Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

My stay at Sanctuary Lodge was nothing short of extraordinary. There are luxury hotels, and then there are once-in-a-lifetime experiences—and Sanctuary Lodge is firmly in a category of its own. Waking up at the gates of Machu Picchu, surrounded by the mystical beauty of the Andes, is something that simply cannot be replicated. The location is unparalleled, allowing guests to experience the wonder of Machu Picchu in a way that very few people ever will. Being able to explore the citadel before and after the crowds is truly priceless. (Belmond) What made this stay unforgettable, however, was the incredible team behind the experience. A very special thank you to Anthony, whose professionalism, warmth, and genuine passion for hospitality set the tone from the moment we arrived. He made us feel less like guests and more like family. To Nelson, thank you for your exceptional attention to detail and for always being one step ahead of every need. Your dedication did not go unnoticed. To Gladys, your kindness, welcoming spirit, and sincere care made every interaction a pleasure. You have a remarkable gift for making people feel at home in one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. And to Joseph, thank you for your outstanding service, positive energy, and attentiveness throughout our stay. You consistently went above and beyond, and your hospitality was a highlight of our experience. The entire team embodies the very best of Belmond hospitality—elegant, genuine, and deeply personal. The food was exceptional, the atmosphere magical, and every detail thoughtfully curated. Most importantly, it was the people who transformed an incredible destination into an unforgettable memory. If you’re visiting Machu Picchu and want the absolute finest experience possible, Sanctuary Lodge is not just a hotel—it is an essential part of the journey. Thank you to Anthony, Nelson, Gladys, Joseph, and the entire Sanctuary Lodge team for creating memories that will last a lifetime. I cannot wait to return.

The staff at the front desk, the restaurant, and even the porters were exceptionally accommodating and went out of their way to make everything perfect.

Jean Carlo the waiter at the hotel was most friendly helpful and went over and above to assist us. The staff were all very friendly in the hotel bar. Recommend a visit.

Went there for lunch post hike, and I have to say that the service that we got was beyond exceptional. Jean Carlo is amazingly friendly, and goes above and beyond to make you feel right at home - not just well served, but actually cared for. His service is likely among the best, of not the actual very best, we have received in all our travels around the world, and has become our assumed standard of Belmond. The food was superb, and the ambience very peaceful. Overall, a really really good luxury restaurant experience.

If you are planning a multi-day visit to Machu Picchu, the location of The Sanctuary Lodge is absolutely unbeatable. We stayed here for a two-day itinerary—touring the citadel on day one and hiking to the summit of one of the mountains on day two—and it completely transformed our experience. Being able to step right out of the hotel and into the park entry saved us from having to endure the winding, crowded bus ride up and down from Aguas Calientes multiple times. The hotel really shines in how it caters to hikers, especially after check-out. On the morning of our mountain hike, the staff provided us with hiking poles to use and safely held our luggage. When we finished our grueling hike, they had a dedicated changing room with a hot shower ready for us to use before we headed back down the mountain. It made the logistics seamless. The service overall was excellent—the staff is incredibly kind, warm, and attentive. The beds were highly comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep before a big trekking day. We also thoroughly enjoyed the dining; the food was delicious, and the live Peruvian music in the evening added a wonderful, authentic atmosphere to the stay. The only caveat is the price relative to room size. The rooms are definitely on the smaller side for what you pay, and the property commands a premium price tag. Considering the logistics of getting food and staff, etc, to this remote location, the price is justified. If your goal is maximize your time on the mountain and eliminate the transit hassle, the sheer convenience and thoughtful hiker amenities make it worth every penny.