A few days into our trip through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu we headed about 10 minutes away from the town center of Urubamba, went up an unassuming dirt road and arrived at the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba hotel. Traveling through some local farms and ranches, the hotel is located in a secluded nook of the Peruvian highlands, with postcard views all around. Being that the hotel itself is so new and the area so private, it was hard for our cab driver to figure out where it was. I see that as a great feature and luckily, I printed out step by step directions.
Over the course of this trip we fell in love with the Inkaterra hotels, each location has a unique feel of warmth and authenticity. It’s welcoming and their love of nature and Peru really shows and offers a peaceful stay that is harmonious with its surroundings.
Nestled in the Andes, it looks and feels like a true Andean ranch, with incredible décor and attention to detail. Masks, statues, bells, even metal shoes are some of the artifacts that decorate the property. Upon arrival you’re welcomed with a Peru’s signature Chicha, a purple corn drink. The hotel also offers a complimentary tea time with baked goods.
The main areas take advantage of expansive mountain views. The hotel has a lot of architectural detail with warm woods, raw stone, tile and masonry. The craftsmanship is very nice and has a human, hand hewn feel.
We had a fireplace in our room, which made it truly special and cozy on a crisp night in the mountains. Brand new flatscreens are a nice touch, but we preferred ‘nature’s TV’.
Rooms are spacious and well appointed with incredibly comfortable beds, high ceilings and exposed wood beams. We stayed in the main part of the hotel, cabins are being constructed around the property for a truly private experience.
Included with the stay are free guided tours such as bird watches and night hikes complete with historical and mythological lessons with a touch of folklore. In addition, the minibar items are free and while I’ve never seen that before, it’s a nice touch to not feel charged for every little thing at a hotel.
Despite the close proximity to town, this hotel offers a feeling of seclusion, privacy and complete serenity. This is a great honeymoon spot and with only 12 rooms, booking at least 6 months in advance is suggested.