We visited the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Southeastern Peru for the first time over 30 years ago! We’ve been back countless times and always had a blast. To us, the area is amongst the nicest in the world. We are talking about a massive valley in the middle of gorgeous tall mountains.
The valley extends from Pisac to Machu Picchu along the Urubamba River. That is why locals call it the Urubamba Valley. Pisac is close to Cusco and Machu Picchu some 60 miles (100 km) apart. Therefore, choosing the right place where to stay in the Sacred Valley is essential.
You have nothing to worry about. There are great hotels in the Sacred Valley. All you have to do is consider your needs and preferences. The area has changed a lot during the years and now offers just about everything. We are talking about some of the most beautiful places in Peru.
Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu. The cute little town is beneath the archaeological remains. Trains from Ollantaytambo arrive here. Once in Aguas Calientes, you have to take a bus up to the hills. It’s a short bus ride along a curvy road.
The vast majority of tourists visit Machu Picchu just for the day. They come by bus and train from Cusco early in the morning and leave in the evening. We believe this is a huge mistake. The entire area is so pretty that you have to spend at least one night there.
Spend most of your first day in the ruins. Then discover Aguas Calientes and enjoy epic views of the tall green hills. Trek to the Alcomayo Falls. Go to the mineral baths, Aguas Calientes. These are a 10-minute walk from the center. Enjoy delicious local food with views next to the river.
We Recommend These Hotels in Aguas Calientes:
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel
You can’t get closer to the archaeological remains than at the Sanctuary Lodge. The hotel managed by Belmond Hotels is the only one up on the hill, next to the ruins. The best rooms have views over Huayna Picchu, the hill in front of Machu Picchu. The hotel is worth every penny.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
You have to stay in one of the hotels in Aguas Calientes. The best one is the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The hotel is in the middle of the jungle, next to Aguas Caliente. The rooms are extra big and luxurious. Their breakfast and dinner plan is a steal!
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is our favorite place in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The cute little town is only 40 miles (60 km) from Cusco City and 20 miles (33 km) from Machu Picchu. Tall mountains tower above the quaint little town. You can see glaciers and snow-covered peaks all year round!
You have to visit the archaeological remains of Ollantaytambo in the center of the town. The Inca Emperor Pachacutec built the town and temple in the 15th Century. He improved the infrastructure and made bigger canals over previous citadels. Manco Inca used it as a fortress to fight off the Spaniard conquistadores.
Ollantaytambo is some 9000 feet (2800 m) above sea level, so take your time. Go up to Inka Misana to enjoy breathtaking views of the valley. Check out the Quelloraqay Archaeological Remains next to the river. Spend time in the main square and get lost in the town’s tiny streets.
We Recommend These Hotels in Ollantaytambo:
Sol Natura Hotel
Our favorite hotel in Ollantaytambo is the Sol Natura. The hotel is within walking distance of the train station and the archaeological remains. It’s in a lovely garden and has onsite parking. The best rooms are extra big and have views of the hills. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
Luisa
If you are looking for great accommodation at an unbeatable price, book a room at Hostal Luisa. The hotel is in the center within walking distance of the archaeological remains. We love its wooden verandas and high ceilings. The king rooms with balconies overlooking the hills are a great deal.
Urubamba
Urubamba is the biggest town in the valley and has accommodation for all types of travelers. With a population of less than 3000 people, it is still pretty small. It’s in the middle of the valley, about an hour from Cusco city. Is Urubamba worth visiting? Absolutely!
Most tourists make a short stop on their way to other places or come for the day from Cusco. What a mistake! The town has fantastic weather all year round, archaeological remains, historic buildings, fantastic restaurants, and a lot of nature to discover. You can river raft, paraglide, mountain bike, and hike.
You can also take the train to Machu Picchu. We love Urubamba’s vibe. Due to the mix of travelers and locals, it’s quite relaxed and authentic. The main square is from 1866. Walk in the center searching for old houses with wooden balconies. There’s a super cool street market on Wednesdays and Fridays.
We Recommend These Hotels in Urubamba:
San Agustin Monasterio de la Recoleta
We love historic hotels! The San Agustin Monasterio de la Recoleta was built in the 17th Century. You can see the original chapel and fountain! The hotel features antiques and original paintings. The rooms are big and face a lovely garden. The historic onsite bar is super cool.
Lizzy Wasi Urubamba
Considering its class and location, Lizzy Wasi Urubamba is great value for money. The hotel is set in a gorgeous garden with 2 cute alpacas roaming about and hammocks! It’s a 15 minute walk from the center. The rooms are extra comfy. It’s got a sauna and hot tub at an extra cost.
Calca
Calca is one of the smallest towns in the Sacred Valley. Stay here if you like nature. It’s at the northern tip of the Valley. At almost 10000 feet (2900 m) above sea level, it’s one of the highest towns too. Calca is famous for its treks.
You can walk to the Archaeological Remains of Huchuy Qosco in two hours. Another fantastic trek is up the hill to the QanQan lagoon. The Inkariy Museum is an hour’s walk east. On your way there, stop at the Urco archaeological remains. No entrance fee and unbelievable views guaranteed!
One of our favorite walks is to Calispuquio, another Inca ruins an hour north of Calca. If you keep walking for another hour, you reach the Machacancha hot springs. You can soak in natural mineral water enjoying the views with the locals. If you are tired, you can go everywhere with an inexpensive taxi.
We Recommend These Hotels in Calca:
Hotel R House Valle Sagrado Collection
You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to stay in comfort. Hotel R House is next to the main square. The house has two stories and a lovely garden. You can see the surrounding hills! The rooms have comfy beds. The quadruple ones are perfect for friends and families.
Hotel Los Laureles
Hotel Los Laureles is a 10 minute walk from the main square. The contemporary building has a small garden and overlooks the river. All of the rooms are big and come with a fully equipped kitchenette. It’s got a lounge, terrace, picnic area, billiard table, and ping pong.
Pisac
Pisac is the best area to stay if you want to be close to Cusco City. The town is 20 miles (35 km) northeast of the city. That’s why the vast majority of tourist visit for the day and leave. Most come just to enjoy the market.
Pisac is a great place to set base and worth visiting on its own too. The city has attracted a lot of Peruvian artists and free thinkers. You will see yoga retreats, spiritual centers, and community gardens. People visit Pisac to heal, socialize, and exchange ideas.
An Inca citadel towers above the city. It’s one of the greatest in Peru! You can see it from everywhere. Go up, and enjoy the views. Do not miss the sun clock (intiwatana) near the ruins. All types of restaurants and bars dot the town. The market is on Constitution Square on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
We Recommend These Hotels in Pisac:
Pisac Inn
The Pisac Inn is on Constitution Square. It faces the market! It’s a two-story colonial house with traditional wooden beams and a great veranda overlooking the square. The complimentary breakfast is good, and they have free tea in the afternoons. The service is warm and professional. Free onsite parking.
Pisac Inca Guest House
Our favorite hotel in Pisac is the Inca Guest House. The hotel is a couple of blocks from Constitution Square and the river. It’s a 4 story building with memorable views. The rooms have handmade blankets. It’s got a lovely garden with a cute resident llama! Some rooms have a kitchen.
Other Great Hotels in the Sacred Valley
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness
The Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is one of the best luxury hotels in the area. The 17th Century Hacienda is just 10 miles (15 km) from Urubamba. The hotel is in a massive garden next to the river. The rooms are big and have a hot tub.
StarDomeLodge
The one and only StarDomeLodge crowns a hill above Ollantaytambo. The luxurious property features a glass dome with the best views in the entire valley. The rooms are big and feature premium beds. The food is locally sourced, and the service is elegant and warm. Stay here for an unforgettable experience.
How Long to Stay in the Sacred Valley
You can stay forever in the Sacred Valley. The region is absolutely gorgeous and enjoys great weather all year round. In fact, people from the rest of Peru and foreigners are making the valley their permanent residence. We’ve been for weeks and never had a dull moment.
However, we all have time constraints and a huge world to discover. Thus, you are probably wondering how many days are needed in the Sacred Valley to cover the basics. We believe you should spend at least 3 nights. One night you have to spend close to Machu Picchu.
Thus, you will only have 2 days in the valley. You will have to rush a bit, but you will see the area’s top attractions. We believe a week is much better. The valley is a place to be experienced. The locals are warm, elegant, and fun. You need to experience their culture!
Moving Around the Sacred Valley
First and foremost, get the Cusco Tourist Ticket. There are several options. The one that grants access to Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero, and Moran costs approximately 25 US$. The rest of the attractions are free. You have another ticket for the attractions in Cusco City. Here you’ll find info on where to stay in Cusco.
You can walk within all of the above-mentioned towns. The area is safe, and there are sidewalks almost everywhere. In fact, walking about these little towns is a must. You can take taxis, tours, buses, and vans to move from town to town. We try to take as many buses and vans as possible.
Every town has a small bus stop. Ask your hotel for the one closest and be sure to tell them where you want to go. Buses and vans are inexpensive, some 1US$ to 5US$. Vans operate frequently. Another great option is to meet other travelers and share a taxi.
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