Curator’s statement
I recently stayed at the Mountain View Experience, which is truly a delight to young and old. The glass-walled cabins and communal buildings offer incredible views over the expansive landscapes...but it's the resident llamas, alpacas, horses and donkeys that steal the show, especially when they join you for a soak in the hot tub! Other activities such as ATV riding, horse riding, wine-and-cheese picnics and stargazing are on offer.
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A stay at Mountain View Experience is a great addition to any Peru itinerary. It's about 1.5 hours from Cusco by car, and about an hour from the Ollantaytambo train station which is midway between Cusco to Machu Picchu. It's situated on one of the slopes of the Sacred Valley, near a small town called Maras. Surrounded by rolling hills, with snow-capped mountains in the background, the vistas are nothing short of dramatic.
The glass-walled main building, which houses the reception, restaurant, bar and lounge areas, is warmed by wood-burning stoves and invites guests to relax and mingle as they admire the 360-degree views. One corner houses a chest full of Peruvian ponchos and hats which guests can borrow for the duration of their stay — perfect for all the photo ops which abound.
The A-frame cabins are simply appointed but clean and functional. A floor-to-ceiling glass wall takes full advantage of the idyllic location. Each cabin features an outdoor hot tub, arranged in a way to preserve privacy, and by request the herd of llamas and alpacas will pay you a visit for a unique and delightful leaf-feeding experience!
Other activities on offer include a wine-and-cheese picnic, perfectly arranged to capture the the colors and textures for the 'gram. Halfway through, watercolors are offered, which offers guests the opportunity to capture the moment in a creative way. Horse riding and ATV riding are also available onsite, and are a lovely way to explore the rolling hills and cross paths with local shepherds tending to sheep and goats.
The world-famous Maras salt mines, dating back to Incan times, are a few minutes down the road. It's definitely worth taking a few minutes to check them out on the way to or from Mountain View Experience.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available in the main dining area, and feature traditional Peruvian dishes crafted from local ingredients. Think quinoa, trout, potatoes and even guinea pig! Coca tea is available to help with altitude sickness, and they do a solid latte for those who want something stronger. Dinner is enjoyed by candlelight, and is paired with a groovy dub-techno playlist that might inspire a dance or two.
Need to know
I recommend Mountain View Experience to anyone who wants to break up the train journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco with a colorful, if a bit made-for-Instagram, stopover. It's a romantic spot for couples, a fun friends getaway and perfect for families with children old enough to be excited about feeding a llama. Reach out if you have any questions or would like advice planning your next Peruvian adventure!
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Peru page.
Travel Advisor
Cassidy Hazelbaker
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