Inkayra Cusco: Peru's BEST Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!)
Inkayra Cusco: Peru's BEST Hotel? (Hold Your Horses… Let's See!) - A Frankly Honest Review
Okay, so they're calling Inkayra Cusco the "BEST" hotel in Peru, huh? Well, that’s a pretty bold claim, and as a seasoned traveler (and a stickler for a decent hot shower!), I had to check it out. Forget the perfectly-curated Instagram feed, this is where the real tea is spilled. Buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving in.
The First Impression – And a Slight Panic! (Accessibility & Getting There)
First things first, the accessibility stuff. Now, full disclosure, I don't require a wheelchair, but I do pay attention. And Inkayra seemed to have made an effort. They boast Facilities for disabled guests and an Elevator. Check and check. The Airport transfer was thankfully, well, available. Cusco's cobblestone streets are brutal on rolling luggage, especially. So huge props for that. I'm not entirely certain how smoothly everything would function for someone with significant mobility challenges just based on my observations, but it definitely seemed more thoughtfully designed than some of the other places I've been.
The Internet Saga (And the Glorious Absence of Dial-Up!)
This is where I get a little too excited. I'm a digital nomad, a slave to the Wi-Fi gods. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And not just that, reliable Wi-Fi! I hate hotels that promise the world and deliver dial-up. Inkayra delivers the goods. They also have Internet [LAN] if you're feeling old-school (which, let's be honest, I sometimes am). Wi-Fi in public areas was also strong. You know what? Consider me impressed. This is a MUST for me and should be for you too, unless you enjoy wandering the streets of Cusco screaming out your emails.
The Room: Pretty Darn Nice, But… (Cleanliness, Features, and That Darned Toilet!)
The room itself? Pretty darn nice. Air conditioning, thank the heavens, because Cusco can get toasty. Blackout curtains (bless them!), a desk (essential for my work), and a mini bar (essential for my sanity, mostly). The bathroom got the important things right: good water pressure (a MUST!). Also, they had the standard slippers, bathrobes, and complimentary tea.
Cleanliness: Now, here's where I get really picky. Anti-viral cleaning products are mentioned. And, let's be honest, given the current climate, that's a huge plus. The rooms seemed spotless. No lurking dust bunnies in sight! They also had Rooms sanitized between stays and a Daily disinfection in common areas. I'm a total germaphobe (don't judge!), and I felt pretty safe. They even offer an option to Room sanitization opt-out available. On the toilet though… and look I know this is minor but it was a low water flow. Yes, I'm a toilet critic.
Dining: (Food, Glorious Food? Mostly!)
The dining situation? A mixed bag, but mostly positive. They offer Asian breakfast (I didn't try it, but good for them!), Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], which was pretty decent, and you could get Breakfast in room if you’re feeling lazy (again, me!). They also have A la carte in restaurant, Bottle of water provided (always appreciated!), a Coffee shop (excellent!), Restaurants, a Poolside bar (more on that later), and a Snack bar. I found the food in the main restaurant to be generally, but not outstanding. I had some fabulous meals in Cusco, definitely don't make Inkayra a single stop for food.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Spa Experience (or the Lack Thereof?)
Alright, this is where I get a little…unimpressed. Spa/sauna, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Steamroom, and Foot bath all sound amazing, right? Well, here's the rub: they have these facilities, but I found them to be a bit lackluster. The spa felt a little cold and clinical. The massage therapist was pleasant, but the massage itself wasn't mind-blowing. Was this a deal-breaker? No. But did it live up to the hype? Not quite. I found the best relaxation came by just taking a step out on the Terrace, overlooking the city. Pure bliss.
The Pool with a View: Ah, The Pool, The Pool!
Okay, here's where Inkayra really, truly shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is fantastic. But not just because it's a pool. It's that Pool with view that really gets you. Imagine: you're floating in the cool water, the sun is beating down, and you're staring out at the stunning Andes mountains. It's pure magic. It's worth the visit ALONE. I spent hours there. The poolside bar? Essential. Order a pisco sour, and you're officially living the dream.
Services and Conveniences: The "Little Things" That Matter
They offered everything you’d expect: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, a Doorman (always a nice touch), Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and a Safety deposit boxes.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Not?
They do have Babysitting service and are listed as Family/child friendly, but I didn't see any dedicated kids' facilities, so I’m not certain how child-centric the hotel would be.
Safety and Security: Feeling Safe and Sound?
They took it seriously. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], and Smoke alarms gave me a sense of security.
The Verdict: Is Inkayra Cusco the BEST Hotel in Peru?
Honestly? It's tough to say "BEST" because everyone has different priorities. But Inkayra Cusco is damn good. It has a few minor flaws, sure, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. The location is excellent, the rooms are comfortable, the Wi-Fi is reliable, the staff are friendly, and the pool is absolute perfection.
My Honest Recommendation: Book it. But don't go expecting perfection. Go expecting a fantastic hotel with a killer pool and some truly breathtaking views. And most importantly? Go expecting a great time.
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Uncover Venice's Hidden Gem: The Ca' De Sbiess Secret!
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're getting the real, unfiltered Cusco experience from the Hotel Inkayra, and trust me, it's gonna be a ride. My itinerary? A suggestion, more like a suggestion box filled with dynamite. Let's see how this disaster-piece unfolds…
DAY 1: ARRIVAL, Altitude Headache, and the Quest for Coca Tea
- Morning (Or What Was Left of It After the Flight): Landed in Cusco, or as I affectionately call it, "Oxygen-be-damned-City." The airport is tiny. Like, "could-fit-in-a-big-box-store-parking-lot" tiny. After a surprisingly speedy customs (miracle!), greeted by our pre-booked taxi finally after a bit of delay, driven by a guy who looked suspiciously like he'd just rolled out of bed and into the driver's seat. He drove like a caffeinated squirrel, which was… exhilarating.
- Mid-day: Check-in at Hotel Inkayra: Okay, the hotel itself is gorgeous. Seriously, the courtyard is like something out of a fairytale, with a little fountain bubbling away. The staff is super friendly, which is a huge plus because my brain is already scrambled by the altitude. Checked in, got the "This is where the altitude is trying to kill you" pep talk, and was given my room, which was charming and had a killer view.
- Afternoon: The Coca Tea Crusade: The headaches started quickly and they are BAD! My mission? Coca tea. Became completely obsessed with it. Went to the front and, thankfully, they had a kettle and a limitless supply. Spent a glorious hour just sipping and staring out the window at everything, the city swirling around me, and feeling somewhat human again. It was probably the most profound experience of the day.
- Evening: Dinner Mishap and Early Bedtime: Tried to be an adventurous eater, ordered the alpaca stew at a local restaurant. It was…interesting. Let's just say my stomach and I have a complicated relationship after that. Ended up back at the hotel early, curled up with a book, and passed out at what I guess was 8 PM. Altitude is a harsh mistress.
DAY 2: Sacred Valley, Ruins, and a Seriously Disappointing Llama
- Morning: The Sacred Valley Tour Disaster (Mostly): Booked a tour to the Sacred Valley – Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and all that jazz. The bus was packed, the guide spoke a mile a minute, and I was fighting off a constant wave of nausea. Pisac was cool, though. The ruins just sitting on the side of the mountain. They are pretty epic.
- Mid-day: Ollantaytambo - Stone and the Shivers: Ollantaytambo was…stunning. The scale of the ruins is mind-blowing. The stone work, perfect. I swear I stared at those rocks for like an hour, forgetting I'm altitude-sick and just taking in the view.
- Afternoon: Llama-geddon and Food Despair: The worst part? The "Llamas! Photo Opportunity!" stop. The poor llama just looked utterly miserable. I felt like I was contributing to its misery. Also, tried eating a Cuy (guinea pig). Not gonna lie the guinea pig was delicious, but I don't think I could ever eat one again.
- Evening: Back to Hotel Inkayra: Back to the hotel, completely exhausted and slightly traumatized. The hot shower was a lifeline, and the thought of coca-tea was paradise. Vowed to be more careful about food choices.
DAY 3: Cusco City Exploration, Plaza de Armas, and a Near Religious Experience
- Morning: Cusco City Awakening: Finally felt kind of human. Dragged myself through the cobblestone streets. The air is thin but the whole vibe is something else. Saw the Plaza de Armas. Spent ages watching the people. It just felt right.
- Mid-day: The Cathedral - Gasp!: Visited the Cusco Cathedral. I'm not even religious, but the sheer scale and artistry of the place… I was nearly in tears. It's overwhelming. The details, the history…it was an absolute masterpiece.
- Afternoon: Market Mayhem and Souvenir Shenanigans: Did the San Pedro Market. Sensory overload. So many colors, smells, sounds! Navigating it was a challenge. Scored some souvenirs (mostly things I have no actual use for, but hey, memories, right?).
- Evening: Farewell Dinner (and Potential Food Poisoning): Found a rooftop restaurant and ordered a slightly more sophisticated dish. Whether or not it was actually sophisticated or just better than the guinea pig, I felt like I had reached a new level of travel.
DAY 4: Machu Picchu - The Ultimate Test (Brace Yourself)
- Morning: The Train to Aguas Calientes: Woke up unbelievably early to take the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. The train ride? Beautiful. The views, the mountains! The fact that I was still alive with the altitude, was a bonus.
- Mid-day: Machu Picchu - OMG!: Okay, here's the thing: Machu Picchu is insane. Truly. Like, beyond words. The sheer scale of it, the mountains around it, the history…it hits you like a punch in the face. I could have stood there for hours, just absorbing it all. It's a religious experience, even if you aren't religious.
- Afternoon: The Return to Reality: The train back, the bus back to Cusco. The after-Machu Picchu comedown is real. You are exhausted, emotionally and physically drained in the best possible way.
- Evening: Packing and Departure (With a Touch of Sadness): Back at the Hotel Inkayra. Packing up. The feeling of being about to leave Cusco is bittersweet. Cusco, you are a wild, demanding, breathtaking city.
Hotel Inkayra Specific Ramblings:
- The Courtyard: Seriously, that courtyard. It’s the soul of the hotel. I spent at least an hour a day just sitting there, reading, sketching, or staring at the fountain. It's just so…peaceful.
- The Staff: They are absolutely wonderful and make you feel like you're living there instead of a tourist. They all have genuine smiles and are happy to give recommendations or just chat.
- The Location: Perfect! Close enough to everything, but still felt calm and secluded.
- The Coca Tea: Basically, a national treasure. Thank you, Hotel Inkayra, for keeping me alive.
Overall Verdict:
Cusco? A beast. The altitude is brutal, the food is a gamble, and you'll probably have a near-death experience or two (like, near-death from altitude sickness, or death by guinea pig). But it's also a place of breathtaking beauty, incredible history, and a culture unlike anything you've ever experienced. Hotel Inkayra? A sanctuary. A beautiful place to escape the chaos. Would I go back? Absolutely, the moment my blood pressure dips back to normal. And maybe, just maybe, I’d try the guinea pig again. Maybe not.
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