If you’re exploring the Sacred Valley around Cusco and want a truly peaceful place to soak in the Andes, The Mountain View Experience is a standout retreat that blends comfort, nature, and unforgettable mountain scenery. It’s the perfect pitstop after bustling Cusco or before heading out on treks like Salkantay or to Machu Picchu.
Nestled in the charming village of Maras — famous for its salt mines — this eco‑friendly lodge sits high in the mountains (around 3,380 m / ~11,090 ft above sea level) with breathtaking views of valleys and the snow‑capped Andes in every direction.
The experience revolves around six sustainable A‑frame cabins, each named with deep connection to natural elements and local tradition. Some even include jacuzzis or hot tubs facing the mountains, so you can relax with a llama or alpaca wandering nearby — these gentle camelids roam the property and make for lovely photo moments against the Andean backdrop, they also round up all the llamas on the property and swarm your bath tub its a BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE.
Inside, the cabins are simple but stylish, with private bathrooms, cozy living areas, and big windows that bring the scenery right into your space. There’s also an on‑site restaurant with stunning panoramic views, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely dinner as the sun sets over the peaks.
What makes it special:
Epic mountain scenery: Valleys and ridges stretch as far as the eye can see from sunrise to sunset.
Camelids everywhere: Llamas and alpacas roam around, and you can even feed them or take photos with them near your cabin.
Comfort + nature: A blend of rustic aesthetic and modern comforts, including private bathrooms and some cabins with hot tubs.
Activities & extras:
ATV tours to the nearby Moray agricultural circle and Maras salt mines for incredible vistas and exploration.
Horseback riding across the Andean fields or scenic wine & cheese picnics with mountain views.
Painting sessions or picnics overlooking the valleys, plus plenty of hiking and exploration right from the lodge.
Timing & location:
About 1 – 1.5 hours’ drive from Cusco (easier with a private taxi or tour transfer).
Perfect for 1–2 nights if you’re visiting the Sacred Valley or acclimatizing before higher‑altitude treks.
Rough costs:
Cabin rates are roughly ~USD $50 per person for standard stays, and around ~$75 per person for cabins with a jacuzzi feature (based on double or triple occupancy).