We are a family-owned boutique hotel conveniently located a 10-minute drive from the Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu train station. We offer comfortable short stays before and after your visit to the Machu Picchu sanctuary. Our gardens attract a variety of bird species, making it an attractive retreat for professional photographers and birdwatching enthusiasts. We also offer birdwatching and private tours across the Sacred Valley.
Looking for things to do in Machu Picchu and beyond ? Please ask !
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Internet accesible across the property. Private bathroom available in each room. All beds have an orthopaedic mattress. Most rooms have a fireplace.
BIRDS HOTEL MOLINO
Feel at home
Immerse Yourself in Millenial Traditions
Andean textiles are a vibrant and enduring tradition that has spanned centuries. Peruvian weavers are renowned worldwide for their craftsmanship and intricate techniques, which remain an essential part of daily life in many villages throughout the Sacred Valley. For guests interested in delving deeper into Andean culture and way of life, we offer a half-day excursion to a nearby mountain village. There, you will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the art of textile making.
Visit Machu Picchu
Each year, nine out of ten guests choose Birds Hotel Molino as their base for visiting Machu Picchu. Located just a 10-minute drive from Ollantaytambo's train station, we offer a convenient starting point for a day trip that begins and ends at our hotel.
Trek in the Andes
The stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley are an integral part of the experience. Wander along winding dirt roads, follow the serpentine flow of rivers, gaze over expansive fields, and marvel at the majestic mountains that surround you. Explore the treks we offer to find the perfect itinerary for you and your family.
Explore Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is a unique blend of flavors, ingredients, and cultural influences. You can read about some of its signature dishes on our blog here. If you're staying with us, we can arrange takeaway options from our trusted restaurant partner or recommend dining spots in Ollantaytambo.
Make Time For Amazing Birdwatching
Built and owned by a bird photographer and nature enthusiast, Birds Hotel Molino is home to dozens of bird species, attracted by the nectar of flowers and the fruits on offer. Our vibrant hummingbirds fly so close you can almost reach out and touch them. Come witness the wonder of these fascinating creatures and capture stunning photos to remember the experience.
Chillout and Relax
We offer a peaceful and serene escape, paired with quality amenities and a variety of activities designed to help you relax and recharge. No stress (and no overpriced holidays)—just nature, wonderful people, and fresh inspiration. If this sounds like your type of getaway, come and visit us!
Reviews
Fantastic !!!
I visited the Birds Hotel Molino during a visit to Peru with the aim of photographing birds. It was one of the best and most pleasant surprises I have ever encountered. The kindness and professionalism of Holmes Pantoja (the person in charge) are extraordinary. In addition to some species that are a little difficult to photograph anywhere else, I had the opportunity to photograph in a nearby lagoon using a hydrohydrode provided by them. I highly recommend it.
Great place to stay in Sacred Valley
Holmes was a great host both in the hotel and on the trails, of which he is extremely knowledgeable. Accomodations were a mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences, and were very comfortable. Located in a pristine setting in Sacred Valley, Peru, the hotel is home to an amazing array of birds, including numerous hummingbirds.
Hidden hummingbird oasis
A short distance up a rough track is a hummingbird paradise.
This beautiful accomodation with it’s artisan charm is home to a staggering number of hummingbirds visiting the amazing array of flowers and numerous feeders. The heady scent of datura and jasmine fills the air and the birds are active from dawn until dusk, some within touching distance. There’s also a hide for viewing the the other birds that visit this beautiful garden at close range.
Holmes is an expert photographer and has arranged everything to maximise the chances of getting stunning photos with uncluttered backgrounds. He is a great teacher too. I arrived with a long lens and not much knowledge of how to use my equipment.
Holmes schooled me in metering, composition and setup and now I am taking pictures I expected to get and not the random attempts I had before. Also because there is so much bird activity it is great practice snapping away at birds in flight and stationary. Otherwise the food and accommodation are perfect.
I would highly recommend a visit to Holmes place either to just relax in gorgeous surroundings, to see the birds or practice your photography skills.
Wonderful place with amazing hospitality
In the end of our vacation, we even came a second time to Birds Hotel Molino. Because it was such a great experience to spent a night in this wonderful location, with all this beautiful details in and around the house. The owner was such a helpful person! When we were soaking wet arriving there, he fired the small wood oven, wich belongs to every room. And we slept in the most comfortable beds and got the best breakfast in the whole Peru!
Excelente lugar para descansar y conectar con la naturaleza, con los colibrÃes y más... Súper recomendado. Esperando poder volver a seguir fotando.
The Encanto House
My friend and I started referring to this as the Encanto House after we booked it and saw the pictures, we knew there was going to be something kinda magical just like the movie. We were greeted like longtime friends and felt at home from the moment we got here. Everyone was really accommodating and helpful. They reached out a couple days before arrival to coordinate transportation from the train station, and were very flexible when we decided to spring for our own rooms at the last minute.
In the end of our vacation, we even came a second time to the Birds Hotel Molino. Because it was such a great experience to spent a night in this wonderful location, with all this beautiful details in and around the house. The owner was such an an helpfully person! When we were soaking wet arriving there, he fired the small wood oven, wich belongs to every room. And we slept in the most comfortable beds and get the best breakfast in hole Peru!
Very nice hotel with great management
We really enjoyed our stay at Birds Hotel Molino. After staying in several other hotels in Peru, we really appreciated the cleanliness, the nice plush blankets, and the service. Holmes the hotel manager was extremely helpful for everything we needed. From giving us local advice, to helping us with truly anything we needed at the property. The rooms overlooking the hummingbird gardens and mountains have beautiful views, which is so nice to wake up to. It is about 10-15 ride from Ollantaytambo but if looking for a special place it’s worth the drive.
Away From It All
It is a very attractive and restful place to stay with fantastic views and a garden into which a lot of love, care and thought has gone, which has a lovely variety of hummingbird visitors.
The room and attached bathroom was large, comfortable and clean with balconies both front and back to admire the garden and views beyond. And there are three big and friendly dogs to enjoy!
We ate there several times, it was always good and wholesome - we’re vegetarian but that wasn’t a problem. Holmes is an interesting and helpful man, who gave us a couple of lifts into town – thank you!
We took up their offer of a pre-arranged taxi to pick us up from Cusco airport and to take us back there at the end of our stay, which was very useful as it is a few miles from Ollantaytambo.
Stunning Location
I stayed at Birds Hotel Molino in April 2019. As the hotel was just reopening for the season we were the only guests and along with Holmes the only occupants. Holmes couldn't have been more helpful, whether it was advice, lifts into town or tasty breakfasts, he truly added to our experience. The hotel itself, with views of the mountains and hummingbirds in the garden was everything we could have asked for. While the location is a little way out from the town the peace and quiet.
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 stands out as one of the most geographically diverse countries on Earth. This extraordinary natural diversity supports more than 1,800 species of birds, with new discoveries still being made. Most of the bird species endemic to Peru are found in the Amazon basin and along the eastern Andean slopes.
Thanks to our location near Machu Picchu, we combine the best of both worlds - an opportunity to discover this UNESCO heritage site, as well as the rich birdlife of the region.
Our guests will enjoy birdwatching right in our garden. We also organize guided birding excursions and bird photography workshops, and work with local specialists to ensure you experience the richness of Peru’s birdlife to the fullest.
Things to Do in and Around Machu Picchu
The ancient Inca citadel is the main attraction in the region. It is majestic, unique, and definitely worth a visit. However, if you are looking for things to do in and around Machu Picchu, include the Sacred Valley in your list.
Hiking trails with spectacular views, the ancient cobblestone town of Ollantaytambo, good food, colorful clothing, spiritual ceremonies, motorbike riding tours, birding and birdwatching, and a proper good night's rest are just a few of the possibilities.
Check out our subjective list of things to do in and around Machu Picchu.
Birding in Peru
We are lucky to be located in one of the best birding destinations in both Peru and worldwide. Some of the more difficult-to-spot or endemic species live in or near our hotel: Green-and-white Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, Red-and-white Antpitta, Royal Cinclodes, Blue-mantled Thornbill and Andean Hillstar.
We offer guided birdwatching tours, bird photography workshops, and can connect you with local experts to help you navigate the captivating and complex world of Peru’s avian paradise.
Birding Highlights
- Andean Hillstar
Andean Hillstar is one of the 7 hillstar species in the genus Oreotrochilus, part of the subfamily Lesbiini. This subfamily also includes two lesbias—the Black-tailed Trainbearer and the Green-tailed Trainbearer—in the genus Lesbia, as well as the Bearded Mountaineer, the sole species in the genus Oreonympha.
Other hillstar species include: Black-breasted Hillstar (endemic to Peru), Blue-throated Hillstar (discovered only in 2017), Green-headed Hillstar (named after a Polish ornithonlogist), as well as Ecuadorian Hillstar, White-sided Hillstar and Wedge-tailed Hillstar.
Read more about Andean Hillstar and birding in Peru's high-altitude locations here: Birding in Peru II - Andes.
- Blue- mantled Thornbill
Just like the hillstars, Blue-mantled Thornbill is also part of the subfamily Lesbiini, and is one of five species in the genus Chalcostigma. While relatively unnoticeable on the outside, except for their toned blue side feathers, the males possess a narrow emerald green gorget that transitions through pink to purple-violet-blue at the lower edge. Adult females’ gorget is green and doesn't feature this transition in color.
Find out more about Blue-mantled Thornbill on our blog.
- Royal Cinclodes
Royal Cinclodes is a critically endangered species with a very limited range. Its population is under 300 individuals, threatened by the destruction of Polylepis forest.
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.
