We stayed for three nights at Macha Wasi (really the Hospedaje los Jardines). We found it to be a good value and convenient for exploring the Sacred Valley. It’s sort of difficult to explain but the hotel is a partnership between Australian Michael Holberton, who had owned another property and was providing bike tours of the Sacred Valley, and the owner of the hospedaje, a local named Raul. You can reserve it through the Macha Wasi website (www.machawasi.com) or directly from the owner once you get to Urubamba.

The grounds are lovely and quiet, with flowers everywhere. Rooms are basic but clean, and good for the price (we paid $18/night for our stay for a double room with a bathroom). Michael was very helpful in arranging our trip: he met us at the airport in Cusco, picked up our train tickets to Machu Picchu, and arranged for a half-day mountain biking excursion (more difficult than advertised, perhaps because it was our first full day at altitude, but worth it for the scenery and the long downhill portions of the trail).

The staff at the hotel was very friendly, and the proprietor, Raul, spoke good English and was helpful and hospitable. For us the main attraction was the chance to stay in Urubamba, the town at the midpoint of the Sacred Valley. There's not much of historical interest, but the town is quiet and friendly and was refreshingly free of tourists, even in August (especially compared to nearby Oyantaytambo). There are two excellent gourmet restaurants within walking distance of the hospedaje -- Tres Keros and Huacatay. Both were among the best that we visited in Peru.

Overall, affordable, pleasant, and a good base for exploring the Sacred Valley.