About this hotel
General information
Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel at the gates of Machu Picchu, set some 50 m from the entrance to the Inca citadel. The small lodge, with 31 rooms, sits on the mountainside above the Urubamba valley in a building that once housed the explorers and researchers working on the ruins. It is wrapped in subtropical gardens holding more than 130 varieties of rare orchids alongside bromeliads and ferns, with hummingbirds and butterflies moving through the trees.
What the address really offers is time. While most visitors ride the bus up from Aguas Calientes, guests here can be among the first through the gates at dawn, or return late in the afternoon once the crowds have thinned. The rest of the day is given to Andean cooking, massages drawing on old healing traditions and ceremonies led by local shamans, from coca-leaf readings to an offering to Mother Earth.
Location
The lodge stands at km 7.5 on the Hiram Bingham road in the Cusco region, right beside the entrance to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are no roads in: the PeruRail train runs from Cusco to the station at Aguas Calientes in about 3.5 hours, or from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley in about 1.5 hours, followed by an 8 km switchback climb of roughly half an hour by bus. The most indulgent approach is the Hiram Bingham train, about four hours from Cusco. Supplemental oxygen is available on request.
Spa
The Massage Room is open daily from 8am to 8pm, offering massages and aromatherapy rooted in ancient Inca practice, either in the indoor treatment suite or outdoors in a green relaxation area facing Huayna Picchu. The menu includes the Inca Massage, Umaikita Hanpinapaq Therapy, the Inca Trail Ancestral Massage, a Tired Feet Massage for post-hike legs, reflexology and hot stone massage.
Sports & leisure
The lodge handles every detail of a Machu Picchu visit, from entry arrangements to advice on when and where to go, and runs its own programmes with Belmond guides:
- Discover the Citadel — a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the site in English or Spanish
- The Mystical Tour — a three-hour hike along a stretch of the Inca Trail, past ancient terraces and into the citadel
- Ultimate Machu Picchu — the longest route, a climb of Machu Picchu mountain (3,100 m) with views over the whole complex
- Machu Picchu First Light Experience — sunrise in the gardens, entry among the first visitors and breakfast overlooking Huayna Picchu
- walks to the Sun Gate, climbs of Huayna Picchu and the Inca Trail itself
- a cooking class, Peruvian coffee and cacao tastings, local wine and cheese, and sessions on purple corn and Andean potatoes
- shaman-led ceremonies: coca-leaf reading, an offering to Mother Earth and vow renewals
For children
Rooms take two adults plus a child under 11 sharing the existing beds; the One Bedroom Suite can add an extra bed on request for a child aged 17 or under. The First Light Experience is open to children from the age of 3.
Restaurants & bars
Breakfast is included in every stay, and the cooking draws on produce from the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon.
- Tampu Restaurant — Peruvian cooking with a rainforest focus, such as Andean trout, quinoa and regional oxtail, behind floor-to-ceiling windows; dinner is reserved for hotel guests, and the wine list pairs Peruvian and international labels
- Tinkuy Buffet — a lunchtime buffet by the citadel gates, with Andean superfood salads, grilled meats and ceviche
- Tampu Bar — coffee and muña tea by day, pisco sours and signature cocktails in the evening, with live Andean music every night
Pets
Pets are not accepted; accredited service dogs with the required documentation are the only exception.
Rooms
The lodge has 31 rooms: 29 rooms and 2 suites. Interiors are modern and eco-minded, with high ceilings, walk-in closets and marble bathrooms, and some rooms open onto terraces or patios facing the mountains and forest.
Air conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a desk, minibar, safe, bottled water, opening windows, pillow-top mattresses and a marble bathroom with a separate WC.
One Bedroom Suite
A separate bedroom with a king bed and a sitting area with a sofa, plus a furnished terrace with sweeping mountain views. The marble bathroom has a bath with shower; sleeps up to three.
Deluxe Terrace Room
Slightly larger, with a furnished terrace looking over the mountains and forest; king or twin beds. Sleeps up to three.
Deluxe Room
Panoramic views of the mountains and rainforest across the Urubamba River; king or twin beds and a walk-in shower. Sleeps up to three.
Deluxe Patio Room
Bold patterns and dark wood, opening onto a furnished patio in the inner garden; king or twin beds. Sleeps up to three.
Standard Room
A quiet room with a king bed, high ceiling and walk-in closet. Sleeps up to three.
Standard Patio Room
A room with a small furnished patio facing the inner courtyard; king or twin beds. Sleeps up to three.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.