Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel

Rio Sagrado sits on a hillside above the Urubamba River, about five minutes from the town of Urubamba on the road toward Ollantaytambo. The buildings are laid out like a small Andean village, using shapes and materials that blend into the slope. There are around twenty rooms and suites, each with a private garden terrace facing the river, plus two villas that sleep up to six. Gardens of native plants run down toward the water, and alpacas wander the grounds.

Ollantaytambo station is about 30 minutes by car, so Rio Sagrado works well as the stop before your train to Machu Picchu. Belmond says that from January to April guests can also use a private train station at the hotel. Cusco is about 90 minutes away, and the lower valley altitude makes this a gentle first stop. The restaurant serves seasonal Andean food, much of it grown on site, and there is a small spa, a pool and a sauna. Guests can explore on foot, on horseback or on the river.

Rio Sagrado is best for couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants a calm, small base with good food and room to rest between excursions. Families or friends traveling together should look at the villas. Because it is small, the facilities are modest next to the larger resorts. It is outside town on the main valley road, and the river is loud, which some guests love and light sleepers may not.