Aranwa Sacred Valley occupies the former Hacienda Yaravilca in Huayllabamba, set along a river with gardens, a lake and mountain views. It is one of the larger properties in the valley, with 115 rooms, from Colonial and Deluxe rooms of about 431 square feet to the Suite Serenity with river views and the Suite Familiar, which sleeps six, both about 1,464 square feet. Rooms have private indoor hot tubs or jetted tubs, air conditioning, heating and free Wi-Fi. Outside you will find an outdoor pool with loungers and a hot tub, the Unno Spa, the Pukawi restaurant, a garden, a library and billiards. A free breakfast buffet and free self-parking are included, and a roundtrip airport shuttle is available for a fee.
This is a resort-style stay in a historic setting. The hacienda is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts and Historic Hotels of the World, and the architecture, courtyards and gardens give it a stately feel. The scale is a plus for families and groups, since there is plenty of space to spread out, and the family suite is generous.
The spa offers treatments such as Ayurvedic therapies and aromatherapy, and the pool and hot tub are welcome after a day of climbing ruins, though some reviewers find the pool cool, which is common at altitude.
Location needs thought. The hotel is rural, about sixteen minutes by road from the Urubamba plaza, ten minutes from the Arin waterfalls, around half an hour from the Ollantaytambo station and about an hour and a half from Cusco airport. Most guests eat on site, so the quality and range of the restaurant matter, and reviewers praise the grounds, staff and food while noting a limited lunch menu and occasional slow service. Some mention insects in rooms, so bring repellent and ask for a room that suits you.
Practical details
Check-in is from 3 PM and check-out is at noon. One dog up to about 40 pounds is allowed per room for a nightly fee, and service animals are exempt from the fee. The airport shuttle runs by request during the day for a per-vehicle charge, so reserve it in advance. From November the rainy season begins and runs to March, with showers likely in the afternoons, so the indoor spa, the library and the hot tubs in your room are useful on wet days.
In the dry months from about June to October, book early. Aranwa suits families, multigenerational groups and couples who want comfort, space and a pool, and who are content to hire a driver or use hotel transport for excursions to Pisac, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo. It is less suited to travellers who want a walkable town or a small, intimate lodge. If your plan includes an early train to Machu Picchu, consider pairing a night or two here with a night in Ollantaytambo to shorten the morning transfer.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool and hot tub
- ✓Unno Spa
- ✓Pukawi restaurant
- ✓Free breakfast buffet
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Garden, library and billiards
- ✓Private hot tubs in rooms
Good questions
Does Aranwa Sacred Valley have a pool?+
Yes, there is an outdoor pool with loungers and a hot tub. Some guests find the water cool at altitude.
How far is it from Urubamba and the train?+
The Urubamba plaza is about sixteen minutes by road, and the Ollantaytambo station about half an hour. Arrange a driver for day trips.
Is Aranwa good for families?+
Yes, the family suite sleeps six and the grounds, pool and garden give children space. Check meal plans and shuttle times when you book.
