Relaxing weekend at Nora and Paul

The last weekend we visited what for me is the best hotel in the region, the Tambo Sapalanchan in Lamud, but first let me explain why.

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First – where to find the Tambo Sapalanchan ?

Lamud is a little town about 1 hour away from Chachapoyas, the capital of the Amazonas region in northern Peru. From Chachapoyas we go up the hill on the other side of the river Utcubamba and find ourselves on a green and peaceful plateau.

Why do I like the Tambo Sapalanchan ?

Some facts that count for all over Peru

The existing hotels in the Amazonas region are rather simple. There is still a lot of effort to be made in order to raise the level of customer service and the facilities. In northern Peru, there is no hotel school at the moment. Very often administrator manage the hotels and not their owners.

Finally, I sincerely believe that there is a HUGE difference and you can see this in many aspects. Just as an example: no employee will take on any responsibility in solving problems or just making the guests feel welcome in “their” home.

And here the difference…

Tambo Sapalanchan Hotel opened two years ago, after three years of work according to the plans of Nora Neumann and Paul Darc. They are both Peruvians (as their name suggests 🙂 from Lima. After a trip to northern Peru, they fell in love with the Amazonas region and decided to settle here to build their house. Then things changed a bit and finally it became a small hotel with 10 rooms.

Room and bathroom

The rooms are located on the property of two hectares each overlooking the valley and the waterfall (during the rainy season). Each room is spacious with a double bed (a real double bed) or twin beds. The beds are placed on a stone base; the mattress is at least 30 cm thick. I almost jump to climb into my bed. I cover myself with a really soft blanket.

The bathroom is large and well lit with separate toilets and a large shower, the pressure is great and of course they have hot water. Welcome products are from Gilchrist & Soames and a handmade soap that Nora buys in the region.

The room is bright during the day and at night. There is a light in the center of the room, two bedside lamps and a desk lamp, all lamps are of “warm light” unlike what you can get very often in Peru: A horrible cool neon light.

Surrounding and public spaces

Once installed in the room, one can take care of oneself, read or write, dream and listen to the silence. Or you go for a walk and observe the lamas grazing on the property. Another possility is going to the salon. This open space close to the reception area invites you with a large fireplace and a library.

From there you can move to the bar and another living room where you can watch movies, and finally enter the dining room. All the decoration comes from Nora’s former home.

Another big difference with other places is the way you will be received – as friends! In fact, it is more like a guesthouse than a hotel.

Cuisine

And not to forget – food is just delicious ! Paul is not only the owner and bartender, he is also a chef. You can choose a la carte or they offer you a three-course menu (starter, main course and dsesert). Usually in Peru you don’t get three-course menus. The food is fresh from the market. Except for some high range products that come from Chiclayo and Lima, as a delicious smoked salmon…

For food lovers, Chef Paul can offer a cooking class with an extensive menu. This is the opportunity to learn more about the Peruvian culture through its cuisine. Paul’s Trigotto (a kind of risotto, but adapted to Peru) is just delicisou ! Homemade pasta and bread, mazamorra (a typical dessert of Lima) or rice with a good asado – you choose!

What places to visit close to Tambo Sapalanchan ?

Many things! From Lamud you are at the same distance to all attractions as the city of Chachapoyas. The difference is that Chachapoyas is a city. So for those who enjoy night-life or want to go shopping, it is best to choose a hotel in the city. We would recommend La Xalca, a new hotel with nice decoration, three blocks from the Plaza de Armas.

However, for those who like to relax, listen to the silence, have great service and quality meals, a stay at the Tambo Sapalanchan simply is a Must.

The Sarcophagi of Karajia

This impressive archaeological site is only 30 minutes away from the hotel. The hotel can arrange a driver-guide who will take you and explain the history of the Sarcophagi. Take with you hat, sunglasses, sun scream and rain clothes. The weather is quite unpredictable.

The caverns of Quiocta

On the same day, you can visit the caverns of Quiocta. With the right equipment (headlights and rain boots) you will explore the cavern and the cave paintings.

In day trips you might want to discover the route of Gocta, the third highest waterfall in the world, just one hour from Lamud. Why not pay a visit to the fortress of Kuelap, three hours away ?

In brief

Tambo Sapalanchan hotel is a place that I highly recommend. You will be very well received in a quality environment. Nora and Paul will do everything to make you feel at home. You will enjoy Peruvian cuisine and relax with a pisco sour on the terrace.

As a conclusion, don’t hesitate to visit them on my behalf. I look forward to your comments.

Tested for you – Tambo Sapalanchan