May 6, 2025
The Best Hotels in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Exploring the Sacred Valley allows us to discover a wide variety of archaeological destinations, as well as nature-filled spots offering a plethora of adventure activities. It is an ideal place to spend the first days of your trip to Cusco as it offers a suitable climate to avoid altitude sickness. For this reason, we present to you the best hotel options for resting after days full of excitement. Get to know each hotel and enrich your travel experience through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Contents
- The Sacred Valley of the Incas
- What are the best hotels in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
- Tips for your trip through the Sacred Valley
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Sacred Valley of the Incas
One of the most impressive destinations in Cusco is the Sacred Valley, which is only an hour away from the city of Cusco. Within it, we can visit iconic towns of the region such as Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Chinchero, and Pisac, all of which are immersed in much Andean tradition and culture.
We can also engage in activities that allow us to explore every angle of the Valley, such as experiential tourism, extreme sports, hiking, visits to archaeological sites, tours of traditional markets, and experiences in relaxation and introspection spots amidst beautiful landscapes.
The Sacred Valley is the perfect place to acclimatize during the first days of our trip to Cusco, as it is at a lower altitude (approximately 2,500 meters above sea level) and offers a temperate climate. That is why, after each of our experiences exploring it, the best option for resting is to stay in one of the renowned hotels along the Valley.
What are the best hotels in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
On our journey through the Sacred Valley, we will find a wide range of hotels that will offer us experiences to enrich our trip. From 5-star quality options to places that offer more experimental experiences. Get to know each of the best options and make your visit to the Valley even more memorable.
Best 5-Star Hotels (Luxury and Comfort)
Belmond Hotel Río Sagrado (Urubamba)
Located on the banks of the Urubamba River, the luxurious Belmond hotel offers a disconnection experience in a nature-surrounded setting. Among its main features, it offers a menu based on local products, and it also provides a privileged view of the valley, surrounded by gardens and starry skies.
Staying at Belmond Río Sagrado provides a retreat-like experience, as it offers the tranquility that only the Sacred Valley can give. It has a spa with river views, a heated pool, and cultural immersion activities.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Nestled in the middle of the Sacred Valley mountains, Inkaterra features colonial architecture that blends elegance with cultural authenticity. Its artistic details, with Andean handmade pieces and rustic charm, provide a magical atmosphere in each of its lounges and rooms.
The hotel offers personalized experiences, such as guided botanical walks and the “earth to table” concept, allowing travelers to harvest their own food. Due to its privileged location, it also offers unique scenic views.
Explora Sacred Valley (Urquillos)
This luxurious lodge offers nearly 32 hectares showcasing Inca agricultural heritage. Its architecture and interior design are perfectly connected with the natural landscape, immersing you in a tranquil and relaxing environment.
Explora Sacred Valley features expansive spa facilities, along with a heated pool, sauna, and outdoor hot tubs. The accommodations also include gourmet cuisine with local ingredients, as well as cultural, recreational activities, and transfers, providing a complete immersion experience.
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa (Urubamba)
A member of the Marriott chain, Tambo del Inka is a resort located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, alongside the river and beneath the mountains. The place offers elegant rooms and suites with panoramic views.
It also features a wide variety of cuisine made with organic and local products. Some of its standout features include a therapeutic spa, heated pools, a private garden, and its own train station that takes you to Machu Picchu.
EXPERIENTIAL AND IMMERSIVE ACCOMMODATIONS (CULTURE AND NATURE)
Skylodge Adventure Suites (Ollantaytambo)
Hanging from a mountain near Ollantaytambo, the Skylodge capsules immerse us in a high-altitude experience. At 400 meters above the ground, it offers a 300-degree view of the Sacred Valley and the Andean starry sky.
Each capsule suite is designed to provide quality service and total comfort. It includes gourmet meals, transportation, and even professional guides. It’s a unique experience in its style, accessed by climbing or ziplining.
StarDome Peru (Ollantaytambo)
Considered a geodesic dome, StarDome offers a futuristic design that blends with the surrounding nature and culture. Its lower level features five suites, while the upper level has a StarDeck offering stunning 360-degree views.
In addition to accommodation, the place offers immersive and adventure activities that connect you with Andean culture and the Sacred Valley.
Mountain View Experience (Urubamba)
This luxury glamping option in the Sacred Valley offers a privileged location in the Maras mountains, with private suites and cabins where you can enjoy all the surrounding magical landscapes.
Its design combines traditional architecture with contemporary comforts, making it a sustainable accommodation. Its outdoor jacuzzi, unforgettable sunsets, and bonfires under the stars make it an irresistible destination.
Munay Sonqo Retreat (Arín)
Surrounded by the biodiversity of the Sacred Valley, Munay Sonqo is a retreat center that invites its guests to heal through self-knowledge, offering spiritual experiences in a natural setting of deep tranquility.
The place also offers ceremonial experiences, from yoga and meditation to conscious cooking and medicinal rituals. A more introspective option that connects you with the energy of the earth and Andean wisdom.
Tips for Your Trip through the Sacred Valley
To enhance your experience in the Sacred Valley, we will provide a list of tips that may help you enjoy and explore the area in a more immersive way. Discover them here:
- Acclimatize during your first days of travel in Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll be surrounded by unforgettable experiences.
- Take your time visiting each of the Valley’s magical towns, to explore all its angles and enrich your experience.
- Visit the Valley as a place for rest and relaxation, as its location amidst mountains surrounded by nature will offer you an unforgettable experience.
- Exploring the Sacred Valley during the dry season (April to October) will provide you with clearer views and vibrant colors, though it will also be a more touristy time.
- During the rainy season (November to March), there is a higher chance of rainfall, but you’ll have the opportunity to explore each destination more easily and avoid potential crowds.
- Immerse yourself in experiential activities in local villages, where you’ll discover more about traditional Andean culture.
- The Sacred Valley is part of the journey to Machu Picchu, where you can take a train from Ollantaytambo that will take you to the iconic Inca citadel.
- You can plan a tour where you decide your own route through the Sacred Valley, consult with our advisors and discover all available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Sacred Valley of the Incas located?
The Sacred Valley is located approximately one hour from the city of Cusco, between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is a region traversed by the Urubamba River and home to spectacular landscapes, traditional communities, and archaeological sites.
2. Why is it recommended to stay in the Sacred Valley during the first days of your trip?
The Sacred Valley is at a lower altitude than Cusco (about 2,500 meters above sea level), allowing travelers to gradually acclimatize to the high-altitude climate. Additionally, it offers a peaceful environment, ideal for resting after the journey.
3. What are the most recommended luxury hotels in the Sacred Valley?
Some of the top 5-star hotels in the Sacred Valley include: Belmond Hotel Río Sagrado, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Explora Sacred Valley, and Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa.
4. What differentiates experiential and immersive accommodations?
Unlike traditional hotels, experiential and immersive accommodations offer unique experiences focused on culture, nature, or adventure.
5. What type of experience does Skylodge Adventure Suites offer?
Skylodge offers a truly unique stay: sleeping in transparent capsules suspended over 400 meters high, with a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley.
6. What type of experience does StarDome Peru offer?
StarDome combines accommodation in geodesic domes with 360-degree views, and its offering includes activities in a natural setting in the heights of Ollantaytambo.
7. What type of experience does Munay Sonqo Retreat offer?
Munay Sonqo is a retreat center in Arín that offers experiences focused on personal well-being, such as yoga, meditation, and ancestral ceremonies. It is an ideal place for those seeking a deep connection with nature and Andean culture.
8. What type of experience does Mountain View Experience offer?
Mountain View is a luxury glamping accommodation located in the heights of Urubamba. Its suites and cabins offer privacy and comfort in a natural environment full of scenic views.
9. What is included in a classic Sacred Valley tour?
The classic Sacred Valley tour includes visits to the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, as well as stops at traditional artisan markets. It includes tourist transportation, a professional guide, and a buffet lunch.
10. Can personalized tours be arranged in the Sacred Valley?
Yes, we offer private and personalized tours that allow you to choose destinations, include experiences, or combine archaeological routes with activities such as cycling, trekking, cultural workshops, and more.