Apu Lodge

Overall Rating

7 out of 7 HostelBookers customers said that they would recommend 'Apu Lodge'

Apu Lodge is the only hotel of its caliber located in the Inca streets of the village of Ollantaytambo and its position on a terrace gives it a fantastic view from all rooms of the historic fortress and ancient houses, still inhabited by the descendants of the Incas.

Here you can find tranquility away from the bustle of the city of Cusco or crowded Machu Picchu, waking to birdsong from the nearby stands of eucalyptus. Behind the hotel stands the "Apu" or Sacred Mountain of Pinkullyuna, and it is just a half hour walk to the Inca granaries on its slopes for a bird's eye view of the town. Opposite the hotel is the proud fortress of Ollantaytambo, which the hotel affords great views of.

Our kitchen provides breakfast, optional dinner and lunch on request using local ingredients and Peruvian and international recipes. Meals can be taken in our dining room or outside in our garden dining area, where you might also enjoy a drink as the sun sets over this unique living Inca settlement.

We can arrange guides for Machu Picchu and the many treks in the area and provide advice on an itinerary to suit you. Treks include Lares, Choquekirau, Santa Teresa, Pumamarka, indigenous weaving communities of Patakancha and Huilloc, Cachiccata Inca Quarries. We can also arrange day trips to Patakancha and recommend agencies for the Inca trail and lodges in the jungle and ceremonies including San Pedro, Temescal (Sweat Lodge) on the property and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Accommodation Information

All but one of our rooms have stunning views of the Inca town and surrounding mountains, private bathrooms with an excellent shower and are furnished with simple elegance. We have 9 guest rooms, with flexibility for single, double or twin occupancy. Two of the rooms can be used as triple rooms. We can provide a cot for a baby or very young child and high chair.

Our largest room ("the suite") has a balcony with a view of Pinkuylluna Sacred Mountain and also another door with a view of the fortress. The doors to first floor rooms lead straight out onto the gardens and second floor rooms have a second door that opens for an even better view of the ruins. We are also currently offering a smaller twin room with a window but not much of a view at a lower rate for those on a tight budget.

Location Information

Ollantaytambo, the living village of the Incas, is a gem in the heart of the Andes, just a short train ride from Machu Picchu. Walking through the pedestrian streets to the hotel is like taking a step back in time, as a child passes by herding a pig or sheep on a rope and the older folk step into an improvised bar in one of the old Inca courtyards to drink chicha, a fermented corn beer.

We recommend starting your stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley with as many days in Ollantaytambo as you can manage, to relax, experience this amazing town, view nearby attractions such as Machu Picchu, Salineras, Maras, Moray, Pisaq, the Inca quarries, Pumamarka and communities of Huilloc and Patakancha. The lower altitude and peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to base your stay in the Cusco area and with the train station in the town it is an easy day trip to Machu Picchu (less than 2 hours by train).