About Birds Hotel Molino

We are a family-owned boutique hotel just outside Ollantaytambo. Our offer includes:

1. Short and Long Stays for Individuals, Families, and Small Groups

We offer customized stays to our guests before and after their visit Machu Picchu. We welcome you in 8 single and double hotel rooms with a balcony and a view of the mountains or the garden. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Every hotel room includes a private bathroom and each bed is fitted with an orthopedic mattress.

Our hotel is located in Peru, near Machu Picchu and near the village of Ollantaytambo, and features several common areas and gardes which will allow you to enjoy the stunning views and beautiful nature of this part of the world.

Whether from your hotel room balcony, the patios or the custom built hide, you will have the opportunity to take photos and videos of some of the smallest and most colourful birds of the world, found only in the Americas - the hummingbirds.

As a boutique hotel, we value customised service and strive to do our best to make your stay comfortable and hassle free. To access the hotel, take a 10 minute taxi ride from Ollantaytambo. If you let us know in advance, we will be happy to book a private taxi transfer either from Ollantaytambo or to and from Cusco.

2. Private Tours

At Birds Hotel Molino in Peru we organise diverse private tours throughout the Sacred Valley and into the surrounding jungle. We partner with trusted local Peruvian guides to guarantee an enriching and well-rounded experience. Our tours fall into two categories:

• cultural and historical journeys, featuring ancient Inca sites and present-day Peruvian countryside life,
• nature-focused adventures, including mountain treks, Peruvian jungle explorations, and birdwatching.

For photography enthusiasts, we also host specialized workshops aimed at capturing the region’s breathtaking scenery.

The point of departure for all of our tours is our boutique hotel near Machu Picchu and near Ollantaytambo, however we will be able to offer you customized departure locations upon request.

Ollantaytambo Fortress Tour

Discover the remarkable Inca ruins of the Ollantaytambo Fortress on this half-day cultural tour. Lasting approximately 4 hours, the experience includes a moderately challenging walk along steep paths once used by the Incas. The tour costs $100 per group of two and is best enjoyed in the morning to avoid the midday Andean heat. You'll explore the historic town of Ollantaytambo and its impressive stone structures.

Moray Inca Agricultural Laboratory Tour

Starting from our boutique hotel near Ollantaytambo, join us on a 4-hour cultural tour to the fascinating archaeological site of Moray, believed to have served as an Inca agricultural laboratory. The walk on the site, which lasts around 2 hours, is of moderate difficulty and costs $100 per group of two. For a deeper cultural experience, you may consider extending your visit with a stop at the nearby Salineras salt mines—an impressive natural and historical attraction that complements your journey through the Sacred Valley.

Salineras Salt Mines Tour

Explore the captivating Salineras salt mines, one of the Sacred Valley’s most intriguing cultural landmarks. This 4-hour tour includes a moderately easy 2-hour walk and is priced at $100 per group of two. While the trek can be done at any time of day, a morning start is ideal to avoid the midday heat. Together with the Moray Inca Agricultural Laboratory, those two locations provide a fascinating look into the ingenuity of Inca engineering and their mastery of agriculture in challenging geographic and climatic conditions of this part of Peru.

3. Birding Opportunities

Peru is one of the most ecologically diverse countries on the planet, making it a true paradise for bird enthusiasts. With over 1,800 recorded bird species—and new ones still being discovered—this region offers unforgettable experiences for nature lovers. A significant number of species endemic to Peru, especially hummingbirds, thrive in the lush Amazon basin and the slopes of the eastern Andes.

Our prime location near Machu Picchu allows guests to combine cultural exploration with world-class birdwatching. Staying at our quiet hotel near Machu Picchu gives you the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, surrounded by pristine landscapes rich in biodiversity.

Birdwatching begins right outside your door. Our garden attracts many native species, including several endemic hummingbirds Peru is famous for. Guests staying in our small hotel with balcony near Ollantaytambo Peru can enjoy early morning sightings from the comfort of their private terrace—perfect for quiet observation or photography.

We also organize expertly guided birding excursions and tailor-made birding tours for photographers in Peru and for travelers that seek out for exclusive access to remote locations and rare species. Whether you're an experienced birder or just starting out, our team ensures you’ll experience the incredible birdlife of the Andes in a meaningful and memorable way.

Things to Do in and Around Machu Picchu

While the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu remains the centerpiece of any visit to this part of Peru, the surrounding region has so much more to offer. For those looking to enrich their travel experience, the Sacred Valley provides a wealth of unforgettable activities and landscapes.

Explore scenic hiking trails, discover the historic charm of Ollantaytambo’s cobblestone streets, sample local cuisine, admire colorful traditional textiles, or take part in spiritual Andean ceremonies. You can also enjoy thrilling adventures like motorbike tours or peaceful moments of birdwatching amid breathtaking natural surroundings.

For travelers who appreciate both serenity and convenience, our quiet hotel near Machu Picchu is an ideal base. Nestled in a tranquil part of the Sacred Valley, our small hotel with balcony near Ollantaytambo Peru offers not only comfort but also panoramic mountain views and easy access to local attractions and the train to Aguas Calientes. Wake up to birdsong, sip your coffee on a private balcony, and spot endemic hummingbirds in the garden before your day's adventure even begins.

We’ve compiled a curatred list of our favourite things to do in and around Machu Picchu—perfect for travelers seeking more than just the usual tourist stops.

Birding in Peru

Our region is recognized globally as one of the most rewarding birding destinations. Nestled between high-altitude cloud forests and lush Andean valleys, we are uniquely positioned to offer encounters with some of the rarest and most beautiful birds in the country. Many elusive species, including those endemic to Peru, are regularly observed in the area surrounding our property.

Among the highlights are the Green-and-white Hummingbird, Red-and-white Antpitta, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Royal Cinclodes, and the striking Andean Hillstar. Several endemic hummingbirds Peru is known for can be found right here, sometimes even feeding in the gardens around our hotel.

We offer personalized birdwatching experiences for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned birders. Our guided outings and birding tours for photographers in Peru are truly appreciated by the visitors and are designed to help you get close to these fascinating species—whether you're chasing lifers or perfecting your bird photography portfolio. With knowledgeable local guides and access to varied habitats, you'll have the best possible chance to spot rare birds in their natural environments.

Birding Highlights

• Andean Hillstar

The Andean Hillstar is one of seven known species in the Oreotrochilus genus and belongs to the Lesbiini subfamily, which also includes spectacular birds such as the Green-tailed and Black-tailed Trainbearers (Lesbia genus), and the striking Bearded Mountaineer—an iconic species among endemic hummingbirds Peru is home to.

Among the other remarkable hillstars are the Black-breasted Hillstar (found only in Peru), the recently discovered Blue-throated Hillstar, and others like the Green-headed, Ecuadorian, White-sided, and Wedge-tailed Hillstars. Several of these species thrive at high altitudes and can be encountered on our guided birdwatching expeditions.

Photographers especially enjoy our birding tours, as they provide access to remote, highland habitats where birds like the Andean Hillstar display their unique adaptations to the cold, mountainous climate.

Read more about Andean Hillstar and birding in Peru's high-altitude locations here: Birding in Peru II - Andes.

• Blue-mantled Thornbill

A lesser-known but equally fascinating species, the Blue-mantled Thornbill belongs to the Chalcostigma genus. While often inconspicuous due to its small size and dark plumage, the male’s iridescent throat patch flashes vivid emerald and violet hues in the right light, making it a prized subject for nature photographers.

Spotted in high Andean regions, this bird is another highlight for those staying at our quiet hotel near Machu Picchu, where access to cloud forest trails and varied elevations makes sightings more likely. Our birding tours for photographers Peru style are ideal for capturing fleeting moments with species like this.

Find out more about Blue-mantled Thornbill on our blog.

• Royal Cinclodes

With a global population estimated at fewer than 300 individuals, the Royal Cinclodes is one of the rarest birds on Earth and a symbol of conservation efforts in Peru. This critically endangered species depends on intact Polylepis woodlands—a unique high-elevation forest ecosystem that is rapidly disappearing.

Spotting a Royal Cinclodes is a bucket-list achievement for serious birders. Our excursions—often departing from our quiet hotel near Machu Picchu – are chosen by the nature lovers for its location. Sometimes they include high-elevation trips designed specifically for searching this elusive species. While sightings are never guaranteed, our knowledgeable local guides increase your chances dramatically.

You will find a few more details about this elusive species here: Birding Peru - Royal Cinclodes

Any Final Thoughts?

Just like you, we like to travel, and we know that when looking for the best hotels in the Sacred Valley, everyone will have a different set of requirements.

We pride ourselves on offering personalized service in a quiet location. To help you choose what's most convenient for you, you may want to read this: Best Hotels in Sacred Valley, Peru or ask us directly.