the condensation covering every inch of the bathroom, cleaned up things as best he could with a towel, and then left. At this point, I was not discouraged though. Things were not fancy (some mold on the bathroom ceiling, stains on the comforters, etc). The shower produced lukewarm water at best, and the wifi was was impressively slow and spotty, but I had a bed and a restroom, which was more than I could say for the past 4 nights.||||The reason I only give this location 2 stars is because of the exploits that I found myself in the following morning. I woke early, wanting to start the hike to Machu Picchu and arrive before the crowds. I had noticed a sign the previous day stating that breakfast started at 5:30 AM, so at 5:29 I closed my door with my backpack shouldered and headed downstairs. I found the reception and breakfast area completely dark. No coffee, no bread, no fruit, not even a member of staff available. I shrugged, disappointed but not yet phased. Not knowing what to do about payment, I left the appropriate amount of Soles on the front desk, weighed down by my room key complete with llama keychain. I went to the door and grabbed the handle to exit... but the door wouldn't open.||||This is when things got interesting. I tried the door a couple more times, but sure enough it was locked. There was another door down the hallway that led outside, yet it was also locked. I was TRAPPED in my own hostel! I wandered about for a bit, looking for possible means of escape. I found a dorm room open with no one in it that had a window facing the street. The hostel is on the second story above a convenience store, which meant a 10 ft. plus drop down to the sidewalk. I debated on tying sheets together for a B-rated prison movie style exit, but thought I might get some glances from the locals walking to work at this hour.||||Shortly after I found my answer. An open window near the breakfast area led to the roof of some kind of storage shed, which led to a pile of unstable stacked wood, which led to a sharp and rusty sheet metal fence. If I successfully climbed down the fence without inflicting any fatal wounds, I would be in someone's backyard, but from there I could at least get to the street. I tried the doors once more to be thorough, sighed, and then climbed out the window onto the roof of the storage shed. It didn't feel exactly sturdy, so I briskly moved to the wood pile. I tested the footing on the wood pile with my trekking pole, and then very, very slowly put my full weight onto one of the logs, paused, and then started to tip-toe towards the rusted sheet metal fence.||||On the other side of the fence was some scrap 2x4s and a few weathered sand bags. Using my trekking pole for balance, I teetered on the edge of the fence until I had gained enough confidence, and then jumped the 6 feet down onto the sand bags. One fo the bags ripped immediately, sending small rocks down the sloped yard that clattered loudly against the sheet metal I had just hopped over. Again I paused, waiting for the savage guard dog or angry resident holding a shotgun. Nothing. Silence resumed... and I ran through someone's private property to a small alley that, finally, put me on the main street of Aguas Calientes.||||Once more, I will mention that I'm not a picky person. This is actually the first negative review I've ever given a hostel or hotel. In short though, if you are a backpacker planning on getting to Machu Picchu early, I suggest looking for somewhere with an...

I made a booking for this hostel while still in the states for fear that I would not have a place to rest on arrival in the pueblo. Finding it was a little difficult as I arrived at night and the buildings look stacked like Lego sets making it hard to distinguish one from the other. I asked for directions at a store across from the ticket office and was told to go up the hill. Upon arrival at the top of the hill with two very large bags, a friendly officer directed me back down and with better directions I was able to find it. Although he could not find my reservation, the gentleman gave me a room and I was led up 2 flights of narrow steps to my room. I got a double with an ensuite shower but as I was travelling alone I paid for the second bed. After the day I had and climbing up and down the hill prior to finding the hostel, I was more than happy to have the room to myself. On my way out to get something to eat, the gentleman behind the desk brought to my attention the fact that my reservation had been made for 2016! That's what happens when you rush at the last minute. He returned my reservation paper to me and urged me to cancel the reservation so I would not get charged twice. Because I was leaving early the next morning for the ruins, they prepared a sack of lunch for me. And on my return, they allowed me to rest in one of the dorms before my late departure. The lady was even gracious enough to close the door as I napped so I would not be disturbed. When I was leaving for the train station, he once again reminded me to cancel the reservation once I got home. This graciousness is why I enjoyed my stay here. My accommodations were basic but they were just what I needed and the kindness of my hosts made up for any shortcomings and in this case...

I booked this place through AirBnb. It was kind of them to ask for my train arrival time to pick me up but it was pouring heavily when I arrived and I did not see anyone from the hostel waiting for me. Luckily I had saved the location on my phone and with some help from the local people, I found the hostel. It is actually very near to the bus station where the buses leave for Machu Picchu. The road to the hostel was under construction (I think). It would be difficult for someone with a roller suitcase to drag it along the road. I was in a 10bedroom dorm alone so I could choose the bed. The room and beds were clean and I slept well. Locker was provided too! There was only one toilet and one shower, which needed to be cleaned more often. Hot shower was available. The view from the room was nice, looking at the river. Wi-fi was good. Breakfast was served starting at 5am. It was...