About this hotel
General information
Rio Sagrado is Belmond's small riverside retreat in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, set on the banks of the Urubamba between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Its rooms, suites and villas step down the hillside towards the water, separated by flowering gardens and lawns where alpacas wander freely. Interiors favour pale wood, natural stone and fabrics from local weavers, giving the place a quiet, rural feel rather than a grand one.
The hotel's defining asset is its own railway station, from which trains run to Machu Picchu. Otherwise the days follow the valley: Andean ceremonies by the river, evenings around the campfire, cooking built on the kitchen garden and neighbouring farms, and a spa set among wildflowers. Supplemental oxygen is available on request for guests feeling the altitude.
Location
The hotel lies at kilometre 75.8 of the Urubamba–Ollantaytambo road, right on the Urubamba River. Urubamba town is 5 minutes away by car, Ollantaytambo railway station 15 minutes, Cusco about 70 minutes and Cusco airport (CUZ) about 85 minutes. The train ride to Machu Picchu takes 1 hour 45 minutes; transfers from the airport and the station are arranged by the hotel on request.
Spa
Mayu Willka Spa sits on the riverfront, wrapped in a wildflower garden. Facilities include an indoor jacuzzi behind wide windows, an outdoor spa pool and treatment rooms. Programmes are tailored to each guest and draw on Andean healing traditions — the Maras Hampiq massage, the Munay Sonqo ritual for couples, scrubs, wraps and facials for women and men — alongside Andean yoga, sunrise meditation, a cacao ceremony and aquatic therapy.
Sports & leisure
The valley itself is the main draw, and most activities run all year:
- horseback rides through the mountain valleys
- rafting on the Urubamba River
- cycling to Piscacucho; four bicycles are lent free of charge with advance booking
- treks to the Maras salt pans and to Querocancha
- llama hikes
- riverside Andean ceremonies, a fire ceremony and incense crafting
- stargazing and evenings around the campfire
- the 'Roots' cooking class with produce from the garden, and a visit to a traditional chocolate maker
- time with Sacred Valley communities and local weavers
A heated outdoor pool sits in the gardens, and six spaces are set aside for weddings and events.
For children
Families can feed the alpacas, paint ceramic bulls and watch films under the stars. Children under 11 stay free when sharing a room with adults in the existing bedding, and the villas come with a kitchen and dining room suited to family stays.
Restaurants & bars
Cooking leans on Andean produce from the hotel's own gardens and valley farmers:
- Muju — contemporary Peruvian and Andean cuisine built on local organic potatoes, corn and trout; lunch and dinner
- El Jardín — al fresco barbecues in the garden
- Muju Bar — botanical cocktails, wines and spirits overlooking the river
Guests can also book a pachamanca, the traditional meal cooked in an earth oven over hot stones, as well as breakfast above the river, a picnic on the lawn and in-room dining.
Swimming
A heated outdoor pool in the gardens looks out over the valley; Mayu Willka Spa has a second, outdoor spa pool.
Pets
Dogs up to 6 kg are accepted for a fee, one per room, in the Garden Junior Suites; a dog bed and bowls are provided. Registered assistance dogs stay free of charge.
Rooms
There are 10 rooms, 11 suites and villas including Villa Q'inti and Villa Maras, all terraced into the hillside with views of the river and gardens. The finishes pair natural stone, light wood and Peruvian textiles with pared-back European furniture.
Private terrace facing the river, sitting area, writing desk, Peruvian Pima cotton linen and goose-feather pillows, marble bathroom with walk-in rain shower and heated floor, Yelavé toiletries, stocked minibar, safe, opening windows and free Wi-Fi.
Villa Maras
Two-level, three-bedroom villa (king, two doubles, two twins) with a fireplace living room, fully equipped kitchen, loft studio and a covered terrace over the river and garden; three marble bathrooms. Sleeps up to 6 adults and 1 child, with transfers, a dedicated host and laundry included.
Villa Q'inti
Two-level, three-bedroom riverside villa named after the Quechua word for hummingbird, with a fireplace living room hung with local art, kitchen and dining room, private garden and terrace, and three marble bathrooms. Sleeps up to 6 adults and 1 child.
Garden Junior Suite
Stone-and-wood suite with its own garden, a flagstone terrace and the hotel's best river views; one king or two queen beds and a marble-and-onyx bathroom. Sleeps 2 adults and 1 child.
Deluxe Terrace Room
Main-building room with a private terrace facing the river and mountains, a sitting area and a king or two twin beds; marble bathroom with a shower beneath slanted skylight windows. Sleeps 2 adults and 1 child.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.