The high end Explora Sacred Valley hotel operates on an all-inclusive basis, with transfers from Cusco, all meals, drinks and guided excursions included.
The hotel has 50 standard and suite rooms furnished in neutral colours and with views over the corn plantations and surrounding mountains.
Meals are created with authentic flavours and matched with wine. Each evening sit with the guides and decide on explorations for the following day. There are over 20 to choose from, on foot, by bike or vehicle. A colonial house has been restored and turned into a spa offering treatments, sauna and steam rooms and there is an outdoor pool.
Based in the Sacred Valley, the hotel is half way between Ollantaytambo with Inca ruins and a train station and the market town of Pisac. Fly into Cusco, the closest airport, and transfer one hour fifteen minutes to the hotel. At an altitude of 2,700 metres it is a good place to acclimatise.
There are over 20 activities on offer, all are included and are guided in small groups (private excursions can be arranged). Activities range from half to full day treks in the surrounding mountains and villages, biking through the countryside and visits by vehicle to markets and Inca ruins including Machu Picchu. The excursions focus on archaeology, history and local culture.