Description
Definitely one of the nicer properties in the Sacred Valley, this hotel is one of four exclusive ‘Private Collection’ hotels run by the Casa Andina chain. Perched up above the valley floor, this hotel is located half-way between Ollantaytambo and Urubamba, boasting outstanding views of the Urubamba valley.

The large front entrance and reception area is encased in glass to minimize any view obstructions. This modern greeting sets the tone for the rest of the property, which is set on 3 hectares of land. A welcoming lounge surrounds a large fireplace adjacent to the reception. At the other end is the hotel’s highly-regarded restaurant. From there a set of stairs brings you down to the bar area and games room with a pool table, dart board and poker table.

Heading up the slope from the reception you will pass the events room, business center (with Internet), workout facility and spa. Further up the hill you will find a cluster of Spanish-style buildings along the circumference of the property, which are the guest rooms (85 in all). The remainder of the property is wide open lawn space and gardens where you can enjoy the spectacular views.

Tucked behind the rooms is Casa Andina’s very own Planetarium. Once you see the Andean sky you will understand why this is such a great feature. Each night (weather permitting) there is a planetarium show and lecture about The Inca’s Sky.

Insider Tips
- Try to get a room on the second floor: 1) for the views and 2) because there isn’t much insulation between floors so rooms on the first floor can get quite a bit of noise from the ones above them. #110 is a winner for its outstanding views!
- The hotel seems to be located in a bit of a wind tunnel

Benefits
- This is a nice, luxurious option located close to Ollantaytambo where you can catch the train to Machu Picchu
- The landscape and setting is breathtaking
- The reception will gladly organize a variety of ‘eco-activities’ (rafting, mountain biking and horseback riding) in the area.
- There is a spa on the premise featuring Andean Therapies such as Quinoa Facials and Energetic Andean Massages.

Drawbacks
- Yanahuara is a bit of a ‘no mans land’ with very little in the surrounding area. Taxis will not be readily available but the reception will be happy to order one for you.
- This is a fairly large property – if your room is at the back of it you will have a trek to get from one end to the other (to the restaurant and other services)
- Despite the large amount of space there is no outdoor pool on the premise
- There are no phones here

Rooms
If ‘NovoAndino’ were a style, it would appropriately describe the simple yet beautiful décor of these rooms. All rooms are airy and spacious with excellent beds. Each room is the same with Direct TV and a safe. Rooms on the first floor have a small table & chair in front of a picturesque bay window while those on the second floor have balconies.

The bathrooms are large and include all the amenities you would expect from such a hotel (including bathrobes). The showers are a bit of a let down.

Food
The open-concept restaurant is modern with and Andean touch, housed entirely in glass so as not to obstruct the view. Local chefs prepare a combination of NovoAndina and international plates with fresh regional ingredients. The menu is interesting, including options for lamb, pork and tuna among others. Prices are expensive, yet relative to the room prices.

Rates

	Information:
	Location 5° Paradero - Yanahuara Yanahuara is about half way between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo (51 84) 976 5501 ecarerra@casa-andina.com www.casa-andina.com