Luxury Collection Tambo del Inka *****

A Starwood Hotel

Opulent luxury is very much the order of the day at the Tambo del Inka; this impressive property leaves no holds barred when it comes to splashing out on colour, decoration and amenities for guests. While much of this is very beautifully and tastefully done, the exuberant style is not, we feel, necessarily in-keeping with the rural and traditional atmosphere of the Urubamba Valley. Nevertheless, those seeking a high level of comfort and luxury in the traditional sense will be most pleased with the offerings here.

This property is right next to the meandering Rio Vilcanota, around an hour’s drive from Cusco Airport. There is also a new train service that takes guests directly to Machu Picchu.

Bedrooms:

The 128 spacious bedrooms and suites are very comfortable. There are ample amenities, touches and very many details that maximise the luxurious comfort for guests. The rooms have been decorated in a way that mimics Inca motifs, and they have floor to ceiling windows and a separate area with a sofa and a work area. The rooms on the ground floor also have an outdoor patio with comfortable seating. While the views over the river are nothing to write home about, a quite beautiful view can be admired from the bedrooms on the opposite side from the river. There are 10 suites and 2 presidential suites on offer.

Facilities:

Two heated swimming pools, a sauna, a steam bath, a fitness centre, and a spa with private treatment rooms are included in the replete facilities upon which guests can indulge. There are a variety of treatments in the Spa: a beauty salon, waxing, different types of facials, luxury therapies, wellness rituals for couples, therapeutic massages, Oriental sensations, hydrotherapy, foot and hand care and such forth.

There is a gift shop and internet access as well as a games room with a pool table. For business conferences there is also a 300-seat venue room that is fully equipped with the latest audio and visual technology, high speed internet access and even a private dining room.

Restaurant:

Featuring some highly-trained chefs, the hotel restaurant “Hawa” speclialises in Novo Andean Cuisine, which is a very modern take on traditional Andean cooking techniques and recipes. The ambience is lovely, with a terrace overlooking the river. There is also a Bar which is well stocked with drinks and refreshments.

Train To Machu Picchu

The Aracari team were in the Urubamba Valley in August 2010 to witness the inauguration of the “Machu Picchu Train”, a new service operated by Andean Railways that takes passengers directly from a station at the Tambo del Inka to the town of Aguas Calientes below Machu Picchu. Check out the video of the inaugural departure here.