The Sacred Valley is one of my favourite places in Peru to spend a little more time. Not just because of its impressive Inca sites, but especially because of the landscape: green valleys, towering Andean mountains and vast agricultural fields. Right in the middle of this scenery lies Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, a luxury boutique hotel in hacienda style, surrounded by nature and with views of the mountains. The spacious rooms and casitas, spa, restaurant and range of activities make it not only a lovely place to explore the Sacred Valley, but also a destination in its own right, where you can take some time to relax. In this article, you’ll find out more about Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, including the hotel, its rooms and facilities, and what you can do in the surrounding area.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is inspired by the traditional haciendas of the Andes. The main building has a warm, colonial feel and beautifully designed interiors, while the rooms and detached casitas are spread across the green grounds. The hotel is located at an altitude of approximately 2,900 metres in the Sacred Valley, with views of the surrounding mountains. Its architecture and interior design blend in with the surroundings, featuring plenty of wood, natural materials and details inspired by the Andes.
You don’t get the feeling of staying in a large hotel here. The grounds consist of gardens, agricultural land and several buildings connected by walking paths. In a way, the hotel feels like a small country estate in the valley.
Would you like to stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley? Here you can find the latest prices and availability.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is located in Peru’s Sacred Valley, between Cusco and Machu Picchu. From the hacienda, you can visit several towns and sights in the valley, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Maras and Moray. You can also include the hacienda in your itinerary when visiting Machu Picchu.
My recommendation is not to use Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba simply as a convenient overnight stop on your way to Machu Picchu, but to plan a longer stay of at least two or three nights. That way, you’ll have time to explore the Sacred Valley and enjoy the hotel itself. In my next article, you’ll find all my tips on things to do in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
At Hacienda Urubamba, you can choose between a room or suite in the main building, but in my opinion, the detached casitas are the most beautiful option. They are spread across the grounds and have charming interiors, with plenty of attention to detail, natural materials and beautiful elements inspired by the Peruvian Andes.
The casitas have large windows and their own balcony or terrace overlooking the valley and mountains. You can sit quietly with a book, admire the mountains and watch the light change throughout the day. The views are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot deer wandering around the grounds. Inside, the fireplace, wooden details and soft alpaca blankets create a warm and cosy atmosphere.
The evening turndown service is another lovely touch. When you return to your room, the curtains have been closed and the bed has been prepared for the night. Fresh bottles of water are waiting for you, and there’s a piece of chocolate or another little gift on your pillow.
Would you like to stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley? Here you can find the latest prices and availability.
Although the surrounding landscape is naturally the main attraction, you don’t have to go on an excursion every day when staying at Hacienda Urubamba. There are several little touches and facilities that make you want to spend some time enjoying the grounds as well.
You don’t even have to leave the grounds to enjoy a good meal. The restaurant and its adjoining terraces overlook the valley and surrounding mountains. During the day, it’s a lovely place to have lunch outside, while in the evening you can settle in indoors for a stylish dinner. Candles are placed throughout the restaurant, and the fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere.
The menu features Peruvian dishes made with plenty of local ingredients. Think ceviche, trout and dishes featuring quinoa, corn and different varieties of potatoes. Inkaterra has its own organic garden, where some of these ingredients are grown. The service is also attentive and personal, without feeling formal.
One thing I particularly enjoy is the daily tea time. Every afternoon, you can settle down in the bar for a cup of tea and something delicious. Think biscuits, slices of cake and little sandwiches. It doesn’t take much to make me happy!
What makes it special is that Inkaterra serves its own organic tea. It comes from the more than 100-year-old Camellia sinensis plantation at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, located in the cloud forest near Machu Picchu. The plants grow at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, beneath the shade of native trees. The young leaves are picked by hand and processed using traditional methods. The tea has even received several awards at the Teas of the World Awards.
At the end of the day, the atmosphere changes once again. As the temperature drops and the mountains slowly grow darker, there’s nothing quite like sitting outside by the fire with a drink. Just the silence of the valley, the fire and the mountains all around you.
One of my favourite places on the grounds is Mayu Spa. The name means ‘river’ in Quechua, and the spa’s design is inspired by traditional Andean architecture. Set among the greenery and orchard, it has four treatment rooms, a sauna and a jacuzzi. The natural surroundings play an important role, and several treatments use local plants and herbs sourced from the adjacent Healing Garden.
Of course, you can visit the many highlights of the Sacred Valley, but Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba also offers several activities of its own. After days of travelling around Peru, it’s lovely not to have to head out again straight away.
Some of the included excursions are Birds of Urubamba, the Challa Huasi Trail, Chicha de Jora and the Crepúsculo Tour. These activities are included in your stay and can be arranged at the hotel. Would you like to explore the surrounding area? In the next travel guide, you’ll find all my tips on things to do in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
One of the nicest walks, which you can do independently or accompanied by a local guide, is the Challa Huasi Trail. A walking path takes you partway up the mountain, offering beautiful views over Huayoccari and Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. Along the way, you’ll pass medicinal plants, cacti and flowers.
The combination of gardens, agricultural land and the surrounding mountains makes Hacienda Urubamba an interesting place for birdwatching. You’ll find colourful hummingbirds, parrots and various birds of prey, including hawks.
During the Birds of Urubamba excursion, you’ll head out early in the morning, when birds are most active. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll walk around the grounds in search of different species and learn more about the birds found here.
Have you ever heard of chicha de jora? This traditional, lightly fermented corn drink has played a role in Andean culture for centuries. On the grounds of Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, you’ll find a small chichería, where you can learn more about the history and preparation of chicha de jora.
During the activity, you’ll learn how the drink is made and, of course, get to taste it yourself. I’m still not a huge fan, but tastes obviously differ!
At the end of the day, you can join the Crepúsculo Tour, a walk at dusk and around sunset. As the light slowly changes and the mountains take on different colours, you’ll explore the grounds and surrounding area with a guide.
During the walk, you’ll learn about the important role astrology and the night sky have traditionally played in Andean life. Your guide will explain how people in the Andes observe the sky, nature and the seasons, and how these are connected to everyday life and local traditions.
Hacienda Urubamba is centrally located in the Sacred Valley and makes a great base for visiting the different places in the area. From the hotel, you can explore Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Maras and Moray, as well as lesser-known places such as Naupa Iglesia and Perolniyoc Waterfall. I wouldn’t recommend filling every day with excursions, though. When staying at a hotel like this, it’s lovely to leave some time to enjoy the property itself: perhaps an excursion in the morning, a leisurely lunch, followed by tea time or a treatment at the spa.
Would you like to find out more about the different sights, walks and other places in the valley? Read my comprehensive article about Peru’s Sacred Valley. You can also easily combine a visit to Machu Picchu with a stay at Hacienda Urubamba.
For me, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is the perfect base for exploring the Sacred Valley. You can discover the surrounding area while also having a wonderful place to return to after a day out. You’ll be staying in luxurious and stylish accommodation in a beautiful setting among the mountains, with an excellent restaurant, a spa and various activities on the grounds for those days when you feel like taking it easy. And with your own terrace outside your room, you can sit outdoors at the end of the day and enjoy the views.
One thing to bear in mind, though, is that Hacienda Urubamba is deliberately located away from the hustle and bustle. You can’t simply walk to a restaurant or shop. But for me, that peaceful setting is part of what makes this place so special.
You can find more information about Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba on its website and instagram. Would you like to stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley? Here you can find the latest prices and availability. Looking for more hotels in the area? Take a look here. Curious about other Inkaterra hotels? I’ve also visited Inkaterra La Casona and Inkaterra Cabo Blanco.
Planning a trip to Peru or just starting your research? In the next travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about traveling to Peru, including practical tips, essential travel info, and inspiration for where to go and what to see. Hopefully, my articles will help you get the most out of your trip, or convince you to add Peru to your travel bucket list.
Did you enjoy reading this article about Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in Peru? Let me take you on a further journey along the most beautiful destinations and attractions in Peru in the next articles.
Disclaimer: I was invited to stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba hotel in de heilige vallei in Peru, but this review is based on my personal view and is independent from the invitation.This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our disclosures for more information.
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As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
