Peru’s Sacred Valley was a stretch land so special that it wasn’t part of the Incan Empire, but belonged to the Emperor personally. Lush and beautiful, along this winding stretch of the Rio Urubamba Valley numerous major Incan towns and structures were built, including Ollantaytambo (now an extensive ruin, this was one of the last Incan towns to fall), Pisac, which has beautiful ruins, but also a thriving weekly market, and, of course, Machu Picchu.

It has become quite popular to trek through this region, but there’s a lot to see and it’s worth taking your time and seeing as much as you can. So maybe add a few days onto your trip and consider booking into one of our Guru’s recommendations for the 20 best hotels in the Sacred Valley?

If you’re primarily here for Machu Picchu, then you’ll find many of the 20 best hotels in the Sacred Valley are around Aguas Calientes - or ‘Machu Picchu Town’, but if you just want to see as much as you can then choosing a few of our Guru’s recommendation might work for you. They’ve picked some great properties in Cusco, and some very comfortable properties close to Machu Picchu - some with views of the site - so these might be good places to start looking.

The 20 Best Hotels in the Sacred Valley, Peru

The Best Once in a Lifetime Hotels in Peru's Sacred Valley

You might recognise some of the name, and yes, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio is the same Belmond as the Orient Express. So you can expect a similar kind of luxury and charm here. Built in the 16th century, this converted monastery, with its leafy courtyard gardens, antique furnishings and original art and features, is a really memorable place to stay.

The Belmond Palacio Nazarenas shares the first bit of the name too, so you can expect the same service and luxury, but this time in a remodelled palace with walls made of stones carved by the Incas. There are 55 rooms and suites, all elegant, but the suites come with their own bar and butler. There’s also a wonderful spa.

Inkaterra La Cason is an 11 room hotel in in a beautifully converted colonial mansion. If you’re interested in the history of this city this is The place to stay. It’s decorated with antiquities dating back to the days of the Spanish Empire. The Peruvian restaurant is superb. And you’re just two minutes walk from the cathedral.

The Best Hotels near Machu Picchu

The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is in an unbeatable position, right by the entrance to Machu Picchu. There are 32 charming rooms decorated with contemporary art work against white-washed walls. The views from the terrace are bound to be spectacular and the cuisine is fantastic too.

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is in a beautiful, riverside spot about half an hour away from Machu’s Picchu’s entrance, in Aguas Calientes. The 80+ rooms are atmospheric, with working fireplaces and exposed beams, and there’s a great restaurant and cosy lounge.

The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is in a beautiful spot at the foot of the mountain below Machu Picchu, close to the Vilcanota River. There are 56 rooms and the decor is richly coloured but contemporary in style. The views are amazing

The Best Hotels in Cusco

El Mercado offers a fabulous mix of tradition and contemporary decor in the centre Cusco. There are exposed beams and white washed walls but there are also some great pieces of modern art. There are 31 rooms plus a gorgeous terrace, perfect for drinks in the evening.

The Palacio del Inka is an elegant, 203 room hotel right in the heart of town. The decor is colourful, from the smallest room to the excellent Andean restaurant. There’s also a range of spa treatments available.

The Best Hotels in the Sacred Valley for Adventurers

The Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado is a collection of luxurious rooms and villas in a breathtaking spot close to Ollantaytambo. As well as an excellent spa there are all sorts of outdoor activities the hotel can set you up with.

The Explora Valle Sagrado is a wonderfully designed, 50 room hotel with contemporary decor and gorgeous views of the Urubamba Valley. The hotel puts on more than 20 exclusive guided excursions and bikes are available for guests to use.

The Best Hotels in the Sacred Valley to Relax

Tambo del Inka, close to Urubamba is a luxurious hotel with 128 elegant rooms and extensive spa facilities. There’s also a superb Andean restaurant. Perfect if you want to see the sights in style.

El Albergue is about 19miles from Machu Picchu, in a peaceful spot on the outskirts of Ollantaytambo. There are just 15 rooms, decorated in a chic, rustic style, plus beautiful gardens and beautiful views. If you’re fresh off the trail you’ll appreciate the sauna and possibility of booking a massage.

Off the beaten track, Sol y Luna is a collection of charming bungalows overlooking the Urubamba Valley. The decor is Peruvian and there’s a wonderful restaurant - during lunch they even put on a horse show.

The Best Value Hotels in the Sacred Valley

Right in the heart of Cusco, just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas, Unaytambo is a large, colonial house with 14 rooms - many with private balconies. There’s a beautiful terrace and the decor is colonial too. Rooms start from around £80 per night.

For around £110 per night you can stay in the much larger Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco, a converted 17th century mansion in the centre of Cusco. There’s still something rather splendid about this 90 room hotel. It’s arranged around an arcaded central courtyard and there’s an excellent Peruvian restaurant.

El MaPi is a good compromise and offers great value, considering how close you are to Mach Picchu. Stylish and contemporary, the hotel has 140 rooms with large windows, a great restaurant and the option to treat yourself to a massage, or a soak in the hot tub if you’ve been on the trail for a while.

If you haven’t found your idea of the best hotel in the Sacred Valley on our Guru’s list of the 20 Best Hotels in the Sacred Valley you could:

• Consult our Guru’s guide on where to stay when you visit Machu Picchu? or our Guru’s guide to the best places to stay in Cusco?
• Or our guide to the best places to stay in Machu Picchu town? or the best places to stay in Aguas Calientes?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

The 20 Best Hotels in the Sacred Valley, Peru

 

Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Friday, 13th January 2023