Posted 29 Jun 2010

Gap year travellers taking part in a tour of South America may soon be able to add a touch of luxury to their journey.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has announced an agreement with Libertador Hotels, Resorts and Spas to open a new resort in the valley of Urubamba in Peru.

The Luxury Collection project will be called Tambo del Inka and it will be joined by the Palacio del Inka in 2011, which is a hotel that will be located in Cusco.

Each of the properties aims to integrate local customs, culture and natural influences.

Jorge Melero, chief executive officer of Libertador Hotels, Resorts and Spas, commented: "The Luxury Collection brand has important penetration in South America and allows us to keep the identity of breathtaking places and landscapes and cherish them through unique hotels."

Suite101 contributor Brien Foerster recently advised travellers in Peru to take a trip to the Qoricancha – or Temple of the Sun – as it was once central to the Incan civilisation.

Category: South America