Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba hotel, Sacred Valley, Peru: Peruvian luxury in valley of the Incas

There's no doubt Machu Picchu is the main Inca attraction in Peru, but for those seeking to experience more of the Inca empire, exploration of the Sacred Valley, the epicentre of all that was before the Spanish conquest destroyed it, is a rich pursuit. And a new hotel by Inkaterra, a leader in luxury sustainable tourism in Peru, is a welcome addition to the itinerary.

The group's sixth property, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, or Urubamba Valley, in-between Cusco and Machu Picchu is a perfect base for wanderings in the area and even a destination in itself. At an altitude of 2900 metres, it's a contemporary hacienda-style property spanning 40 hectares, currently with 12 rooms including a three-room "Owners Suite", all with huge windows offering views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains. (Outside the main building, 24 luxury casitas are also due to open this Australian Summer.) The hotel runs excursions, such as bird watching (there are more than 30 species in the hotel grounds), star gazing, horseback riding, and llama cart rides.

It also has its own four-hectare organic plantation and guests are encouraged to help harvest what's grown there, including quinoa, artichokes and Urubamba giant corn, as well as traditional medicinal herbs.

Buffet breakfast and all guided excursions are included. From $US462 a night. Rates valid till December 31. Minimum stay two nights. See www.inkaterra.com.