Sol y Luna was founded in 1996 by Franz and Petit, who settled in the Sacred Valley near Urubamba, about an hour from Cusco, at roughly 2,700 metres. Its 43 casitas are built of local stone and materials, each decorated individually with murals and folk art, set in gardens of native plants and facing the Andes, and some have a jacuzzi on the terrace. Killa Wasi reworks the valley's rustic cooking in a lighter, contemporary way, using organic produce from the hotel's own orchard and nearby farms; Wayra serves simpler local dishes in the manner of a Peruvian home, and there is a wine cellar and a chef's table. Yaku Wasi, the spa, adds a sauna, a steam room and yoga, and there is an outdoor pool with the mountains all around. More than 35 bird species live in the gardens. Moray, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero are close, and the hotel runs expeditions to Machu Picchu, horse rides and an artist immersion programme. Hotel profits help fund the Sol y Luna Association, which supports education for children in the valley and work for local families.
- Nearest airport
- Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), 35 Miles / 56 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 43 casitas
Insider tip Ride a Peruvian Paso horse up to the old Inca salt pans; the hotel provides the traditional chalan hat and poncho.
Why I choose it A warm, well-run valley base that sits lower than Cusco, so it suits the first nights at altitude, and its profits go back into the community.