Most people want to have an unforgettable Machu Picchu experience on their once in a lifetime trip and for some this means a stay at the world famous Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located right at the entrance to this iconic World Heritage site.
Without a doubt, the main plus to a stay at this Belmond property is the fabulous location. Just walk out the front door and you are within 100 metres of Machu Picchu itself. This is a definite bonus if you want to be first into the site when it opens at 6am and last out when it closes at 6pm. It also means you can head into Machu Picchu for sunrise then stroll back to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast or lunch and then return to the citadel when it gets less busy in the late afternoon.
The hotel itself has just 31 rooms which definitely lends a certain intimacy to a stay here. One of the outstanding features of this hotel is the Belmond guest service with no request too big or too small for the team of friendly staff.
Unlike what you may have assumed, none of the rooms have a view of Machu Picchu itself but they do look out over the stunning mountains or the tropical hotel gardens. The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge does however have a lovely hot pool where you can have a relaxing soak with one of the most famous views in the world (you can see Machu Picchu from here) surrounded by hummingbirds and orchids. Call down to reception for a glass of bubbly while you soak…
Rooms are comfortable and have recently been remodelled giving a more modern feel to the décor and comfort level. Rooms have all the amenities you would expect from the Belmond chain but are quite small and for us they lacked somewhat in personality. Rooms with full-board at the Sanctuary Lodge start from a steep US$850 so you are definitely paying a high premium for being at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
As you would expect from Belmond, the service here is second to none. They have a day room where you can wait for your train before you leave, a meditation temple and some nice extra services like marriage vow renewal ceremonies with a local shaman at a stunning mountain location or the one-of-a-kind romantic sunrise breakfast with the incredible view of Machu Picchu in the background (great for proposals, honeymooners and those looking for romance..!).
For us, the price didn’t quite reflect the quality in what is a decent hotel with great service but average rooms for the price charged. At the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge you are ultimately paying for the location which is second to none, so it’s a great option if you want to maximize your time at Machu Picchu in comfortable surroundings where money is no object.
Book The Best Rates At Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Here!
Best of Peru Travel Recommends:
- We loved the free service of an early morning wake-up call on clear days so that you can see the sunrise over Machu Picchu, otherwise you can stay tucked up in bed until the breakfast buffet tempts you from your slumber…
- Don’t miss the experience of an outdoor massage in their temple with the soothing sound of running water, bird song and without a doubt what is possibly the best view in the world from your massage table of the stunning Andes mountains!
- If you are arriving independently, make sure your train arrives in Aguas Calientes by 3pm as the last bus up to the Sanctuary Lodge leaves at 3pm. If you arrive after this time you will have to hire a private bus for a hefty fee of over $400!
