The Sacred Valley is a long corridor of towns, rivers, terraces, and mountain passes, each section offering a very different experience. Choosing where to stay here isn’t a minor logistical decision; it directly shapes how much time you spend in transit, how deeply you connect with local culture, and what kind of days you’ll actually have.
This guide is not a list of hotels. It’s a strategy for choosing your base in the Sacred Valley based on what you want to experience.
How to Use This Guide
Instead of ranking accommodations, this guide divides the Sacred Valley by travel style and activities. Each section explains why a location works for a specific type of traveler and includes three lodging examples per place:
- Luxury: High-comfort, experience-focused stays
- Standard: Well-located, comfortable, good value
- Budget: Simple, practical, and locally run
The examples are representative and meant to help you visualize the type of stay that fits each area.
Best Places to Stay for Cultural Immersion
Local life, traditions, gastronomy, and community rhythms
Why Stay in These Areas
These towns are ideal if you want to experience markets, festivals, traditional crafts, and everyday Andean life. Staying overnight matters here, day trips only scratch the surface.
Pisac
Pisac blends major Inca heritage with a living town known for markets, workshops, and long-stay travelers. It’s one of the best places in the valley to observe how ancient and contemporary cultures intersect.
Where to Stay in Pisac
- Luxury: Casa Florencio – Quiet setting in the heart of the town
- Standard: Pisac Inn – Central, historic, and culturally rooted
- Budget: Hospedaje Samay – Simple, local, and well located
Chinchero
A traditional Andean town known for textile production and strong community identity. Staying here offers insight into highland culture beyond the main tourist routes.
Where to Stay in Chinchero
- Luxury: La Casona de Chinchero – Restored colonial-style property
- Standard: Munay Tika Hotel – Comfortable and community-oriented
- Budget: Casa Ayni – Small guesthouse with local hosts
Urubamba – Town Area
While more developed, Urubamba’s town center offers access to local restaurants, markets, and a slower rhythm than Cusco.
Where to Stay in Urubamba
- Luxury: Tambo del Inka – Resort-level comfort with cultural access
- Standard: Hotel San Agustín Urubamba – Central and reliable
- Budget: Hostal Las Orquídeas – Practical and affordable
Best Places to Stay for Adventure Travelers
Horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, climbing, via ferrata
Why Stay in These Areas
Adventure activities require proximity to rivers, cliffs, trails, and open terrain. These locations minimize transfer times and maximize time outdoors.
Urubamba Surroundings
The Urubamba River corridor is the heart of Sacred Valley adventure, especially for rafting and cycling.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Sol y Luna – Ideal base with strong logistics support
- Standard: Amaru Valle Hotel – Comfortable and well positioned
- Budget: Valle Hermoso Lodge – Simple stay close to activities
Huaran / Calca Area
Less developed and more rugged, this area is perfect for travelers seeking quieter trails, canyon hikes, and river access.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Las Casitas del Colca (rural-style lodges nearby)
- Standard: Villa Urubamba Sacred Valley – Nature-focused comfort
- Budget: Hospedaje Huaran – Basic and functional
Ollantaytambo Outskirts
Great access to trekking routes, climbing zones, and less-traveled paths while avoiding the busiest parts of town.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: El Albergue Ollantaytambo – Garden setting near trails
- Standard: Casa Andina Standard Ollantaytambo – Solid base
- Budget: Hostal Iskay – Affordable and convenient
Best Places to Stay for Popular Sacred Valley Stops
Maras, Moray, Salt Mines, classic sightseeing
Why Stay in These Areas
These locations reduce driving time and allow for early or late visits to major sites, avoiding peak crowds.
Urubamba
Central location makes it efficient for day trips across the valley.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Tambo del Inka
- Standard: Hotel San Agustín Urubamba
- Budget: Hostal Las Orquídeas
Maras Village Area
Staying near Maras offers early access to Moray and the salt mines, often before tour traffic arrives.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: La Hacienda del Valle (upper valley properties)
- Standard: Maras Tambo Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Hospedaje Maras
Yucay
A quiet base close to major attractions but away from heavy traffic.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
- Standard: La Casona de Yucay
- Budget: Hostal Yucay Plaza
Ollantaytambo: The Best Base for Machu Picchu Trips
Ollantaytambo deserves its own category. It’s the most practical base for visiting Machu Picchu thanks to its train station, walkable layout, and early departure logistics.
Staying here reduces stress, shortens travel days, and allows for early morning departures without leaving the valley before dawn.
Where to Stay in Ollantaytambo
- Luxury: El Albergue Ollantaytambo – Steps from the station
- Standard: Andenes del Inca
- Budget: Hostal Iskay
Best Places to Stay for Relaxation & Nature Appreciation
Quiet settings, wide views, slower pace
Why Stay in These Areas
These parts of the Sacred Valley prioritize space, scenery, and calm over access to attractions.
Yucay
Open landscapes, farmland, and mountain views create a peaceful environment.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
- Standard: La Casona de Yucay
- Budget: Hostal Yucay Plaza
Lamay
An agricultural area with minimal tourism, ideal for disconnecting.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Boutique eco-lodges in Lamay Valley
- Standard: Lamay Lodge
- Budget: Casa de Campo Lamay
Huayllabamba
Remote feel with easy access to nature and river landscapes.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Private countryside lodges
- Standard: Valle Verde Retreat
- Budget: Hospedaje Huayllabamba
One Base or Multiple Stays?
- One base works for short trips or travelers who prefer unpacking once
- Multiple stays work better for deeper exploration
Popular combinations include:
- Pisac + Ollantaytambo
- Urubamba + Ollantaytambo
Practical Tips for Choosing Where to Stay
- Distances look short but roads are slow
- Altitude differences affect comfort
- Transport at night is limited in smaller towns
- Seasonal rains can change access routes
Choose Your Base with Intention
The Sacred Valley rewards thoughtful planning. When you stay where your interests are: culture, adventure, history, or rest. You spend less time moving and more time experiencing. Choose your base with intention, and the valley opens up in ways a checklist itinerary never will.
FAQS
What is the best town to stay in the Sacred Valley?
It depends on your priorities: culture, adventure, relaxation, or Machu Picchu access.
Is it better to stay in Cusco or the Sacred Valley?
Staying in the valley offers lower altitude and closer access to sites.
How many nights should I stay?
At least 2–3 nights to experience it properly.
Is it safe to stay in smaller towns?
Yes, especially when accommodations are well reviewed and centrally located.
