Hotel Vallehermoso

A lovely garden and a very quiet setting go with this small, family-run hotel. The rooms were clean and a good size, and the homemade local food was natural and really good. Just keep in mind that Wi-Fi only reaches the reception area if you need to stay connected.

I’ve been to Valle Hermosa twice with a motorcycle, in April 2015 and December 2017. Both stays were enjoyable. The administrator is attentive and friendly, though she speaks only Spanish, as is typical in the village. Rooms are basic but clean, with good hot water. Breakfast is included and works well for a couple of days, then you may want to pay a little extra for eggs or something else. The grounds are peaceful, and I doubt there’s a better place to stay in Cotahuasi. One practical thing: sometimes nobody answers the gate bell, perhaps because the administrator has gone to pick up food or can’t hear it. Save her cell # so you can call if needed. For a visit, April is greener, with waterfalls and less dust, than December. Bring enough Peruvian Soles. You can exchange USD, but I don’t think there’s an ATM. I couldn’t find Wifi in the Cotahuasi, though Claro data/voice works. Disconnecting is good too! I was told the best chance of seeing condors is to reach an overlook early, before 6:30 AM. For motorcyclists, Arequipa to Cotahuasi takes 7.5 to 9 hrs depending on speed and traffic. In 2017 the village guide advised against riding to Quechualla because I had street tires on my F800GS and could get a flat. It turned out manageable and worth doing two-up. The attached map is outdated, and vehicle access to Quechualla is possible. In 2015 I rode a KLR650 from Cotahuasi to Cusco by way of Puyca/Churca/Izcahuaca. It took 16 difficult hours to get to Izcahuaca, arriving after dark. I stayed in Pampamarca and carried on to Cusco in the morning. If you try it, starting early from Puyca would be better than setting out from Cotahuasi. A full tank from Cotahuasi’s gas station is enough to reach Izcahuaca. The road photos are from that route and focus on the worst conditions, though much of it is in better shape.

The room was excellent and the views were great. My only gripe: the concrete door frames were so low I hit my head on them a few times. 4/5.

A lovely spot, peaceful and nice for a stay where you can relax.