Surrounded by spectacular Andean vistas and located halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is the perfect home base for travelers to explore the heart of the Incan Empire, the Urubamba Valley. Often referred to as the Sacred Valley, this lush strip of fertile farmland is replete with ancient terraces, indigenous markets and towns where Quechua-speaking people have lived since Incan times. The rich cultural treasures of this land are often condensed into a day trip from Cusco in the rush to get to Machu Picchu, but travelers in the know will appreciate a few days in the Urubamba Valley where authentic immersion in the Andean heritage is possible. Nearly everyone comes to Peru for Machu Picchu, but it is the pause to hike along ancient, untrammeled Incan pathways with a local guide, drop in on a local chicheria, visit a market or weaving cooperative in the early morning or learn about the traditional crops and medicinal herbs grown on the Hacienda's 10-acre organic farm that often end up being the surprise highlight of a trip to Peru.
MARKETING MATERIALS
For Reservations — sales@inkaterra.com
PROPERTY FACTS
36
Suites (1) Jr. Suites (2) Casitas (24) Urubamba Superior Deluxe (9)
Bed & Breakfast
Yes, Throughout and Complimentary
Open Year Round
Virtuoso
Full Service Mayu Spa
On-Site Excursions
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RATES
$420 per room per night
Starting B&B
LOCATION: Urubamba Valley, Peru
Closet Domestic Airport:
The Cusco airport (CUZ) is about 90 minutes by car and is served by frequent daily direct flights to and from Lima, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado and Juliaca.
Lima (LIM) (1 hour flight time) provides onward connections throughout Peru and international destinations.
Most guests access Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba by flying first to Cusco from Lima and traveling to the Sacred Valley by car or by taking the train that runs between Cusco to Machu Picchu and disembarking at the Ollantaytambo station.
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WHEN TO VISIT
Peru and the Sacred Valley can be visited year round and enjoy a subtropical highland climate - warm and sunny during the day and cold at night, with temperatures varying between 44°F (7°C) and 70°F (21°C). Humidity is about 55%, and annual rainfall is about 27-30 inches. Dry season is from May to October, and the green is from November to April, when the heaviest rainfall occurs and when orchids bloom in the surrounding cloud forest. The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance.
We love Peru in all seasons but are particularly fond of March-May, when the Sacred Valley is lush and green, newly bloomed flowers perfume the cloud forest and the crowds are not quite as pressing as during the summer holiday season.
FOR FAMILIES
Hacienda Urubamba is a great option for families with an ideal location close to the Sacred Valley's more popular attractions (Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Maras, Moray, and indigenous markets) but offering guests more peace and quiet then a Cusco hotel, not to mention a lower elevation for acclimatizing. Spacious rooms easily accommodate an additional bed and children under 12 receive a discounted rate. Younger children will enjoy learning how to pick their own vegetables and about typical Andean crop's grown on the Hacienda's organic farm, and older children can join the Hacienda's guides on an evening hike to learn about Incan astronomy. Family-friendly activities like river rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking are all readily available daily, within a short distance from the Hacienda.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY
The minimum suggested stay is two nights before or after exploring Machu Picchu, or three nights for guests trying to acclimate before a trek to the Inca citadel. Three to Four nights is ideal which will allow guests to explore much of the surrounding Sacred Valley on private excursions but still provide for some down time at the property and taking advantage of the guided explorations available on site.
UNIQUE SELLING POINTS
For travelers with concerns about altitude, the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley and Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (9,776' asl) makes it a better first acclimation stop for travelers en route to Machu Picchu than Cusco (11,152' asl), which can be explored towards the end of a trip in the Peruvian Andes.
Included in the rates are naturalist-led excursions around the Hacienda (as at all Inkaterra properties).
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba has the best views and location of any luxury property in the Sacred Valley. Rather than being located in a walled compound in one of the townships, it sits surrounded by farmland, set back off of the main road. The views are staggering as it sits slightly elevated on the valley edge.
Large individual casitas provide intimacy and exclusivity.
Access authentic indigenous markets like Pisac, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo in the early mornings before the tour buses arrive with day trippers from Cusco.
Prior to embarking on a challenging trek to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail or Salkantay treks, travelers can acclimate in comfort.
BEST COMBINED WITH
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba and the the Sacred Valley is an ideal first stop for visitors after arrival in the Cusco/Machu Picchu area due to its lower elevation than the city of Cusco. From here you can get down to Machu Picchu by train in a few hours and be in Cusco in a little over an hour.
The Sacred Valley is not to be missed during any itinerary to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Consider pairing it with a visit to the Peruvian Amazon or Lake Titicaca.
Want to know about altitude sickness in Peru from someone who spent 10 years guiding there? This blog shares my personal experience, advice on what to expect, and preventative measures you can take for yourself and your clients.