The True Travel Times, an annual publication full of expert travel insight from the UK’s luxury travel agency True Travel, has recently featured the Sol y Luna Hotel and its associated charity the Sol y Luna Foundation, following a visit by True Travel’s Latin America expert Evie Oswald.

The Foundation, which recently celebrated its 25 year anniversary, works tirelessly to provide education, pastoral care and specialist support to underprivileged children in Peru’s Sacred Valley – a vital extra layer of support for the local community.

We’re thrilled that all its fantastic work is recognised in this year’s True Travel Times, and delighted that True Travel and the True Travel Foundation continues to support all the dedication and effort of our own charity.

Groundwork for lifelong transformation

The Sol y Luna Foundation was established by Petit Miribel and her beloved late husband, Franz, as a way to contribute to and support the local community. Their vision, Evie wrote, was to “address the symptoms of poverty” and to lay the “groundwork for lifelong transformation” in the Sacred Valley.

This dream in turn led the couple to establish the Sol y Luna Hotel as a sustainable funding source for their initiatives in 1998, weaving a sense of purpose into every corner of the hotel and its experience.

The hotel itself is a Relais & Chateaux oasis of tranquillity in the town of Urubamba, an hour or so from Cusco. 43 luxurious private casitas are dotted across luscious, flower-filled gardens, whilst a pool and hot tub and one of the hotel’s two restaurants form a focal point in the centre of the expansive property. Guests can wander the grounds, visit the hotel’s ranch, stables and second restaurant, or enjoy some pampering the spa.

It is also the ideal base to explore the cultural wonders of the region; Machu Picchu and a wealth of Incan ruins scatter the landscapes, and the hotel offers a range of excursions and expeditions on foot, e-bike, ATV, horseback and more for those looking to enjoy the vast expanse of the Andean uplands.

Reflecting on the Sol y Luna Foundation’s mission, and the support it receives from the hotel itself, Evie writes that the Sol y Luna Hotel isn’t just a luxurious retreat but “a place dedicated to creating lasting change.”

A sanctuary of support

In the article, Evie describes her experience visiting the Sol y Luna Intercultural School, home to almost 200 children, many of whom come from remote, disadvantaged communities.

The school is “not simply a place for education; it is a sanctuary of support” Evie commented, as she saw first hand how students receive essential healthcare, psychological support, daily meals, and transportation; the school provides for far more than solely the children’s educational needs.

Evie was struck by the significance of the foundation’s work, noting that 84% of the children have all their costs covered by the foundation, which ensures they are given the opportunity to thrive.

True inclusion

Evie was also keen to highlight the Paqarí Programme, which provides specialized support for children with disabilities. Paqarí means rebirth in Quechua, as the program was designed to allow disabled children to thrive and experience a renewed sense of opportunity with the support of our dedicated carers and specialists.

“I saw the power of true inclusion” wrote Evie, moved by what she witnessed. The children in Paqarí share meals, activities, and learning experiences with their peers. This program is a central part of the school, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to a compassionate, inclusive environment.

Petit with the children of the Sol y Luna Foundation

More than a shelter

One of the most emotional moments for Evie was her visit to the Sol y Luna Home, a safe haven for children who need a safe environment to live; many have faced abuse or abandonment in their young lives. “More than just shelter; it was a family”, noted Evie; she was struck by how committed the Home is to offering stability and love. Wherever possible, the Sol y Luna Home keeps siblings together, helping children rebuild trust and experience a sense of belonging.

True Travel partners with Sol y Luna

True Travel is now partnering with the Sol y Luna Foundation, sponsoring a child at the school. The sponsorship covers the costs of schooling, health services, meals, and daily essentials. “It’s a proud moment for me and for all of us at True Travel” writes Evie, “and I hope every traveller who journeys to Peru is inspired to see this extraordinary foundation and experience its impact.”

If you would like to sponsor a child, or otherwise donate or offer support to the Sol y Luna Foundation, please do reach out; all donations are gratefully received, however large or small, and go a long way to improving the lives of children in the Sacred Valley.