Description
This Ecolodge, which opened in 2000, is a good option if you want to spend a night in Aguas Calientes and beat the crowd by taking the first bus to Machu Picchu the following day for sunrise. Rupa Wasi gives you a feeling of tranquillity among the hustle & bustle of Aguas Calientes, the nearby village at the base of Machu Picchu, and allows you to maintain a connection with nature while you admire unforgettable views and enjoy the pleasant, on-site restaurant and friendly local staff (though not all of them speak English).

Rupa Wasi – a Quechua word meaning ‘warm house’- is the only hotel that has not been horribly built with concrete (unfortunately very trendy in Aguas Calientes). The owners, Francisco, Oscar and Alvaro dreamt of a nice way to preserve the harmony and authenticity of what should be a prelude to Machu Picchu, by protecting the wildlife and ecosystem of the area. With Rupa Wasi they are setting an example by employing alternative energy, using organic waste to make fertilizers and reforesting the mountains with native plants.

Insider Tips
Rupa Wasi offers the best view in town. Approximately 80 steps up to the lodge is the price to pay for it! However, you can call the hotel in advance and have someone help you carry your luggage from the train station.

Ask for suites 3, 4 or 5 to enjoy a little balcony and better panoramic view.

Benefits
Location: slightly out of the centre of Aguas Calientes, it has been built right on the mountain, among the trees, creating a unique atmosphere.

Rupawasi offers a good deal of alternative tours for those staying in Aguas Calientes, such as walking to the Mandor waterfalls, climbing Putukusi mountain, participating in San Pedro ceremonies, etc.

The staff is very helpful when having to deal with any changes you may want to make in your itinerary (e.g.: train tickets, flights).

Drawbacks
Not suitable for disabled guests.

Although the rooms have dehumidifiers, some still get a bit damp during rainy season due to their location nestled amidst the rainforest.

No internet access in the hotel. Keep in mind that the internet connection in Aguas Calientes is really slow and very expensive compared to connections in Cusco.

Rooms
Rupa Wasi offers five modern wooden cabins built on the original rock of the land. Rooms 1 and 2 are located on the first floor and each has 3 single beds. Even though these rooms have dehumidifiers, they might get a little bit damp during rainy season.

Suites 3 and 4 both have one double bed and two single beds together with a nice, little balcony (and a pair of binoculars!) from which you can see Machu Picchu’s Andean terraces, and enjoy the sounds of the river and activities of the local wildlife. Suite 5 has a rustic, tree-house feel, having been built completely of wood on the highest part of the property. It is almost hidden among the trees and vegetation of the adjacent rainforest hill. This suite is also ideal for families because it has two single beds on the first floor and a mezzanine with a double bed as well as an incredible panoramic view. All rooms have been beautifully decorated with traditional Peruvian blankets and designs with vibrant, typical Andean colours.

The bathrooms are fairly spacious, clean, and some of them use the mountain’s natural rock in place of walls. Unfortunately, they’re water pressure is somewhat temperamental, so you might have to compromise between chilly water or boiling hot water!

Food
Rupa Wasi’s restaurant, Costandino, is open to the public (not only the lodge’s guests) and offers a nice fusion of international dishes and Andean cuisine…try their vegetarian lasagna or their ‘aji de gallina ravioli’!

Breakfast is natural and healthy: homemade bread, cereal, fruit and a hot drink. They also offer a box lunch option (vegetarian sandwich, hard boiled egg, fruit, granola bar and juice) that will give you the necessary energy for your hikes around the area.

Costandino is open from 6am to 11pm.

Children
Children are welcome here…room 5 is like a ‘big tree house’!

Rates:
Singles: US$50 Doubles: US $70; includes breakfast and taxes.

	Information:
	Location Huanacaure Street - Aguas Calientes www.rupawasi.net rupawasi@hotmail.com (51 84) 211101