Part of the Belmond group, Sanctuary Lodge is the only 4-star hotel situated just steps from the main entrance to the Machu Picchu site. This unique position allows you to access the Incan citadel before the morning buses arrive and to remain until closing, without having to descend to Aguas Calientes between visits.

Why stay here

The central argument can be summed up in one sentence: no other accommodation places you this close to the ruins. Practically speaking, you walk through the entrance gate from the lodge itself, which fundamentally changes the nature of the visit. You can split your exploration across two days, return midday for lunch, or be present at opening to enjoy the site with fewer crowds.

Beyond location, the lodge offers a complete service designed for a remote site: full board, spa, multilingual guides, and a team capable of organizing hikes, Andean ceremonies, and private tours of the archaeological sanctuary.

Atmosphere and setting

The establishment favors a contemplative refuge atmosphere rather than flashy grandeur. Low-rise buildings open onto the sacred mountains Putucusi and Huayna Picchu, considered tutelary deities in Andean cosmology. The gardens are planted with exotic flowers and indigenous species, with open spaces conducive to early-morning yoga or meditation.

The hotel's vegetable garden supplies a portion of the herbs and vegetables used in the kitchen, logically extending the idea of a self-contained place at the end of the road.

Rooms

Sanctuary Lodge has 31 rooms divided into four categories:

• Presidential Suites (2): private terrace and living area.
• Deluxe Rooms: private terrace with views of the surrounding mountains.
• Superior Rooms: terrace and refined decor dominated by dark wood.
• Standard Rooms: some feature a furnished patio overlooking the citadel or vegetation.

All rooms are equipped with a king-size bed, flat-screen television, mini-bar, safe, desk, marble bathroom with premium toiletries, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Dining and services

Given the remote location, stays are on full board. The hotel has two restaurants and a bar.

The Tampu Restaurant offers an à la carte menu: ceviche, stuffed alpaca, trout, tiradito, as well as a breakfast buffet featuring quinoa pancakes, fresh fruit, pastries, and fresh juices. The Tinkuy Buffet Restaurant serves a more extensive buffet each noon, with varied appetizers, quinoa tabbouleh, Peruvian dishes, and desserts.

The Tampu Bar is the place for a pisco sour at day's end, sometimes accompanied by a master class led by mixologists. Muña tea, a soothing Andean infusion, completes the non-alcoholic beverage selection.

The spa offers Andean-inspired treatments: massages, therapeutic baths, and facials using local herbs and essential oils. Reception operates 24/7, and the establishment hosts weddings and private events.

Access and location

Reaching Sanctuary Lodge requires some planning. The classic route involves a Cusco–Aguas Calientes train (approximately 3.5 hours), followed by a public bus to the site entrance (approximately 30 minutes uphill). No taxis serve the sanctuary: only official transport goes up.

Hikers can reach Machu Picchu via the ancient Inca Trail, allowing 4 to 5 days of trekking from the standard starting point at km 82, with mandatory permits and advance reservations required.

When to visit

The dry season, from May to September, offers the most stable conditions for visiting the site and hiking: clear skies, passable trails, cool mornings. June to August sees peak season and maximum crowds.

From October to April, the rainy season brings greener landscapes but regular downpours and a risk of rockfalls on the Inca Trail (officially closed in February for maintenance). April, September, and October often offer a good compromise between decent weather and moderate crowds.

Activities on-site and nearby

In addition to guided tours of the archaeological site with multilingual guides, the lodge organizes hikes to the summits of Putucusi and Huayna Picchu (limited permits, advance reservations required). Itineraries can be tailored to your level and available time.

On the cultural side, the hotel arranges ceremonies with a shaman: offerings to Pachamama made of coca leaves, fruits, and seeds, and traditional coca leaf readings. An approach to experiencing Andean spirituality on-site, rather than through a simple museum visit.

To extend your journey through Pérou, you can combine Machu Picchu with other iconic stops: Antigua Casona San Blas in Cusco to prepare or conclude your stay, Las Casitas del Colca for Colca Canyon, Suasi Island Lodge on Lake Titicaca, or Casa República Barranco in Lima.

To build a complete itinerary including Sanctuary Lodge, consult our journeys through Pérou.