Where To Stay In Sacred Valley Peru: Best Areas + Our Favourite Hotel
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
Most people choose a day tour for the Sacred Valley, but we think it deserves more! From the bustling town of Urubamba, with its delicious restaurants, colourful markets and valley views, to the ancient ruins many come to see and explore, there’s much more to discover than just a quick tour.
We gave the Sacred Valley a week overall and it became our base as we discovered more about the Incas, we even returned after visiting Machu Picchu.
Here’s our take on where to stay in the Sacred Valley, Peru, plus where to eat after a long day exploring the ancient sites.
Where Is The Sacred Valley Peru?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu, carved out by the Urubamba River. It sits at a slightly lower altitude than Cusco, which makes it a gentler place to acclimatise and a far more beautiful one.
Most visitors pass through on a day tour from Cusco, ticking off the highlights. And while that gives you a taste, it barely scratches the surface. The valley is layered with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and landscapes ready to be discovered. We'd suggest giving it at least two to three days on your itinerary ideally with a base right in the valley itself.
How To Get To The Sacred Valley Peru?
As overlanders we drove ourselves after exploring Cusco and headed to Urubamba as a base, the drive was breathtaking as we chose mountain paths with winding switchbacks just wide enough for our car.
If you need public transport, there are cheap colectivos at the Avenida terminal, the journey only takes an hour and a half. Alternatively, ask your accommodation to arrange a private taxi.
How Long To Spend In The Sacred Valley?
With lots to see and do, we’d recommend two or three nights to properly explore the area, enjoy the culinary delights and relax in a beautiful setting.
Then head to Machu Picchu or Cusco to continue your trip.
Top Things To Do In The Sacred Valley
Pisac
This market town is famous for its colourful markets and local produce and is one of the valley's busiest hubs. However, if you want something quieter the Inca Ruins above the town are just as impressive.
Ollantaytambo
The fortress rising in terraces above the town is enormous up close and it's one of the few Inca sites that was never fully conquered by the Spanish. The town itself is just as special, with narrow stone streets and water channels that have been running since Inca times. It's also where you'll catch the train if Machu Picchu is on your list (although we recommend a completely different adventure to get there).
Moray
Moray is unlike anything else in the valley. A series of concentric circular terraces carved into a natural bowl in the earth, it's believed the Incas used it as an agricultural laboratory. Each ring sits at a slightly different temperature, allowing the Incas to experiment with crops in different growing conditions. This is close to the Maras salt mines so they’re best visited together.
Maras salt mines
One thing we noticed when we drove down to the salt mines was the scale of the operation. Thousands of individual salt pools cascade down the mountain. As we walked around we observed local families harvesting the salt and the colours shifting as the sun came in and out. We bought some pink salt from the valley as a souvenir as we left. This site gets busy, so if you can visit in the afternoon or evening it's best and also has the best light for photography.
Chinchero
We didn't make it to Chinchero on this trip but it sits above the valley at over 3,700 metres and it's known for its Sunday market, traditional weaving demonstrations and a stunning colonial church built on Inca foundations.
Machu Picchu
Although just outside the Sacred Valley, this is the perfect place to start your journey towards the famous wonder of the world. With a few options to reach it we chose an alternative Salkantay Trek run by local mountaineer Nate… this truly was an experience, an adventure like no other and something we highly recommend if you want to get off the beaten track.
Best Areas To Stay In The Sacred Valley
Urubamba
In the heart of it all is Urubamba, the perfect base to access most attractions in the area plus there are plenty of restaurants to try and a lovely local market.
During our week in the Sacred Valley we based ourselves in Urubamba and found it to be the ideal location. Most attractions were within a short drive, there were plenty of restaurants and cafes, and it felt far less rushed than Cusco. For most travellers, we think Urubamba offers the best balance of convenience and atmosphere.
Ollantaytambo
This is where most trains depart for Machu Picchu and one of the most atmospheric towns in the valley. If your itinerary centres around Machu Picchu, staying here can save travel time, although we still preferred Urubamba as an overall base.
Pisac
This is a whole other town and area to explore, and could probably be given it’s own days on an itinerary due to the laid-back atmosphere and popular markets. Although if you don’t have time then we still recommend staying in Urubamba.
Where To Stay In Sacred Valley Peru: Urubamba
As we mentioned above, we think the Sacred Valley deserves more than just a day trip. We chose to stay at Andean Wings Valley, in the heart of Urubamba and the perfect base to explore whether by yourself or with a tour.
There are multiple rooms at different price points from twins to suites meaning it's a great choice for both families, backpackers and group trips.
Andean Wings Valley: Our Pick For Where To Stay In Sacred Valley Peru
In the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas you can find Andean Wings Valley Boutique Hotel. It is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the surrounding historical and cultural attractions of the Sacred Valley.
The hotel offers everything from twin rooms to larger suites, onsite parking, a wellness centre, beautiful gardens and one of the best restaurants we found in Peru.
Rooms are nestled within the hotel gardens, which are home to various species of flowers, herbs and shrubbery that create serenity for your stay. Waking up and pulling back the curtain to floral scents and vibrant blooms definitely makes this stay a little special.
Our room blended traditional Andean design with modern comforts, featuring comfortable beds, windows overlooking the gardens and a peaceful atmosphere that made it easy to unwind after long days exploring the Sacred Valley.
Another reason we loved our stay here was the onsite restaurant Romero Osteria, hands down the best food we’ve enjoyed during our two months exploring the country and we loved the Peruvian twist on Italian classics, oh… and the best Pisco Sour!
Yoga & Spa
Andean Wings Valley also provides morning Yoga sessions and Spa treatments in their dedicated Wellness rooms dotted throughout the hotel. Honestly this would have been perfect after our Salkantay Trek, our legs were done for!
Breakfast Buffet
Before a long day exploring the Sacred Valley sites we enjoyed the buffet breakfast which has both hot and cold choices ranging from potatoes, pancakes, cake, fresh fruit, cereal and more! Don’t worry, Mike filled himself up here, he loves a buffet!
Where To Eat In The Sacred Valley?
Romero Osteria
As the evening rolled round we headed to Andean Wings onsite restaurant, Romero Osteria. An Italian-Peruvian fusion that hands down was the best food during our two months in Peru… and best drinks!
We enjoyed starters of Alpaca in a Tuna sauce and Boccachili cheese alongside moreish rosemary bread. Already stuffed our mains were an Alpaca Ham and Prawn Pizza and Lomo Saltado, the most incredible sauce to dip the chips in.
It goes without saying we were suitably impressed and to top it off the Pisco Sour was the best we’ve had!
Chifa
If you’re looking for something else then there are also plenty of Chifa restaurants in Urubamba. The service is quick, meals are cheap and delicious! We had fried chicken rice and Pollo Tipakay. An homage to Sweet & Sour which is one of our favourites back in the UK.
Abby 1
If you need food on the go, Abby 1 in Urubamba is the best minimart we found, with vegan options, pre-made sandwiches and cakes.
FAQ’s About Staying In The Sacred Valley
Is It Better To Stay In Cusco Or The Sacred Valley?
We stayed in both Cusco and the Sacred Valley, if you’re short on time, base yourself in Cusco and take a day tour. However, there’s so much to see. A dedicated stay in the Sacred Valley is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture and history.
What Is The Best Town To Stay In The Sacred Valley?
For us, Urubamba was the perfect hub thanks to its central location, restaurants and easy access to the valley's main attractions.
How Many Days Do You Need In The Sacred Valley?
Around two to three nights would give you enough time to explore the area. As we had the luxury of our camper, we spent a few extra nights exploring the local town as well as the surrounding sights.
Can You Visit Machu Picchu From The Sacred Valley?
Yes! Tour operators will be able to arrange a taxi to Ollantaytambo where you can catch a train or if you want a challenge and an alternative Salkantay trek then message Nate, a high altitude guide with a mountain hut next to the mountain! Truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Final Thoughts on Andean Wings Valley Boutique Hotel
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Andean Wings and the Sacred Valley. Is it wrong to say the food rivalled the ruins for us… it was just that good!
After enjoying three days in the area we moved onto Machu Picchu and our next adventure.
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
These are some of the travel tools we love and use daily, by booking through our links you support our blog and help us grow, thank you.
Thank you for reading and enjoy your Peru adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
* We were kindly gifted our stay at Andean Wings Valley although all opinions are our own.
.png)
Comments