The Sacred Valley's Best Hotels
A stunning collection of hotels in the heartland of the Inca
The Sacred Valley towns of Aguas Caliente, Urubamba, Yucay, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac have attractions to rival both Cusco and Machu Picchu. Tourists are catching on too.
The Incan heartland has caught the attention of the world for it’s stunning mountain beauty and simple way of life. Resorts and spas are opening up every day it seems as more and more visitors indulge in the utter relaxation of the Sacred Valley, or Valle Sagrado of Peru.
-Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Monumento Arqueologico de Machu Picchu, tel: (51 1) 610-8303, http://machupicchu.orient-express.com) - the only hotel located within the Machu Picchu historical sanctuary. Some windows actually face the world wonder, making it one of the most privileged hotel locations in the entire world. Many come for the large breakfast buffets held at the hotel each day before heading off to view the ruins of Machu Picchu. Rooms and services are run by the Orient Express hotel company which also runs the Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.
-Hotel Sonesta (Plaza Manco II de Yucay 123, tel: 5184.20.1107, www.sonesta.com)- Best known for the stunning lunch buffet that many visit on day tours of the valley, but this former 18th century monastery is a site in itself. Pleasant gardens and a village like atmosphere with shops such as a Pablo Seminario gallery and an Andean market fully bring you into the spirit of the Sacred Valley. The large Kallpa Wasi spa is one of the best in the valley.
-Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley (5to paradero Yanahuara, tel: (51-84) 976-5501, www.casa-andina.com)- The 85 room lodge sits on 3 hectares of land in the heart of the Sacred Valley, just 10 kilometers from the Ollantaytambo train station so you won’t have to wake up so early for the first train to Machu Picchu.
-Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (Aguas Caliente, tel: 51 1-610-0410, www.inkaterra.com) - Located in Aguas Caliente in the heart of the cloud forest of the Machu Picchu sanctuary, this lodge gives you a taste of the natural world in a place where many expect to only encounter history. The lodge has numerous trails and excursions throughout it’s five hectares of land, plus the largest orchid collection open to the public. Voted one of the top 500 hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine.
-Sol y Luna Resort and Spa (Urubamba, tel:(51 84) 201-620, www.hotelsolyluna.com)- This peaceful lodge and spa just one mile from Urubamba town is divided into charming white washed bungalows. It’s the best independently owned hotel in the valley and Yacu Wasi spa is by far the best in all the Sacred Valley and perhaps Peru. An on-site horse ranch adds to the list of amenitities.
