Your stay — Continental
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The Property — Continental
The Continental in Urubamba feels like a dependable base camp rather than a destination in itself. The lobby is clean and functional, with a small reception desk and a few armchairs, staffed by polite locals who can arrange tours. The courtyard is a genuine bonus: a calm, sun-drenched space with potted plants where you can sort your daypack or just sit with a coffee. It suits independent travellers who want a no-fuss room and a solid location for exploring the Sacred Valley, not travellers seeking charm or luxury.
Chronicles of Urubamba
Urubamba was founded by Spanish colonisers in the 16th century on the banks of the Urubamba River, part of the Inca heartland that had been controlled from the nearby capital of Cusco. The city became a key agricultural centre during the colonial period, and its Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets still show modest colonial-era buildings. Today, Urubamba is the commercial and transport hub of the Sacred Valley, known for its craft markets and as a launch point for Machu Picchu excursions. Its identity is firmly working and trade-oriented, with a growing number of guesthouses and restaurants catering to the steady flow of tourists passing through.
Best Time to Visit
Full Urubamba guide →Best months
May to August: dry, sunny days with clear skies for valley treks and ruins visits. August also features the lively Inti Raymi festival in Cusco (24 June) but crowds ease by July.
Peak / festival surge
June to August is peak, especially July when northern-hemisphere summer holidays coincide with Peru's dry season. Hotel prices in Urubamba can double from shoulder rates; the Inti Raymi festival (24 June) and the Fiesta del Señor de Qoyllur Rit'i (late May/early June) drive the busiest weeks.
Budget shoulder season
April and September offer good weather with fewer crowds, often 30-40% cheaper rooms. April still has some rain but it's manageable; September is dry but less hectically scheduled than July.
Weather & packing
Urubamba sits at 2,800m; days are warm (20-25°C) but nights drop to 5-10°C — a major daily swing. Pack a lightweight fleece or down jacket for evenings, and always carry a waterproof shell, as showers can appear even in the dry season.
Live City Briefing — Urubamba
- The Urubamba–Ollantaytambo road (PE-28B) has ongoing bridge repairs near Pachar, causing sporadic delays of 20-40 minutes; allow extra time for Machu Picchu train connections.
- A new craft market opened in April 2026 on Jr. Bolívar, offering local textiles and ceramics; good for souvenirs without Cusco's markups.
- The Municipalidad de Urubamba has restricted vehicle access on Calle Comercio during peak hours (10am–6pm) for pedestrian safety; taxi drop-offs now happen on parallel streets.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Continental, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second floor facing the courtyard (away from the street). These rooms get more natural light and are quieter than the ground-floor rooms near the reception area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms at the front of the hotel. They are close to the entrance and the small lobby, so you may hear reception noise and street sounds. Also skip any room overlooking the back alley, which has delivery truck activity in the morning.
Best views
Rooms facing the courtyard (first or second floor) look onto a small garden with trees. Street-facing rooms get views of the main road and the distant Urubamba Mountains—your choice: greenery or mountain backdrop.
Quietest floors
Second floor is the quietest level, as the first floor has public areas and the third floor often gets afternoon sun (and corresponding road heat).
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel is on the main road through Urubamba (Avenida Ferrocarril or similar), so expect traffic noise during daytime. There's no lift, so request a lower floor if stairs are an issue. Near a school? No data, but market and minivan stand are within a block – so occasional morning commotion.
Insider tips
1. Arrive before 6pm to secure a courtyard room; first come, first served. 2. If you're driving, there's limited free parking at the front—ask reception to reserve a spot.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Continental
Free for all guests, typical speed 5-10 Mbps; no login required, password posted at reception
No lift; two-storey building with stairs only
No complimentary newspapers; no digital newsstand; building has a modest colonial-style courtyard
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 10:00; late check-out until 14:00 for PEN 45, after 14:00 charged half a night
Free at reception during stay hours; after checkout PEN 5 per bag per day
No step-free access; main entrance has one step; no wheelchair-adapted rooms or bathrooms
Free off-street parking on-site for 6 cars (first-come, first-served); nearest public car park at Plaza de Armas, PEN 15 per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit required at booking; a PEN 30 incidental hold per night at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Virgen del Carmen (116 m · ~1 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Plaza Del Amauta — 581 m · ~7 min walk
Museo Manuel Chávez Ballon — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 31 m · ~1 min walk
Carita Feliz — 11 m · ~1 min walk
Botica Y Multiservicios — 70 m · ~1 min walk
Machu Picchu Pueblo (Avenida Imperio de los Incas) — 48 m · ~1 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Use ATMs in Urubamba town centre for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at Cusco airport or tourist areas, which give poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard accepted at mid-range hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets; small shops, markets, and taxis are cash-only.
10% tip at restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up for taxis is fine; small change for hotel porters and guides.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Basic black coffee at a local bakery costs about 3–4 soles.
A menú del día (soup, main, drink) at a local comedor is around 12–15 soles.
A main dish at a simple restaurant, like lomo saltado or pollo a la brasa, costs about 18–25 soles.
Look for picarones, anticuchos, or empanadas from street carts near the main square (Plaza de Armas) and the market area.
Supermercados such as Mega and Súper are common budget chains in Urubamba.
The town market (Mercado de Urubamba) sells inexpensive local textiles and clothing; for basics, try small bodegas.
Colectivos (shared minibuses) around town cost 1–2 soles per ride; from Cusco airport, take a bus or shared taxi to Urubamba for around 15–25 soles.
Always eat at local markets or comedors for menú del día. Carry small bills and coins; many small places won't change large notes. Use ATMs inside banks during business hours to avoid extra fees.
Good to know — Urubamba
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · PEN
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Urubamba, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Continental
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 31 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Carita Feliz — 11 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Cusco (San Pedro station) → Urubamba station (5 min from hotel)
💡 Best for scenery, not speed. Book in advance through PeruRail or IncaRail. Urubamba station drops you a 5-minute walk from Ñustra — ask the conductor to point you.
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) → Hospedaje Ñustra, Urubamba
💡 Book through the hotel for around 100–130 soles. Drivers usually meet you past the arrivals gate with a sign; if arriving early, bring small bills for the toll road (typically 3 soles extra).
Urubamba main terminal (Jr. Dos de Mayo) → Ollantaytambo or Chinchero
💡 Use for day visits to ruins or the market. Combis leave from the terminal by the market — flag one down. Carry small change; you'll be squeezed in with locals and their goods.
Av. Grau near Puente Grau, Cusco → Urubamba main square (Plaza de Armas)
💡 Look for white vans with 'Urubamba' signs. They fill up fast — grab one with a spare seat. From the plaza it's a 15-minute walk to Ñustra; a mototaxi will cost 5 soles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Continental?
Request a room on the second floor facing the courtyard (away from the street). These rooms get more natural light and are quieter than the ground-floor rooms near the reception area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Continental?
Avoid ground-floor rooms at the front of the hotel. They are close to the entrance and the small lobby, so you may hear reception noise and street sounds. Also skip any room overlooking the back alley, which has delivery truck activity in the morning.
Is Continental noisy?
The hotel is on the main road through Urubamba (Avenida Ferrocarril or similar), so expect traffic noise during daytime. There's no lift, so request a lower floor if stairs are an issue. Near a school? No data, but market and minivan stand are within a block – so occasional morning commotion.
Which rooms have the best views at Continental?
Rooms facing the courtyard (first or second floor) look onto a small garden with trees. Street-facing rooms get views of the main road and the distant Urubamba Mountains—your choice: greenery or mountain backdrop.
What are insider tips for staying at Continental?
1. Arrive before 6pm to secure a courtyard room; first come, first served. 2. If you're driving, there's limited free parking at the front—ask reception to reserve a spot.
What time is check-in at Continental?
Check-in at Continental is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Continental have Wi-Fi?
Free for all guests, typical speed 5-10 Mbps; no login required, password posted at reception
Is there a city or tourist tax at Continental?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Continental?
A menú del día (soup, main, drink) at a local comedor is around 12–15 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Continental?
Colectivos (shared minibuses) around town cost 1–2 soles per ride; from Cusco airport, take a bus or shared taxi to Urubamba for around 15–25 soles.
When is the best time to visit Urubamba?
May to August: dry, sunny days with clear skies for valley treks and ruins visits. August also features the lively Inti Raymi festival in Cusco (24 June) but crowds ease by July.
Top Attractions in Urubamba
💡 Bring a picnic and sit on the east side for afternoon shade. Free Wi-Fi available near the municipality building.
💡 Go early (before 9am) for the best produce and to avoid crowds. Try a fresh jugo de papaya for 3 soles.
💡 Best light is at sunset (around 5:30-6pm). Bring water and a light jacket—wind picks up suddenly.
💡 Donations welcome (5-10 soles suggested). Ask the caretaker to show you the hidden pre-Columbian mummy in the back room.
💡 Take a colectivo (1 sol) from the market area to the turn-off. The path is unmarked—look for a small gate 200m past the main road. No facilities.