Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

What an unexpected jewel. Yes, the location is unbeatable — steps away from Machu Picchu. Check-in took place in the garden with a welcome drink and a relaxed, serene atmosphere. From the moment we arrived, Mirko was outstanding — professional, attentive, and clearly on top of every detail. He anticipated our needs and was ready to assist with anything we required, making us feel genuinely well cared for. We stayed two nights. The room was simple but efficient — clean, well-appointed, and had everything we needed, along with a beautiful private patio facing the lush gardens. Fresh fruit was waiting for us on arrival, and the service and thoughtful extras made a big impact: a fully stocked minibar, a wide variety of snacks, ponchos for the rain (which we used!), mosquito repellent, SPF sun protection, and many more small comforts. We saw an incredible number of hummingbirds around the property, and the orchid path was magical. I also visited the spa — hearing the birds singing while there made it unforgettable. The breakfast buffet was generous, with an entire table dedicated to gluten-free options. Room service was punctual and thoughtful — they even brought our ice cream a little later to be sure it didn’t melt. Dinner included live music, which added to the charm. Lunch service at the restaurant was a bit slow, but overall, every staff member was smiling and eager to assist. They even arranged to have our luggage sent ahead to our next hotel, Inkaterra, so we didn’t have to carry it on the bus — it arrived before we did. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of stay — both luxurious and deeply personal.

1) It is reported that the hotel will be shutting down as of May 15, 2025. This is a decision of the Peruvian government to convert it into a museum/visitors' center 2) This is an extremely expensive hotel. In return, you get: ability to walk to the entrance gate to Machu Picchu in about 30 seconds from the front door. Yes, I said SECONDS. You get fabulous food, served by a friendly and enthusiastic wait staff. You get the most helpful and gracious hotel staff I've ever experienced. And once you are here, no taking the bus up and down the mountain until you leave! I should note: I gave the rooms four stars; they are small for the price of this hotel. But quite frankly, they only had so much room to build the place! And you don't come here to stay all day in your room. If you're not in Machu Picchu, you're eating while watching hummingbirds, or wandering the Orchid Walk or the terrace.

I have dreamed about staying in this hotel since our first visit to Machu Picchu in 1988. My dream finally came true and it was so much better than I had anticipated. The staff was absolutely top-notch. Our expectations continually exceeded. This is an expensive hotel and we had to save up, but unlike other top tier hotels I’ve been to, everything was included. Not just the meals, but lots of little amenities in the room, the mini bar, ponchos for our visit to Machu Picchu, etc.

Recommended by friends, the Sanctuary Lodge exceeded all expectations with attentive and friendly staff and rooms perfect for relaxation after long trip. The meals were fabulous with Peruvian specialty foods, spirits and chocolates! Access to Machu Picchu entrance was right out the front door. Book early for this amazing stay!

From the moment we booked to the moment we left the train station in Machu Picchu, the entire staff simply excelled in providing a truly amazing and personalized curbside service. They communicated with us on whatsApp from the moment we booked, helped us make arrangements, respected our preferences and choices, received us at the train station, helped us with our bags and boarding the bus to hotel, made us feel welcomed and accomodated our needs, provided an amazing service whether it be room service, restaurant service ( all food and drinks of very high quality are included ) in the price, escorted us with the same warmth and care to our train, and then they did something truly amazing. We inadvertantly forgot our laptop in the hotel. The manager Angela moved hevents and earth to deliver the laptop to our hotel in Urubamba within a matter of one and a half hour after we reached our next hotel stay in Urubamba, just in time to catch our flight next morning. It's expensive, but where else do you get personalized service like the way they offer. Once in a lifetime stay, even for one night is just worth it. The hote is right at the entrance of Machu Picchu. You just walk 40 feet to the entrance.