After our arrival to the Sacred Valley of Peru, we headed straight to Urubamba to acclimate at the famed Tambo Del Inka hotel. This award winning resort that’s included in the Libertador, Starwoods, and Luxury Collection Hotel portfolios is conveniently located halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Spending your first night in a luxury hotel when entering this high altitude region is a godsend. This was the perfect place to acclimate, even with our precautionary prescriptions, we were starting to feel heavy and short of breath in the high altitude.
Many who embark to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu use this hotel as a base to get in and out of Machu Picchu. With luxury accommodations, this hotel also boasts its own private train station that goes to Aguas Calientes every morning.
The staff was wonderful and we were able to arrange leaving some of our ‘less needed luggage’ when we went on to Machu Picchu (especially since there’s a 10-15lbs maximum you can bring on the train), and picked it back up on our way back through the area. Amazing service all around.
As we pulled into the entrance, we could see the sprawling lodge with its impeccable landscaping. As we got closer, we could tell that this was a gorgeous and impressive building.
Entering the lobby, there is a sense of awe with the huge, vaulted ceilings and mammoth fireplaces. The surroundings are warm and inviting, with lots of wood, stone and natural materials. You don’t wait in line here to check in, the staff takes you to the couches, brings you beverages and prepares your room.
Coca tea and a selection of other teas are available to those who are still getting used to the altitude. The fireplace is a nice touch of comfort after a long day’s journey.
The other areas of the hotel, such as the dining room and sitting rooms have no shortage of the same elements. The “tree structures” that support the roof were of particular visual interest, and an impressive sight.
Heading down the hallways to our room, the entire hotel has a great cohesive aesthetic with bright colors on a warm yellow blonde background.
Our room was wonderful, with a living room which opened to the back gardens, the Urubamba River sits about 40 feet from the room. On another stay at this same property on the way back from Machu Picchu, we got a second floor room which has higher ceilings but no patio access. I would recommend the ground floor room facing the river if given the choice.
The bedroom is modern, with textured walls, local rugs and artwork. Fixtures and furniture are comfortable and the entire area is very open, giving the feeling of an apartment that you never want to leave.
The swimming area is incredible with an infinity pool that starts indoors and goes outdoors. It was a bit chilly and we managed a short swim before retiring back to the room.
The grounds are wonderful and well-kept, we wandered around, found the train station and took a few moments to grab a picture or two.
The breakfast buffet was included in the stay and had an impressive assortment of juices, and breakfast options. For our other meals we found the menu a bit pricey for the area but quite tasty, although with the location being so central in Urabamba it’s less than a 5 minute walk to the main restaurant strip in town. The three restaurants we would recommend in as alternatives are Pacu Pacu (charming cafe and dinner date spot), Pizza Wasi (for pizza), and Kaia (bohemian vibe with great vegetarian/healthy options).
We highly recommend this hotel for anyone headed to Machu Picchu either as a place to acclimate before moving on or as a base to see the Valley. Prices vary between seasons but tend to be on the higher end of hotels in the area. For any fellow Starwoods SPG members, we managed to get a Cash and Points reservation (6000 points + $110USD).