“Nothing is too much trouble” at El Mercado, and it isn’t!

I asked for help with a Spanish translation, and instead of just writing it down for me, the receptionist walked with me to the tailor I wanted to visit, explained what I wanted done, negotiated a fair price for me, and even offered to pick it up for me later in the day. Now that’s service!

El Mercado is a boutique hotel — part of the Mountain Lodges of Peru family — just a few blocks from Plaza de Armas and from Cusco’s main market. The hotel has a market theme, designed by architect Jordi Puig, with a restaurant boasting market fresh food, and decor reflecting home-cooking and deliciousness. Kids also love the rocking horses placed throughout the public areas, the big courtyard to play in, and the pudding and jello (very popular in Cusco) snacks available all-day. Parents will likely prefer the tea and coffee station.

The breakfast room is nicknamed the “Happy Room” and it is. Nadia mixes up delicious fresh juices and prepares “emolientera”, a traditional Cusco hot beverage made of herbs and fruit tisane, said to cure ills and aid in digestion. There’s an abundance of delicious choices at breakfast (included in rates). If you have an early morning tour booked, not to worry — a breakfast to go will be packed up for you.

Rooms are cozy, each different from the other. You can fill a hot water bottle to keep your toes warm in bed, though the rooms have heated walls that radiate warmth. Perched slightly on a hill, the views out into central Cusco are stunning,

 
A “tambo” is a “place to rest” in the Quechua language, and Tambo Del Inka is indeed a place to rest. The resort exudes calm and relaxation. The lighting is soft, the art draws you in, and the public areas encourage you to sit and recharge. Cuddle up on a couch by the 12 meter high lobby fireplace, lounge in a chair overlooking the Urubamba River, or replenish your energies in the bar or restaurant.

Tambo Del Inka is a spa resort that takes its spa name seriously. They go well beyond the typical massage and hot tub, offering specialized treatments in rooms built to suit, including several hydrotherapy rooms. Afterward, you can relax on a heated lounge chair and try to keep the riverside in view as your eyes grow heavy with contentment.

There’s a stunning indoor-outdoor pool, a gym and yoga room, and saunas and hot tubs in the change rooms, separate from the spa. Tambo del Inka offers excellent dining, indoors and outdoors, and their breakfast (included in rates) might be the best one I had in Peru.

The resort’s 128 rooms are all luxuriously outfitted, as you would expect from a hotel that is a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection. Opened in May 2010, the resort is nestled on the edge of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. Snow-capped mountains surround the area, and the hotel’s grounds have several pools with waterfalls that offer the pleasing sound of running water and reflect the big sky.

The resort has its own private train station so that you can easily get to Aguas Callientes, the base of Machu Picchu, and back again to enjoy this magnificent place to rest.

You won’t be alone — Tambo del Inka was just awarded a top 10 place in Trip Advisor’s best worldwide hotels of 2015.

 
The food at Sumac Machu Picchu is phenomenal. From the formal dining to the cooking class, from the welcoming drinks and snacks to the treats delivered to my room: I was impressed. My first taste of alpaca, and of ceviché prepared with river, rather than ocean, fish — delicious! And something I’ve never seen before: ground cherries encased in sugar glass. A master pastry chef — Ribelino Algeria — performs magic here!

Sumaq Machu Picchu is the only 5 star hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. The hotel is in a privileged location a short walk from the train station, but along the quiet part of the river so you’ll not be disturbed by the bar and restaurant scene in this touristy town.

The building’s decor is luxurious with beautiful art filling the lobby. Here you’ll be greeted by welcoming staff bearing a refreshing lemongrass towel and a delicious chicha morada, a traditional drink made of purple corn and pineapple juices. Your room is the epitome of comfort, and you’ll likely need the hot jacuzzi bath after spending your day exploring magnificent Machu Picchu.

While Aguas Callientes is just a base for the ruins of Machu Picchu, I’d recommend booking a few nights at Sumaq. You’ll welcome the opportunity to relax pre- and post-ruins, enjoy the exceptional dining, and learn how to make Peru’s national dish and drink, ceviché and the pisco sour, in a cooking class. Sumaq Machu Picchu also offers a curated selection of excursions to bring you a more in-depth understanding of the Inca and the beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls surrounding the area.

Rates include breakfast, afternoon tea, your choice of lunch or dinner, escorted service from the train, and a cooking class.