Description
Located on the road to Ollantaytambo, 10 minutes outside the town of Urubamba, Illarimuy Hosteria is a relatively new and attractive option for travellers seeking a place to call home and be taken care of. Owned and personally managed by a Cusqueño couple, Ruben y Maria Laura, this quiet, peaceful place offers 19 rooms - four doubles and 15 twin rooms – surrounding a lovely sitting area with well-kept gardens.

The entire building has been constructed with adobe and beams made of ‘chonta’ (a type of jungle tree). The floor lies over multicoloured volcanic rock, which is the Andean custom, according to Ruben, a well-known archaeologist and anthropologist.

Without a doubt, the highlight of Illarimuy is the mini-spa, with a wet sauna and a huge, indoor hot tub that can hold up to 10 people. You need to reserve these services one day in advance ($10 per person, at least 4 for the hot tub). In addition, they offer massage therapies for US$35 per one-hour session and free use of a small deck where you can enjoy the tranquillity and views of the surrounding valley.

Insider Tips
There are 5 rooms built in an adjacent adobe building which share a small, colourful living-room with a fireplace.

If you are interested in the mystical side of the Sacred Valley, do not hesitate to ask Ruben. He is a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

Each room is named after an element of nature, such as birds, plants and heavenly bodies.

Benefits
Safe and comfortable at a reasonable price.

English-speaking staff, always eager to help you organize alternative activities around the area.

Transfers from/to the airport can be arranged by the hotel for US$30.

Free internet access and wireless connection in the premises.

Drawbacks
Not recommended for families with small children, for they might disturb the peace and silence during mystical ceremonies or events that often take place there.

You may need to ask the front desk to call a taxi (especially at night) if you want to go downtown Urubamba. It is not advised to walk along the road!

Rooms
Illarimuy’s rooms are fairly basic – some of them are on the smaller side and are not terribly well lit. Their decor is very simple, painted in white with a few small Andean paintings and modern bedspreads with vibrant colours contrasting the off-white curtains. Only the double rooms have carpet flooring, the rest are wooden ,as is most of the infrastructure in the Hotel. The rooms with the best views are ‘Picaflor’ (double) and ‘Amapola’ (twin). All the rooms have private bathrooms.

The five rooms in the separate building are not connected and can be reserved individually, though they all have access to the main sitting room where the fireplace is located. This unit is ideal for groups or families who want a bit more privacy, though it doesn’t have a dining area or any additional private facilities in it.

Bathrooms are small, but very clean and modern. The showers have good water pressure and rarely experience hot water shortages. Soap and clean towels are provided.

Food
A buffet breakfast with eggs, ham, cheese and fruit is served everyday starting at 5.30am. Other basic meals can be prepared upon advanced request. Downtown Urubamba offers two good restaurants also recommended by OTR: El Huacatay and Tres Keros and they are only 10 minutes away by car.

Children
Be sure to enquire as to whether they are offering any special mystical activities during your potential stay. It is generally not advised to bring children during this time since the property is kept very quiet.

Rates
US$55 per room; includes buffet breakfast and taxes

	Information:
	Location Manzanapata - Urubamba On the road to Ollantaytambo, 10 minutes outside the town of Urubamba www.illarimuy.com (51 84) 201492