Ticllabamba is unfortunately no longer available as of December 2011.

Thankfully there are all manner of beautiful properties in the Sacred Valley, such as

• the exquisite Sol y Luna Suites;
• the tranquil Hotel Rio Sagrado;
• the modern Luxury Collection Tambo del Inka.

Ticllabamba Maison d'Hôtes

Homestay

Careful and intelligent attention to detail; a relaxing and absorbing natural atmosphere; an outstanding location in the Sacred Valley: these are but a few of the many reasons as to why Ticllabamba is the firm favourite of Aracari when it comes to boutique and luxury accommodation in Peru.

Yet aside from our accolades, Ticllabamba is originally a sixteenth century property of particular historical significance. Previously the site of an Inca "Royal Estate", it is  carefully built upon terracing in the shape of a Chacana, which in Andean mythology is a highly symbolic cross-shaped emblem that represents different elements of the earth, sky and cosmos.

This signifies that Ticllabamba was previously the retreat of very distinguished guests; it was first believed to have been the property of Beatriz Coya, daughter of the Inca Huayna-Capac who purportedly visited here to enjoy good weather, while it is thought also to have been the favorite bathing spot of "La Ñusta", another princess of royal blood, the daughter of the last Inca Sayri-Tupac.

Quite remarkably, this is the only such knownChacana-shaped terracing in the entire Sacred Valley region, making Ticllabamba a site of real archeological importance. That it is in such a privilaged location - immersed in Inca terracing - adds in bounds to the appeal of visiting here, as well as it being the best accommodation in the valley.

Thankfully, our dear friend and collaborator Susy Dyson has decided to share the unique opportunity of actually staying at this Inca estate; she has now in fact converted this into her own home. Conveniently located nearby to the picturesque village of Yucay, there is no better option for discerning travelers seeking a home-stay experience in what is a property of incomparable historical beauty.

 

In crafting her beautiful house, Susy has gone to great effort to respect the nature and history of the area and has used an ecologically friendly approach to sourcing materials. Rebuilt by local artisans, the property uses traditional adobe, wood and stone that had been found or made on site, while the architecture partially incorporates the original property’s structural remains.

Just three comfortable bedrooms are on offer; and this is a vital aspect of retaining Ticllabamba’s exclusivity.  These are decorated with an understated elegance and delicacy, using such refined and subtle touches as flowers, drapes and detailed woodcarvings alongside soft, wooden textures of a light and unobtrusive colour scheme.  All of the furniture was designed by Susy, and these too were all hand-made by local artisans using natural elements and fibers. Likewise, the mattresses on the beds are handmade while the carpets are hand-loomed. All bedrooms have private bathrooms, two have a king size bed (one with shower one with classic bath) and the other has two double beds and a large shower.

The property itself contains extensive grounds: at the front side, there is a large, grassy lawn, a relaxing covered pergola with a view, a wood-fired adobe oven and an alfresco dining space. On the north eastern terrace Susy converted three of the existing pools into an Andean sauna, a cold water pool and a Jacuzzi with a pergola for lounging in the sun and outdoor massages. The entire grounds are dotted by lush, tropical shrubbery

Indoors, Susy has a very well-equipped kitchen where she often invites local chefs to cook, notably Pio Vazquez de Velasco of El Huacatay restaurant. The traditional recipes use chiefly seasonal and local ingredients, sometimes even fresh from the vegetable garden and orchard of the property. There is ample opportunity for guests to have a cooking demonstration, while pizza night is also a firm favourite. And for after hours (or before), Susy and her local staff can whip up a delicious Maracuya Sour, amongst other cocktails, which can be enjoyed in good company in one of the many tranquil sitting spots around the house and its grounds.

Access to Ticllabamba requires a 5 minute walk on uneven terrain. Although this might be seen as a disadvantage, it could be viewed as adding an extra degree of privacy, as it makes guests feel even more privileged to be staying in an exclusively accessible spot. It is also an atmospheric walk through 3 metre high terracing which evokes the sensation of delving into a private, nostalgic and secret world.

Read more about Ticllabamba in Aracari's blog post from 2008: Susy's Secret; A private bolthole offering luxurious comfort in the Sacred Valley.

• Rates include breakfast, light dinner (soup or salad) and an honesty bar.

This hotel can only be booked as part of an itinerary as we do not do stand-alone hotel bookings.