Rio Sagrado Hotel, a Belmond property, occupies a peaceful stretch of the Urubamba River, a five-minute drive from the town of Urubamba. This 5-star establishment sits within the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the historic axis between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Expect roughly 1.5 hours by road from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco (77 km); shuttle service is available upon request.

Why stay here

Rio Sagrado distinguishes itself through three concrete elements: a location with feet in the Urubamba, a commitment to local materials (stone, wood, Peruvian textiles in warm orange tones), and a wellness programme rooted in Andean traditions. It is an address of assured prestige, yet without disconnect from its rural setting: low-rise architecture, gardens open to the river, rooms without televisions to let the landscape take centre stage.

Arrival comes with a welcome cocktail, and the team ensures personalised follow-up for restaurant reservations, excursions and transfers.

Atmosphere and architecture

The entire ensemble is built in stone and wood, with interior décor that blends contemporary furnishings and textiles woven in the region. Dominant tones—orange, terracotta, beige—echo the ochre cliffs rising above the valley. The gardens shelter a few baby alpacas, which children can bottle-feed. A ceremony with an Andean shaman can be arranged on request, in keeping with the spirit of the place.

Rooms, suites and villas

The hotel has 23 units divided into three categories. All feature parquet flooring with underfloor heating, a private terrace overlooking the river or mountains, and bathrooms appointed with marble or glass and rain showers. Bedding includes goose-down pillows. A minibar is present, but no televisions are installed—a deliberate choice.

• 13 Deluxe rooms of 42 m², classic format for two guests ;
• 8 Junior suites of 92 m², with sitting area ;
• 2 villas, Capuli and Orchidée, each with two to three bedrooms, a lounge and a kitchen—suited for families or extended stays.

Dining, spa and services

The hotel's restaurant is called El Huerto. The menu highlights seasonal Peruvian produce and revisited Andean recipes. The adjoining bar serves pisco sours and house cocktails. Two alternatives to the main restaurant are available: a barbecue set along the riverbank, and customisable picnic baskets for day outings.

The Mayu Willka spa offers treatments inspired by Incan traditions: massages with local herbs, facials featuring Andean plants, steam baths. The space includes a sauna, a hydromassage bath and a heated pool overlooking the gardens. Yoga classes are held regularly.

On the practical side: complimentary Wi-Fi, business centre, transfers from Cusco, concierge for tickets and excursions.

When to visit

The Sacred Valley can be visited year-round, but the dry season (May to September) offers the most stable conditions for trekking, rafting and excursions to Machu Picchu: sunny days, clear skies, cool nights. The rainy season (December to March) is lusher but may disrupt certain trails; the Inca Trail traditionally closes in February. Shoulder seasons (April, October) strike a good balance between visitor numbers and weather.

Location and excursions from the hotel

Rio Sagrado is a practical base for exploring the Sacred Valley. The salt ponds of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray are accessible in a half-day. The Machu Picchu site can be reached by train from Ollantaytambo, roughly an hour's drive away.

On-site and in the surrounding area, the hotel arranges:

• mountain biking and horseback riding through the valley ;
• rafting on the Urubamba (depending on season and water flow) ;
• fishing and trekking on marked trails ;
• guided visits to nearby villages, markets and archaeological sites ;
• private or small-group excursions to Machu Picchu.

Other addresses in the region

To compare or extend your stay, see the destination guide for Urubamba. At Machu Picchu itself, Sanctuary Lodge, also Belmond, is the only hotel located at the gates of the site. Near Cusco, Antigua Casona San Blas offers colonial charm in the San Blas neighbourhood. For a contrasting stop, Corto Maltes Amazonia provides access to the Madre de Dios rainforest.

Go further

Rio Sagrado fits naturally into an itinerary linking Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. To build your bespoke trip, consult our journeys to Pérou.