Essentials
- City
- Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region, Peru
- Population
- Approximately 15,000
- Internet Speed
- Fiber optic is expanding; average 30-50 Mbps in dedicated rentals, 10-20 Mbps in cafes.
- Currency & Banking
- 1 USD ≈ 3.75 PEN (Sol). BCP and GlobalNet ATMs are available on Avenida Mariscal Castilla.
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable; use a filter or buy 20L 'bidones' for approx. 15 PEN.
- Power
- 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A and C sockets (two-prong flat or round).
- SIM Card
- Claro or Movistar; 30-day 10GB plans for approx. 30 PEN ($8 USD).
- Banking for Expats
- BCP, Interbank; Revolut/Wise work at ATMs but expect 20-30 PEN fees.
- Accommodation
- Coliving like Selina Huarocondo nearby or local airbnbs/casitas.
- Cashless Friendly
- Limited; large hotels and high-end restaurants take cards, but markets and 'combis' are cash only.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and local Facebook groups (Sacred Valley Community); prices $500–$900/month.
- Budget Accommodation
- Flying Dog Hostel Urubamba ($12/night) or Hospedaje Los Jardines ($15/night).
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Near the Plaza de Armas or along the river near Tambo del Inka.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Huaran or Arin (outlying villages 10 mins away) for peace and scenic views.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Origin Cowork (located inside the Green House) - Approx. $15/day.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Kaia Bowl (Av. Cabo Conchatupa) - Good Wi-Fi, healthy food, and outlets.
- Networking Events
- Friday Farmer's Market in Huaran is the unofficial hub for the expat/nomad community.
- Social Events for Expats
- Sacred Valley Community Facebook group lists ecstatic dance and cacao ceremonies.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber; use local Moto-taxis (2-5 PEN) or official radios like Taxi Urubamba.
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Holy Wheels (Calle Comercio) - Mountain bikes for approx. 50 PEN/day.
- Best Beach Nearby
- None (Andes mountains); closest water is Piuray Lagoon for paddleboarding.
- Top Regional Airline
- LATAM Peru (Flying into Cusco/CUZ, 1.5 hours away).
- Top International Airline
- LATAM, KLM, and Iberia serve Lima (LIM) with connections to Cusco.
- Highway Access
- Route 28 connects Urubamba to Cusco and Ollantaytambo.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Urubamba Train Station (PeruRail for Machu Picchu) and the Terminal Terrestre for buses.
- Public Transport Passes
- No passes; 'Combi' vans cost 1-2 PEN for local hops.
- Regional Travel
- Colectivos to Cusco (10 PEN) or Ollantaytambo (5 PEN) from the main terminal.
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Clínica Medical Network (Av. Mariscal Castilla) - Private care.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Yoga Slab in Huaran or Samadhi Sacred Valley - Classes approx. 35-50 PEN.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Gimnasio Urubamba (near Plaza de Armas) - 10 PEN per session.
- Laundry Services
- Lavanderia El Sol - Approx. 5-7 PEN per kilo.
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Direct WhatsApp ordering with local restaurants; third-party apps are rare here.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Cuy Chactado (fried guinea pig) or Lomo Saltado.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Kampu (Jr. Bolivar 610) - Excellent fusion with vegan options.
- Best Dessert Spots
- Da Colecho - Artisanal gelato and pastries.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Mercado Modelo Urubamba (The central market) for fresh produce.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Mercado Libre Peru (delivery takes 3-5 days from Lima).
- Grocery Delivery
- Direct delivery from 'Eco Tienda La Esquinita' via WhatsApp.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Urubamba is quiet; most nightlife is at Cervecería del Valle Sagrado (Pachar).
- Local Brewery
- Cervecería del Valle Sagrado - Award-winning craft beer (approx. 18 PEN a pint).
- Wine Bars
- Tambo del Inka Bar - Upscale selection of South American wines.
- Street Food Stalls
- Anticuchos (skewers) found at the corner of the Plaza de Armas at night (5-8 PEN).
- Popular International Cuisine
- Pizzeria El Huacatay - High-end Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Salineras de Maras (Salt mines) and Moray (Incan agricultural terraces).
- Museums & Art Venues
- Seminario Ceramics (Pablo Seminario’s workshop and gallery).
- Historical Sites
- Palacio de Sayri Tupac in the Yucay district.
- Religious Sites
- Iglesia De San Pedro Apóstol (Plaza de Armas).
- Annual Events
- Lord of Choquequilca Festival (May/June) - Traditional dances and parades.
- Cultural Districts
- Yucay (Old Incan administrative center) just 5 mins away.
- Theater Venues
- El Galpón in Yucay for occasional local performances and events.
- Local Markets
- Wednesday/Friday/Sunday Urubamba Fair - Massive local trade.
- Music Scene
- Live Andean folk music at 'Tunupa' restaurant.
- Street Art
- Murals on the walls toward Huaran depicting Incan cosmovision.
- Cooking Classes
- El Huacatay offers private Peruvian culinary workshops.
- Art Galleries
- Centro Cultural de Urubamba for rotating local exhibitions.
- Historic Buildings
- Templo del Almudena and various colonial haciendas in Yucay.
- Local Heritage
- Quechua language and traditional weaving patterns (Ayllu textile culture).
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Chicón Glacier trek - High altitude hiking from the back of the city.
- National Parks Nearby
- Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary (Access via train from Urubamba).
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The river path between Urubamba and Huaran for flat walking/biking.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Mirador de Taray for a panoramic view of the entire valley.
- Birdwatching Locations
- The gardens of the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba for hummingbirds.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Permitted at private campgrounds in Huaran and Arin.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Olva Courier (Av. Castilla) - Most reliable for domestic shipping.
- Tech Repair Services
- Small kiosks in the San Pedro Market area; complex repairs require Cusco trip.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Local community center near the stadium occasionally has tables.
- Language Classes
- Individual tutors found on 'Sacred Valley Community' group; approx. 40 PEN/hour.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Biblioteca Municipal (limited hours); best to use hotel libraries like Casa Andina.
- Community Centers
- Casa de la Cultura (near the main plaza).
- Gaming Lounges
- Small 'Cabinas de Internet' for PC gaming near the market.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- None; Urubamba strictly limits gambling venues.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $44,000). Prices vary wildly by land title status.
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000).
- Corporate Tax
- 29.5% (Standard regime).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 5% for residents and non-residents.
- Tax System
- Worldwide income for residents (183+ days in Peru); Territorial for non-residents.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 30% for annual income over 45 UIT (approx. $60k USD).
- VAT
- 18% (Known as IGV in Peru).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, Peru has 'Transparencia Fiscal Internacional' rules for passive income.
- Property Tax
- Yes, 'Impuesto Predial' is annual, approx. 0.2% - 1% of the value.
- Property Transaction Tax
- 3% (Alcabala tax), paid by the buyer, minus an exemption of 10 UIT.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No specific nomad visa tax break yet; most nomads operate on tourist visas.