The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most visited destinations in Peru by thousands of travelers every year, not only for its breathtaking natural beauty, but also for its proximity to Machu Picchu and its beautiful landscapes. If you are looking for a place to stay in the Sacred Valley, you have come to the right place. This destination is ideal for travelers wanting to experience tranquility, good weather and, most importantly, acclimatize before tackling the heights of Cusco. In this article, we will explore the best hotel options in the Sacred Valley, two of its main locations: Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
Where to Stay in Sacred Valley Peru
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a unique place in the world, full of history, natural beauty and living culture. Located in the Peruvian Andes, this Sacred Valley of Peru offers the perfect place for travelers looking to connect with the essence of the Incas, while enjoying a temperate climate and breathtaking scenery. However, when planning your trip to the Sacred Valley in Peru, a key question arises: Where to stay in the Sacred Valley? The answer depends on your personal preferences, as there are two main towns where you can stay: Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. Each has its own unique characteristics and both are located at a lower elevation, so it is important to choose wisely according to your needs and travel style.
The Sacred Valley: The Best Place For Acclimatizion
The Sacred Valley is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level (approximately 9,186 feet), making it an ideal destination for acclimatization in Peru. This moderate altitude makes the Sacred Valley perfect for travelers coming from lower altitude areas wishing to avoid altitude sickness, a common problem in higher cities such as Cusco, which is at 3,400 meters (approximately 11,155 feet). Spending a few days in the Sacred Valley will not only allow you to adjust to the altitude more gradually, but will also give you the opportunity to enjoy its impressive landscapes and archaeological sites with more peace of mind.
The region is full of Inca archaeological sites, such as the ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray among others, which allow travelers to immerse themselves in the history of the Inca Empire while acclimatizing to the altitude. For all this, the Sacred Valley is a very special place, and choosing the best place to stay will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
Urubamba: Luxury and tranquility
Urubamba is one of the most serene towns in the Sacred Valley of Peru and, therefore, is an excellent choice if you are looking for a relaxing place to stay. This town is known for having luxury hotels and a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets. Some of the most outstanding hotels in Urubamba include:
Best Hotels in Urubamba:
1) Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
The luxurious Tambo del Inka is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas net to the Urubamba river, this 5 start hotel has a private train station with connections to Machu Picchu. The property has a swimming pool and spa. The rooms are elegant and feature a typical design of the area with regional fabrics. All rooms have a private balcony with views of the natural surroundings, LCD TV and a private marble bathroom. The hotel also an exclusive restaurant, which serves delicious Andean dishes made with home-grown organic products. There is also a bar with a terrace and offers cocktails and light snacks. A buffet breakfast is served in the mornings.
2) Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado
The location of this hotel is unique, between green fields, mountains and the Urubamba River. It offers luxurious, well-equipped rooms with views of the Urubamba river. The Rio Sagrado Hotel is built with natural materials in the image of a village. The elegant accommodations of this 5-star hotel in Urubamba combine regional and European influences and feature wooden floor heating, panoramic terrace and Swiss shower overlooking the river. The hotel also has exclusive spa offering massages with local herbs. There is also an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub.
3) Sonesta Casona de Yucay
Located in a renovated colonial-style former monastery, this hotel is in the Sacred Valley, between Cusco and Macchu Picchu. It features free Wi-Fi and a tour desk offering excursions. (Cosider the tours with them could be more expensive since they get a comission). Rooms at the Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay offer a combination of contemporary accommodations with rustic decorative elements.
Each room includes a TV and a private bathroom with a bathtub. Some rooms feature a large flat-screen TV and a seating area. Guests can enjoy a menu of Andean specialties with a modern twist at Inkafé Restaurant.
4) Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado
Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado is located in Yanahuara, in Urubamba, on the way to Ollantaytambo. This luxurious chalet-style retreat offers panoramic views of the Andes. It has a full-service spa and a planetarium, from which to observe the southern hemisphere sky. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and in all rooms. At this hotel you can choose from a wide range of unique Andean therapies, as well as sauna, whirlpool and steam bath.The rooms offer wonderful views of the Sacred Valley and the Andes Mountains. All have air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities.
5) Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado
This hotel is part of the Tierra Viva hotel group and is located in Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley, only 11 km from Ollantaytambo, the starting point to reach Machu Picchu and the train station. The architecture of the Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Hotel follows the typical design of the rural town of Cusco. The rooms are designed with a mix of wood that gives them a warm and cozy atmosphere. They have heating and private balcony or terrace overlooking the valley. Room service is provided. There are a total of 36 double and superior double rooms. All roomswith private bathrooms, large or extra-large orthopedic mattress, LCD cable TV, telephone with national and international call service and free WiFi.
6) Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
The Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is located 6 km from Urubamba, although it is actually quite far from the town of Urubamba. If you choose to stay there, consider that your transfer to Cusco or Ollantaytambo could be more expensive due to the distance, this 5-star hotel also has a restaurant and a bar. The rooms will provide you with a flat-screen cable TV, an iPod docking station and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba provides free Wi-Fi in public areas.The front desk is open 24 hours a day in the hotel.
7) Explora Valle Sagrado
This hotel located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas was designed as a starting point to explore Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This hotel is a short distance of the traditional village of Urquillos, a small settlement where a lively and proud local community keeps countless traditions alive throughout the year. The hotel has 50 rooms with the best views overlooking cornfields and mountains. They are covered in wood and feature a cozy décor that makes them a unique place to unwind and enjoy the destination.
Ollantaytambo: Diversity of options and touristy
On the other hand, Ollantaytambo is a much more touristy destination in Peru. This town offers a wide variety of accommodations, from boutique hotels to more affordable options such as hostel and Airbnb. Here are some of the best lodging options in Ollantaytambo:
Best Hotels in Ollantaytambo:
1) Pakaritampu Hotel
Located about 5 minutes from the train station, this hotel is ideal for those planning to take the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The hotel enjoys a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with beautiful gardens and views of the surrounding mountains. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, and the location is unbeatable.
2) The Ollantaytambo Lodge
An accommodation with a privileged location as it is located inside the train station to Machu Picchu, this hotel offers a unique experience in a rustic and relaxing atmosphere. With an eco-friendly approach, the Albergue hotel also has a restaurant serving organic food, making it a popular choice among travelers looking for a more natural and authentic stay.
3) Stardome Spiritual Experience
The hotel stardome Spiritual Experience is located in Ollantaytambo, 24 km from Estacion de Buses, (away from the village of Ollantaytambo) and offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, terrace and restaurant. The property has a bar and is 25 km from Plaza de Armas. The accommodation offers 24-hour front desk, airport transfer, room service and free wifi throughout the property. All rooms are equipped with a closet. The rooms are equipped with private bathroom with shower, free toiletries and hairdryer. The units have a safe. They also offer a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free breakfast at the accommodation.
4) Vertical Sky Luxury Suites
This hotel is located on top of a mountain overlooking the town of Ollantaytambo, if you suffer from vertigo it is not recommended for you. Unlike the other hotels in town, this one is away from the crowds and connects you to the beautiful scenery surrounding Ollantaytambo.
The hotel includes american breakfast. This hotel also offers a pick-up service by car from the airport or from a location in Cusco. Free parking is available.
5) Las Qolqas EcoResort Ollantaytambo
Las Qolqas EcoResort Ollantaytambo is located in Ollantaytambo, 21 km from the town, and offers accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a garden and a beautiful terrace. The accommodation also offers a restaurant and has a bar and a sauna. It offers 24-hour front desk, airport transfer, room service and free wifi. At the hotel, the rooms have a closet, rooms at the accommodation have private bathrooms with a shower and a hairdryer, and also have mountain views. At Las Qolqas EcoResort Ollantaytambo, rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.Breakfast is available every morning and includes continental, English/Irish or American options.
6) Apu Lodge
Apu Lodge is located in the foothills of Pinkuylluna mountain in Ollantaytambo, it features cozy regional décor with exposed stone and colorful tapestries. Wi-Fi is free.
The hotel offers comfortable rooms with parquet floors and private bathrooms. All feature a shower, free toiletries and a 24-hour hot shower. They serve a daily buffet breakfast with eggs, yogurts, fresh fruit, cereals and bread. Packed lunches are available upon request, they offer free luggage storage. Free pick-up service from the airport. Consider the hotel does not have access for cars in the area.
Conclusion:
Choosing where to stay in the Sacred Valley will depend on your personal preferences and budget. If you are looking for luxury and tranquility, Urubamba is the perfect option, with high-end hotels and a relaxing atmosphere. However, if you are looking for a more touristy town, with more options for restaurants and activities, Ollantaytambo is the best option for you.
We believe both destinations offer an excellent location for exploring the wonders of the Sacred Valley, and will allow you to enjoy the beauty, history and culture of this fascinating region of Peru.
