Welcome to Hacienda Urubamba
After a strenuous morning trek up Machu Picchu Montaña and a day exploring the famous ruins, I was ready for an evening of relaxation. A 45-minute drive from Ollantaytambo lies Hacienda Urubamba, the newest addition to Inkaterra hotels, at the end of a long dirt road, tucked into the foot of the towering mountains of the Sacred Valley.
The view of the property from the road alone is impressive: a large hacienda-style building with bright lights streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the night. But it is the view from inside that is truly amazing. No matter where you are in the building you have a view of the valley, whether it is a mountaintop view from the courtyard or the expanse of green farmland stretching out into the distance as you sit in a cozy armchair in the lounge. The decor is tasteful and authentic, with colorful Andean textiles adorning the sofas and chairs in the lounge and bar area.
The restaurant includes a fireplace and boasts the same panoramic views as the lounge. The menu included their take on traditional dishes and many of the ingredients are sourced directly from their farm, or chacra. Depending on the season, different dishes will be added or taken from the menu according to the seasonal fruits, vegetables and spices grown in the garden. All the choices on the menu looked fantastic which made it difficult for me to decide. I chose the pastel de choclo con cuy (corn pie layered with guinea pig ragu) as my entrada (starter) and the smoked paiche with baby carrots and eggplant puree in an Andean mint sauce as the main course. For dessert, I had the chocolate mousse with lúcuma. All three choices were delicious.
Breakfast is available starting from 5am and is a combination of a small buffet with an à la carte menu. The buffet included cheese, deli meats, olives, pastries, cherry tomatoes, cereal and juices. The menu included different types of eggs, humitas, French toast and quinoa pancakes made to order. I had the Huevos Hacienda Urubamba which consisted of two fried eggs, jamón serrano, native potatoes, onions, rocoto (hot red pepper) and Andean cheese served on corn bread. It had a very nice presentation and tasted just as good. The coffee was served in a French press brought to the table so that you can refill as you please.
There are twelve rooms (three suites, five junior suites and four superior deluxes) constructed around the central courtyard including two ultra luxurious duplexes, called the Urubamba Owner’s Quarters. Each room has heated floors and a panel to control the temperature of the room as well as 100% Pima cotton sheets with hypoallergenic pillows, a down duvet, free internet access, a plasma screen with Direct TV, a DVD player, an iPad and speakers, a complimentary minibar that contained granola bars, chocolate, chips, soda and water, a safety box and a cordless telephone. The bathroom has a heated towel rail, Pima cotton towels, a hair dryer, biodegradable toiletries with natural essences in eco-friendly glass bottles, bathrobes and slippers. The suites are fully serviced with VIP treatment and have housekeeping service three times daily. The room in which I stayed had large doors to go outside and a screen which was ideal when I wanted to let air in but not open the door. The two layers of curtains provided the option of blocking out the light entirely or screening the glass doors while still letting light in and being able to see the beautiful view.
Twenty-four standalone superior deluxe casitas are in the process of construction behind the hacienda up on a hill. They include all the amenities of the other suites but offer a more personalized and independent stay with panoramic views of the mountains behind and the valley below. They are set to be finished later this year (2015).
As an extra touch, there are five included excursions on or around the property that guests can choose from: Ecological Farm, Chicha de Jora, Twilight Mountain, Challa Huasi Trail and Birds of Urubamba. They need to be reserved ahead of time. In the morning I did a short version of the Ecological Farm excursion where a very friendly and knowledgeable guide showed me around the chacra and pointed out each different plant, which ones were ready to harvest and explained their uses and the plans for future crops. I found it an interesting and easy walk around the property. We were accompanied for part of the time by a few adorable dogs, the sound of birds and we passed by two llamas hanging out in the garden.
Hacienda Urubamba is an amazing new Inkaterra property and we are excited to add it to our most highly recommended hotels for our guests. If you’re interested in a stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba during a tour of the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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