A Spacious And Serene Getaway Found In The Heart Of The Sacred Valley!
Public Service Announcement: Don’t be one of the thousands of travelers that makes the mistake of missing out on the Sacred Valley town of Urubamba on their way to Machu Picchu! As most people take a train directly from Cusco or Ollantaytambo on their way to grand Incan Citadel, they often miss this true jem of a town. Centrally located between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, Urubamba has the advantage of being closest to both the Moray Ruins and the Maras Salt Mines. These are places you definitely don’t want to miss! We’re going to tell you why in a bit, but first we want to make sure you don’t miss out on the best place to stay in Urubamba…Wayqey Lodge!
This delightful property is brought to you by the same family that has produced Sauce Alto and Wayqey Hotel. Much in the same vein as the rest of the properties, everything in and around these cabin duplexes is warm and cozy. It’s hard to beat the detailed interior of these three story cabins, but the perfectly manicured landscaping of the property is just as beautiful! Flowers abound along the pristine pathway to each of the welcoming cabins, all with their own individual sitting area. We thought this outside oasis made the perfect reading nook, especially with the natural soundtrack of birds singing in the mornings. Inside, you’ll find an ideal layout for families. These three story cabins sleep 6 people comfortably, without stepping on each others toes! There is a full kitchen with oven, stove, refrigerator, and all the cooking gear you could possibly need. The open spaced first floor has a dining room table as well as a living room area with couch and big screen tv. The second floor features two full bedrooms, both with access to a balcony overlooking the property and the tranquil mountain views. Finally, on the third floor, you have an open attic space with two twin beds. We liked to call this area our little den =: ) With two full bathrooms, there also won’t be any fighting over shower time for those large families. Wayqey Lodge is ideal for locals looking for a weekend getaway to explore the Sacred Valley with the family or that special someone. For travelers, we found no better place to relax and unwind in the fresh air and tranquility of the Lodge after exploring the nearby ruins!
On site, you’ll find a lovely menu, including authentic, brick oven pizza available every night after 6p. Don’t worry, they also do delivery if you are nestled in for a movie night on the big screen in the living room. Breakfast is served every morning until 10am where you will get a great start to your day with all of your major food groups. Don’t forget to ask for the local fruit jam as it is perfect with the fresh bread rolls!
If you want to get out for lunch or dinner, the town of Urubamba is full of flavor. From curry at Kampu to vegetarian at Kaia Shenai (with a 20% Wayqey discount) and the traditional Peruvian at Peru Buen Gusto, your taste buds will have a party! Feeling adventurous? You’ll also get 20% off at Sacred Wheels bicycle tours of the Valley and Action Valley’s many adventures including bungee jumping, sling shots, and paintball. If you’ve been searching for a place to get some organic nutrition, Kaia Sharanam Ecostore could just be your perfect paradise. They carry all organic and natural products at 15-20% off with Wayqey Lodge stays! The town of Urubamba comes alive on Saturdays with its centrally located market place in full swing. The Plaza del Armas is located in the quaint city center, with towering trees, and the picturesque Iglesia de Urubamba as a gorgeous centerpiece. You’ll know it by its majestic green double door entrance. We can guarantee you’re not going to want to miss out on all Urubamba has to offer…especially staying at the Wayqey Lodge!
Rates vary by occupancy: 2 pax ~ $170.00; 4 pax ~ $220.00; 6 pax ~ $330.00
You can find more information at www.wayqey.com
Ok…now back to all the amazing activities you can reach easily by staying at the Wayqey Lodge in Urubamba:
First up is the ruins of Moray. This ancient site contains circular terraces whose purpose archaeologists still debate today. Some speculate that they may have been a meteorite crater repurposed by the Incas for agriculture. Other facts suggest that these terraced circles were an experimental location for crops. The estimated temperature differences between the top and bottom of the terraces can vary up to 27 degrees. This variance is believed to have helped the Incas figure out the ideal locations for their crops throughout the valley. Take a look and let us know what you think they were used for!
The Maras salt ponds, while not shrouded in mystery, are just as interesting. This expansive set up has been producing salt since before the Incas, and gets its name from the Maras civilization. They have been used for thousands of years and are amazingly still fully operational today. The salt water derived from a spring, trickles through small canals down the mountainside to 6,000 square reservoirs. Once the mineral laden water fills the square, it is redirected to the next square. The filled squares are left to dry up in the sun and the minerals from the water are exposed creating an abundance of pink salt.
Tips about getting there and entrance fees. As you will see below Urubamba is not a tourist city and you will not have access to travel groups at every door as in Cusco. Rent a private taxi, Parece was our wonderful driver, to take you out there for the day. It is only 20-30 minute drive up, and you can do both sites in about 4 hours. Also, if you have not already bought the ‘turista boleta’ (tourist ticket) it is only 130 soles and will save you money if you plan to hit up the other archaeological sites in Cusco on the way back from Machu Picchu. There’s so much to do and see from the refreshing town of Urubamba (without the hustle and bustle you’ll find in Cusco), make sure to check it out for yourself!
