Best Secluded Hotels in Cusco
Near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes (the Southern Sierras,), this Peruvian city inhabits a mystical setting. As the former capital of the Inca Empire (then known as the ‘navel’ of the earth), and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere, it is rich in archaeological remains as well as Spanish colonial architecture. This has ensured its place as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many use Cusco as a launch pad for Machu Picchu trips, but it’s also well worth perusing the plazas, markets and museums, providing a colourful insight into both past and present life in Peru.
Cusco, Machu Picchu
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
(5 stars)Boasting the enviable status of being the only accommodation to actually be set at the entrance of Machu Picchu, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is a very convenient and suitably luxurious place to stay. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace while gazing at the orchid gardens before completing a short stroll into the national park. There are 32 guestrooms to choose from, most of which come with their own patio areas where guests can dine in style. The onsite Tampu restaurant offers excellent Peruvian cuisine such as stuffed alpaca and fish ceviches, while guests who are especially hungry after a day of exploring the ruins can indulge in the Tinkuy buffet restaurant. A range of activities are available on the site from yoga and al fresco massages to Pisco tasting sessions in the bar.
Cusco, Machu Picchu
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
(5 stars)Set on the bank of a gently flowing river in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers rustic-chic guestrooms as well as excellent in-house guides. The hotel is set in a densely wooded reserve at the foot of the misty mountains and serves as a real haven for nature lovers. The hotel complex consists of low-slung colonial-style buildings, which are connected by a series of rough cobbled footpaths, while the interiors are elegant with subdued lighting and décor and splashes of colour provided by Andean and tartan alpaca blankets. True luxury lovers will want to make sure that they book one of the huge villa rooms, which come complete with wood-burning fires, large dining areas and cosy living spaces. The onsite Café Inkaterra has a roof thatches with palm leaves and provides guests with views over the railway line as they enjoy dishes such as causas, lomo saltado and alpaca meat.