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Peru’s Sacred Valley is awe-inducing in itself, as mist-covered peaks and fertile grounds house countless cultural sites that date back to the pre-Hispanic era, including one of the wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. Drawing inspiration from this natural splendor is Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, a stunning destination that should be an an easy sell for travelers wishing to explore the lush beauty of the region in style.
Situated in the heart of Urubamba, the 15-year-old property is a refuge among the mountainous landscape with luxe interiors, a world-class spa and a restaurant and bar that tout Andean cuisine. Not to mention, one of the wonders of the world is only a (private) train ride away.
What are the rooms like at Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa?
The Incan influence is alive and well at Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa. The lobby alone stuns with a soaring fireplace modeled after Incan-style stonework, hollowed-out baskets that hang as light fixtures and massive tapestries that spin down from the ceiling. Still, the hotel stays rooted in the present-day, as local makers share the lobby, selling wares made of sheep, alpaca and baby alpaca wool. It is common to find their baby alpaca companions close by, eating grass around the property or winding down in the lobby come nightfall.
The artistry continues in the 128 rooms, including the grand deluxe terrace where I stayed. Tapestries hung in shadowboxes and the focal point of the room was a beautiful white and yellow interlocking motif. Well, almost, as the terrace serves as the scene stealer with envy inducing mountain views. But keep in mind, during the spring and summer months, mosquitoes can be a bit of an issue (you are backed up to the wilderness after all). So follow the staff’s advice and try not to open the doors past 3pm.
What is the food and drink like at Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa?
Right off the lobby is Kiri Bar, a moody, extremely handsome bar replete with dark woods and a massive onyx backsplash that glows in the evening. But the outdoor terrace touts a view all its own of the mountainside, complete with firepits to keep you warm when the weather gets chilly. Here, you can find a fusion menu of bites, think ceviche next to sushi rolls, plus plenty of pisco sours for the sipping.
Just a stairway away, you’ll find the cavernous Hawa Restaurant, with a similar gray stoned fireplace that's found in the lobby and reddish wooden columns that sprawl like a tree. It is hard to decide when I liked visiting here best, as the morning brought an incredible buffet spread of tamales and stews, as well as feel-good options of yogurt and juices. The evening, however, leaned more fine dining, with a course out menu of corn pie with truffles and foam and deconstructed pavlovas.
Beyond a formal sit-down, the hotel offers hands-on culinary experiences—from a tea tasting to a bread-baking class held in the hotel’s outdoor oven. If you can, I’d time your visit with one of the garden-to-table lunches where you can tour the property’s organic garden, pick herbs and watch as the chef cooks up the meal in a roaring outdoor oven, perched right near the Urubamba River.
What is the spa and pool like at Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa?
If part of your trip includes a climb at Machu Picchu or if you just need a little R&R, then a spa session at Kallpa Spa is most certainly in order.
Beyond the regular menu of massages and treatments, Kallpa Spa houses a series of hydromassage pools, from a walk-in cold plunge to underwater lounge chairs with strong enough jets that I needed to grip the edge to keep from slipping off. Post a water-logged dip, I found more of my speed of relaxation, cycling through the heated sauna and steam room, fragrant with eucalyptus. You can further wellness your way, with a dip in the stellar pool that looks out onto the mountains.
What’s the area like around Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa?
Naturally, Machu Picchu is the largest draw in the area, made even more accessible as the hotel houses its own private train to take you to the base within two hours. However, there is plenty more to explore in the Sacred Valley, including over 4,000 salt pools found at the ancient Salt Terraces of Maras to ancient Incan ruins found in the town of Ollantaytambo.
DETAILS
Address: Sacred Valley, Av. Ferrocarril S/N, Urubamba 08660, Peru
Price per Night: Prices start at $549 per night
Closest Transport Link: Traveling in from Cusco Airport, a drive to the property is about an hour and a half.
Book Now: Booking.com
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