Luxury in Peru's Sacred Valley

I have to admit this. I had no idea what the Sacred Valley was, where it was, why it was important and why was it sacred? In my mind, I pictured a valley of graves and 3,000 year old Inca mummies (that didn't look a day over 1,000 years old) hidden away in caves of ice.

Earlier in the day, we arrived at Cusco airport and were quickly whisked away by our tour guide toward the valley I knew nothing about. I wasn't feeling great that day due to lingering high altitude effects from crossing an Andes pass at 16,000 feet elevation the previous day, something I ate that wasn't settling well and a sore shoulder from falling in the hotel shower in Arequipa that morning. Let's just say I wasn't at my best.

The Sacred Valley is about an hour drive from Cusco. As our driver maneuvered down switchbacks, our guide explained what we were going to see that day and the next. If you were short on time, you could visit parts of the Valley during a day trip to Cusco, but we were on a one-way trip where we would explore the valley, highlands and eventually board our train to Machu Picchu.

Our first stop was the Pisac Ruins. We passed through a market where people sold all sorts of alpaca clothing, souvenirs and craft works. One of the best memories of this stop was a stand where a local woman made fresh squeezed orange juice on the spot with a unique

orange squeezing apparatus. The juice, which cost 2 soles (50 cents) per glass, was divine. Due to Peru's altitude and climate, I found myself on the edge of dehydration most of the time. The orange juice was a perfect blend of hydration and sugar we all needed for our climb to the ruins. We bought seven glasses for the family, our guide and driver, which included a yapa, an extra glass happily given as a thank you.

Charged up with hydration and sugar, we were ready for our climb. We were already at 10,000 feet above sea level and the ruins were situated at 11,000 feet. For someone who resides at about 600 feet above sea level, that thousand foot climb felt like scaling we finally made it to the top to visit the ruins, and also to see the amazing view of the Urubamba river and valley below.

We continued to explore the ruins and were exposed to some of the first of many examples of Inca architecture. Everywhere we looked, we saw ancient terraces the Inca used for growing crops on the steep hillsides.

Our guide explained that the fertile Urubamba valley was sacred to the Inca - not because of 3000 year old mummies, but because this valley sustained the entire Inca population. The Inca considered this valley a gift from Pachamama the Earth mother, the goddess who presides over planting, harvesting and fertility.

By the end of the afternoon, we were tired and ready to kick back and relax. I didn't know what to expect for a hotel, since we were not near a large city and the area attracted backpackers hiking the Inca trail toward Machu Picchu. I was about to be surprised!

Tambo del Inka

As we drove through an entry gate and toward the check-in area, I could tell we were in for a treat. The Tambo del Inka - A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa - is listed as a five star hotel and part of the Marriott family. This was an unexpected bonus, being a Gold member of Marriott Bonvoy.

According to their website, a Tambo is part of ancient Incan culture, and is defined as a shelter along a traveled road that also provides food and supplies. This hotel was that and so much more. From the minute we checked in, the desk staff at Tambo del Inka was helpful, welcoming and very friendly, quickly producing our keys and escorting to the two rooms we booked.

The rooms were beautiful, decorated in earth tones, natural wood and tasteful, unique furnishings. We had a large walk in closet and a large bathroom with separate toilet area and a glass-walled shower with a tile floor and a bonus soaking tub. I was still nursing my bruised arm/shoulder and I didn't have to maneuver my way into a slippery bathtub.

The hotel grounds are tranquil, secluded and bordered by a small tributary of the Urubamba river. Our hotel suite had a terrace with comfortable lounges. There are pristine heated indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool tubs and the Kallpa Spa, which we did not get a chance to use due to our hectic itinerary.

Tambo del Inka has a private restaurant named Hawa. This was another unexpected delight, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to hotel guests only. The ambience of the restaurant is impressive and cozy, with high ceilings, huge glass walls overlooking the gardens and a warm, inviting fireplace situated in the middle of the room. My family had all of our meals at Hawa, and the quality, presentation and flavor of the food was excellent. Most of the fare has Peruvian/Incan inspired selections. I had the river trout that was pan seared and amazing. They also served cuy (roasted guinea pig) which is a traditional Peruvian dish, but I didn't try it to be honest. I later found out that the hotel has a 6,000 square foot garden they use for their vegetables, legumes and potatoes. This explained why everything we ate tasted fresh.

Like everywhere in Tambo del Inka, the wait staff in Hawa were attentive, helpful and spoke English very well.

Finally, the ambience of the Tambo del Inka was something I can't accurately describe. The hotel was spotless, every floor, surface, restroom was immaculately clean. Despite some modern accents - like the 25 foot high ceiling in the Hawa restaurant, the hotel felt cozy, comfortable and uncomplicated elegant.

The Tambo del Inka was my favorite hotel in Peru and one of the best hotels I've stayed in ever. It is certainly a diamond in Marriott's crown of lovely properties

Next up: Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu