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Balancing tourism with preservation

Sacred Valley Seclusion

New upscale accommodations in Peru's Sacred Valley of the Incas lure day-trippers from Machu Picchu.

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The living room of Urubamba's Villa Sonia.
PHOTO: Inkaterra
By Sarah Doyle Lacamoire

Archaeological sites and views of the Andes mountains have always been the draw to Peru's Sacred Valley of the Incas. Unfortunately, a lack of upscale accommodations meant that visits were mostly limited to day trips from the city of Cuzco, a forty-five-minute drive away. Now a lucky few can enjoy a leisurely stay by checking into one of the four Urubamba Villas, opened last year by the people behind the luxury Inkaterra hotel at Machu Picchu.

Handwoven textiles and local handicrafts lend an authentic flair to the adobe-style homes, which have two or three bedrooms each. Every villa has a dedicated housekeeper who prepares fresh Peruvian cuisine daily, such as golden quinoa pancakes with passion-fruit syrup for breakfast. A concierge can help arrange anything an adventurer could want, like horseback rid-ing, river rafting and biking.

For less strenuous pursuits, a driver is on call to chauffeur guests around the valley, where a vibrant marketplace and the ancient ruins at Pisac and Ollantaytambo (the gateway to Machu Picchu) are only minutes away. From $150 per person, per night. 800-442-5042; inkaterra.com.

Published on 2/25/2008
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