subject: The Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu - Worth the Expense? by:Sue Painter [print this page] The trek to Machu Picchu, the most visited World Heritage Site and the top destination in Peru, is an experience that most international travelers have near the top of their bucket lists. Situated high in the Andes on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu is reached only by foot via the Inca Trail, or by bus up a long series of switchbacks on a gravel/dirt road, winding up from the town of Aguas Calientes. Due to the distance and the bus and train schedules, one's time at Machu Picchu is fairly short unless one stays at The Sanctuary Lodge. The lodge is the only overnight accommodation at Machu Picchu, its front door only steps away from Machu Picchu's entrance gate. Before you say "it's a no brainer, we're staying" be aware that a room in the lodge will put a ding in your Peru travel budget. A one-night stay at The Sanctuary Lodge runs from a low of $795 US all the way up to $1320 US for a suite. The big question - "is it worth it?"
Location, location, location.
The thought of coming up with that kind of coin to stay in a country where the average income is $7600 annually (2007 estimate) somewhat boggles the mind. The cost seems extreme for Peru. Making the decision isn't based on the normal questions about amenities, softness of beds, and quality of food. In this case, the one deciding factor is location. Sanctuary Lodge has it, and no one else does. Staying at the lodge buys you access to Machu Picchu before sunrise, before the crowds belch from the buses (although some buses do make the climb for the early 6:00 AM opening of the site) and, delightedly, after the crowds have left to catch the last bus that will connect to the afternoon's departing train. By late afternoon, the only Machu Picchu visitors are Lodge occupants and day hikers from campgrounds. It's the most solitude you'll find at the site, which hosts an annual visitor rate of about 400,000 people a year.
Food and drink.
Occupancy at Sanctuary Lodge also buys access to a pleasant lunch in the Tampu restaurant/bar, where one can find lunch without crowds and lines after a long and early Machu Picchu morning watching the morning mists and the rising sun. Day-trippers up from Aguas Calientes must stand in long, snaking lines to eat at the Lodge's Tinkuy restaurant (a buffet lunch is served) or in a small patio vendor's area right outside the lodge. This wait takes precious time from your already-short day - but there is no food available inside Machu Picchu itself, and one isn't supposed to bring food and drink into the site except water in canteens.
Amenities.
Paying for a location that increases your visiting time inside Machu Picchu is the key. The truth is, to maximize your visit here you'd probably sleep on a cot under the stars. Happily, Sanctuary Lodge is no stripped-down hotel - it's a part of the Orient-Express hotel and train empire. The staff is all about exemplary service to the Lodge's guests, the beds are the most comfortable we've ever slept on anywhere, and the food is five-star. Hotel guests also can enjoy an outside terrace and a walk through the Lodge's orchid garden, built along a meandering stream and waterfall. Massages are available (although more expensive than anywhere else in Peru that I could find.)
The final decision.
In the end, we decided to book (well ahead of time, as the Lodge has only 29 rooms and 2 suites, 12 of which offer mountain views and are correspondingly higher in price). The ability to expand our time exploring one of the "new" Seven Wonders of the World to a day and a half versus only hours made the hit to our wallet worth it for us.
Tip: Don't bother paying for a "view" room as it doesn't allow a view inside the actual site nor are you in your room that much anyway.
Peru is an enchanting and amazing country, and Machu Picchu is, arguably, its crown jewel. My suggestion - spend the money for the Sanctuary Lodge and maximize your time. For most of us, visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime gig.
About the author
Sue Painter encourages people who want to leave their job to assess and plan before making the jump. You can find her tips for entrepreneurs and solo professionals at http://www.confidentmarketer.com. Sue, who left "work" 12 years ago now, has successfully created two businesses and can guide you to creating yours, as well.
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