Tambo del Inka

Tambo del Inka sits on the banks of the Urubamba River at the edge of Urubamba town, with the mountains of the valley all around. It is a large, modern resort set in its own grounds, with a lagoon and gardens running down to the water. There are 128 rooms, including 12 suites, and most have a private balcony. The Kallpa Spa has heated indoor and outdoor pools, and a large organic garden on the grounds supplies the kitchen.

The big practical advantage is the hotel's private station, with daily trains to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu. That makes it an easy last stop before the ruins. The valley sits lower than Cusco, so spending your first nights here is a gentler way to adjust to the altitude. Pisac, Moray, the Maras salt pans and Ollantaytambo are all reachable by car for day trips. Hawa, the main restaurant, cooks Andean dishes with produce from nearby farms and the hotel garden.

This is our pick for families and for travelers who like a resort with a spa, pools and room service close at hand. It is a big property, so it feels more like a polished hotel than a small country inn. It sits just off the main road through the valley, and there is little to walk to nearby. Breakfast is not included in every rate, so check what you are booking.