Sacred Valley & Cuzco Holidays - Peru | Best at Travel

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One of the magical corners of Peru, Cusco and the Sacred Valley merges cultural heritage with spellbinding natural sights, in a place that was deemed the centre of the world by the Inca. There’s adventure to be had in the form of white water rafting along the Urubamba River, winding its way past undulating hills, or horse riding through the wilderness to feel a close connection with the nature world. There are also age-old traditions to observe, from weaving and pottery to music and art, before having a go at making handicrafts for yourself.

Tradition merges its way into daily life as tightly as the Inca legacy. This great civilisation has left its mark on Cusco and the Sacred Valley in many forms, most evidently in the mighty archaeological sites scattered throughout the region. From Sacsayhuaman, the complex perched on a hilltop overlooking Cusco, to Ollantaytambo’s fortresses and of course the one and only Machu Picchu; the Incas’ awe-inspiring ingenuity is clear to see in each and every remnant. Even Cusco’s foundations are owed to the Inca, built on by the Spanish colonists who added their own architectural flair to create a beautiful city, whose enchantment never fails to captivate.

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Aranwa Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley

Fusing old with new, the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel embraces its history, built as it is on the grounds of a 17th century colonial horse ranch, while also ensuring that a luxurious and pampered stay is on offer for the 21st century traveller. A keen focus throughout this hotel is on a spiritual connection with the sacred Valley and importance of both physical and mental wellbeing, achieved with the help of their expansive signature spa which provides an unending menu of facials, massage techniques and aromatherapy treatments.

Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Cuzco

The Belmond Monasterio is a unique hotel built on Inca ruins.

Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado

Sacred Valley

The prestigious Belmond Group have certainly come up trumps with this exclusive property, situated as it is, in one of the finest locations anywhere in Peru’s Sacred Valley. With every balconied guestroom overlooking the Urubamba River and the property itself being surrounded by rolling hills on three sides, it is all-too-easy to fall in love with this exquisite hotel, and that’s before even stepping foot inside the Belmond Rio Sagrado’s five-star doors or tasting their world-class cuisine!

While revelling in the effortlessly attentive service and commitment to absolute quality, which all Belmond Hotels are well-known for, the Rio Sagrado excels in its continuation of this most highly-regarded brand’s enviable reputation. Hammocks casually draped between eucalyptus trees, a decked outdoor infinity pool so perfectly placed and intentionally isolated that you may never want to leave, and a restaurant serving up some of the best food in the entire region; just three of the many things you can look forward to during your stay. Continual nods toward the local surroundings and wider Peruvian culture exist from the subtle interior colour scheme to the slightly more boastful gourmet menu of 21st-century takes on classic Peruvian dishes, leaving you perfectly in the mood for those outdoor explorations and all the exciting discoveries to be made among this enchanting region.

Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique

Cuzco

The effortless grandeur of the building itself carries through all aspects of the Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, from carved bed posts to elegant, heavy drapes in the restaurant. Much of this beautiful property goes above and beyond its authentic 16th century magnificence, with all original features carefully polished and restored, though enhanced by modern comforts, enchanting chandeliers and plush furnishing.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba invites guests into its enticing rural abode with special charm, nestled as it is in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There’s a rustic-chic feel to this hideaway, made to reflect the traditional haciendas while offering mod-cons and high-quality features, for a sumptuous stay in one of Peru’s most alluring destinations.

The backdrop of Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is hard to rival, made up of verdant pastures and towering mountains, and flaunting 100 private acres to enjoy. The organic garden plays an important role here at the hotel, allowing the restaurant to produce fabulous field-to-fork cuisine using ingredients like quinoa, giant corn and native potatoes, which are cultivated using age-old methods to keep with tradition. Although the hotel’s charm will make it hard to tear yourself away, don’t miss the opportunity to delve into the Sacred Valley on excursions to ecological farms, local villages and of course Machu Picchu, and if it’s an adrenalin rush you’re after then the Urubamba is well-known for its white water rafting and horse riding, too. Kids will love Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba just as much as grown-ups, particularly the special Explorer Kit which is filled with goodies like a flashlight, cap, magnifying glass and more; only the best for budding adventurers.

Inkaterra La Casona

Cuzco

It took five years to carefully restore and renovate the colonial mansion that is now Inkaterra La Casona, an intimate, beautiful refuge tucked away on a quiet square in central Cusco. This intriguing bolt-hole is a mere five-minute stroll to the Plaza de Armas and sits right next to the Museum of Colonial Art, though with all the historic décor, furnishings and artwork, you’ll feel as though you’re staying in a museum anyway!

You’ll be joining a prestigious guestbook at Inkaterra La Casona, since Simon Bolivar – Peru’s libertador – was welcomed here, among others, over many years. As you pass through the colonnaded stone walls of the central courtyard, or take a seat in the cosy lounge, complete with roaring fireplace, you’ll no doubt sense the air of heritage here at Cusco’s oldest hotel. It’s not just the colonial features that stand out, but also the pre-Columbian and Andean elements, made up of vibrant, colourful textures that lend a homely, welcoming feel. Having wandered along Cusco’s cobbled streets to explore its delights, return for a pampering massage treatment, and don’t miss the complimentary afternoon tea from 4pm (made with leaves from La Casona’s sister hotel, Machu Picchu Pueblo). What better way to sit back, relax, and absorb the rich heritage of this special hideaway?

Sol y Luna

Sacred Valley

The Sol y Luna is a luxury hotel located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas half way between Cusco and Machu Picchu. The Sol y Luna is in the heart of the Sacred Valley which is a region packed with bustling and colourful market towns and impressive Inca ruins.

Cusco & the Sacred Valley Travel Information

There are no direct flights from the United Kingdom to Cusco – you’ll need to fly to Lima (with one or two stops) and then take an internal flight to Cusco.

Currency: Nuevo Sol
Time difference: GMT-5
Flight from UK: 23 and a half hours
Visa: No
Language: Spanish
National drink: Pisco sour
National dish: Ceviche

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Cusco & the Sacred Valley Activities

Cultural encounters and wild adventure wait in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Discover the importance of the stars to the Incan people at the Cusco Planetarium, try your hand at weaving in Chincheros and visit the lively Pisac Market where you can pick up pottery, woven ponchos and jewellery. And if you want to get your heart racing, there are numerous treks, rafting the rapids of the Vilcabamba-Urubamba River and tandem paragliding.

Cusco & the Sacred Valley Food & Drink

Traditionally dishes in Cusco and the Sacred Valley have centred on corn, potatoes, rice and indigenous meats including cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca like in pachamanca, a meal of slow-cooked meat, corn, cheese and potatoes. Another traditional dish is lomo saltado, steak sautéed with peppers and onions. Un-traditionally, the city now has a local brewery producing IPAs, stouts and sour ales. And if you’re feeling the effects of altitude, coco leaves are said to ease your pain!

Cusco & the Sacred Valley Attractions

As the former capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco and the Sacred Valley – essentially gateways to Machu Picchu – are filled with ruins and archaeological sites. Behind the city sits Sacsayhuamán, an Inca fortress while Ollantaytambo in the Valley is one of the most well-preserved Incan settlements and is the site of this ancient people’s greatest victory over the Spanish. Away from the ruins are the Salinas De Maras and the Plaza de Armas in Cusco – a great place for people watching.

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