Places to Stay in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas

Heading to Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Inca’s and looking for the best place to stay? Take a look at Tom’s top five picks.

1. Belmond Rio Sagrado

Set in beautifully landscaped gardens on the banks of the Rio Urubamba, with 360 degree views of the Andes, a stay here feels like you are right at the heart of the Sacred Valley. It’s great for families because kids can play safely in the vast gardens and be entertained in the special Kids Club.

Honeymooners and couples will also be well catered for, with private picnic lunches in the garden (available on request) and a host of treatments on offer in the spa. A swim in the outdoor infinity pool is the perfect warm-down after an active day of trekking, mountain biking, rafting or horse riding in the Valley.

2. Sol y Luna

A real favourite of Journey Latin America, Sol y Luna offers guests a very comfortable stay in one of 43 luxury stone bungalows set amongst perfectly manicured gardens. The privacy of the bungalows lends itself perfectly to both families (some of the bungalows include 4 beds with room to add more) or romantic honeymooners and couples who don’t wish to be disturbed as they relax in the hot tub on their private terrace. A unique feature of the hotel is its impressive array of entertainment including a daily horse show and a weekly first-class circus starring performers from the world-famous Cirque de Soleil.

3. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Opening in the summer of 2015, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is sure to become one of the best options in the area. That’s if the other properties in the prestigious Inkaterra portfolio (including the Reserva Amazonica, La Casona in Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo hotels) are anything to go by. The interior is inspired by local materials and the hotel is described by Inkaterra as being “ideal for families” offering a range of activities designed to “allow the discovery of ancient traditions and emphasise the history, nature and charm of the Sacred Valley”.

4. Tambo del Inka

Giant Tambo Del Inka offers high-end comfort and first-class facilities in the heart of the Valley. An impressive fountain display in the driveway and great open fire in the reception greets guests as they arrive. The interior is big and warm – reminiscent of an American ski lodge – with great wooden beams and stone walls, complemented by artworks by local artisans, including a giant onyx wall in the lobby bar. Rooms are large and feature the latest mod-cons. Guests can make use of the huge indoor pool and fitness centre, or relax with a cocktail on the terrace. The hotel also boasts its own private train station with a daily service to Machu Picchu.

5. San Agustin Monasterio de la Recoleta

Located in Urubamba town, San Agustin Monasterio offers an alternative hotel experience in the Sacred Valley. An original 17th century monastery, it and its outbuildings were painstakingly restored and converted into a hotel in 2007. The rooms, slightly smaller than your typical hotel room, vary in shapes and sizes according to the existing layout, but this and the wonderfully exposed original stonework only add to their character. The chapel is still fully functioning and gives a nice focal point as well as creating a real sense of the property’s history and authenticity. The very quiet and tranquil nature of the hotel make it perhaps not one for families, but for couples or solo travellers looking for somewhere to unwind and soak up the history of the Valley this is a great option. The intimate, candle-lit dining area set in the oldest part of the building around a central courtyard is especially inviting.