Inkaterra or Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: SMF
Programs: AA EXP 4MM
Posts: 811
Inkaterra or Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge?
I'm going to go to Machu Picchu and stay one night. It seems that the Sanctuary Lodge would be best due to the proximity to the entrance and the spectacular location. However, for those benefits, the Sanctuary Lodge costs double that of the Inkaterra.
Any experiences to help me decide would be appreciated.
Any experiences to help me decide would be appreciated.
#2
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UAL SPG Hyatt
Posts: 570
My 2-pesos would be that the Sanctuary Lodge is overpriced regardless of its location. Yes, it is RIGHT NEXT to the entrance but the hotel is not much more than a typical 4-star place anywhere else. I have not stayed there but had a meal in the restaurant and was not impressed. Sort of like over-paying for a hotel right in Disneyland, lots of people running around, crowds right outside your window .... no peace and quiet.
If you would consider, the Tambo del Inka is a great hotel for about 1/3 the price of the Lodge. IT is a train ride away though ...
If you would consider, the Tambo del Inka is a great hotel for about 1/3 the price of the Lodge. IT is a train ride away though ...
#4
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Programs: AA EXP 4MM, SPG Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 446
And if you want to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, you can get an early start by staying so close to the entrance. NO need to wait for trains and/or buses. The view from the top is spectacular.
#6
Ambassador, LATAM
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lima, Perú
Programs: LATAM, Lifemiles
Posts: 857
I haven't personally talked to anyone who has stayed at the Sanctuary Lodge, but I've heard very good things about the Inkaterra (people liked the included excursions).
I guess it all depends on how much you value being next to the entrance...
I guess it all depends on how much you value being next to the entrance...
#7
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,229
How early do you want to get there? The buses to MP start at 5:30am and only take 30 minutes, so I don't see how it can be worth double the price just to avoid the bus. I guess the big advantage would be that you could check what the fog looks like and hang out in your room until it clears, plus have better restroom facilities.
I have not stayed at either hotel, but had lunch an the Inkaterra and found it very nice and reasonably priced. I also really liked the decor which made it look like a hut. The sanctuary looked rather plain, at least on the outside.
I have not stayed at either hotel, but had lunch an the Inkaterra and found it very nice and reasonably priced. I also really liked the decor which made it look like a hut. The sanctuary looked rather plain, at least on the outside.
#8
Ambassador: Peru
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: LIM Peru
Programs: LanPass Premium, AA (former gold), MileagePlus Silver
Posts: 761
How early do you want to get there? The buses to MP start at 5:30am and only take 30 minutes, so I don't see how it can be worth double the price just to avoid the bus. I guess the big advantage would be that you could check what the fog looks like and hang out in your room until it clears, plus have better restroom facilities.
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Stay at Sanctuary Lodge only if you really want that experience and avoid the Aguas Calientes crowd.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: SPG Platinum (Lifetime Gold), AA Lifetime Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 182
I recently stayed at the Sanctuary Lodge and it was a great experience. Yes, it's more expensive than other options. One thing to consider is that the rate at the Lodge includes all food and drinks, including alcohol. If you check in for the afternoon, you'll have a great dinner, breakfast, and then you can go for lunch after your visit to Machu Picchu.
They also have a day lounge that you can use after you've hiked Huayna Pichhu. It was great to come back, have a nice hot shower, then enjoy lunch before heading back down on the bus.
We found the service to be great and the lodge itself is nice. It's not a 5-star resort that wows you, but it's quite nice and we found the convenience and amenities worth the extra cost.
They also have a day lounge that you can use after you've hiked Huayna Pichhu. It was great to come back, have a nice hot shower, then enjoy lunch before heading back down on the bus.
We found the service to be great and the lodge itself is nice. It's not a 5-star resort that wows you, but it's quite nice and we found the convenience and amenities worth the extra cost.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CLE
Programs: UA Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,665
I stayed at Inkaterra several years ago when Sanctuary Lodge was packed. We loved it. In fact, we didn't even go back to MP the next day at sunrise, we were fascinated so much by the birds.
I don't know what package our travel agent booked, but dinner was included with all drinks (cocktail, wine with dinner, after dinner drinks) and five courses.
I don't know what package our travel agent booked, but dinner was included with all drinks (cocktail, wine with dinner, after dinner drinks) and five courses.
#11
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
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Posts: 9,883
Be very aware that MP is at about 8000 ft, HP higher. You better be in good shape !
We stayed in Cuzco like the majority of people to get acclimatized to the atmosphere ( 11000 ft ) , took a very beautiful train and bus ride to get to MP.
Make sure you take your passport to MP, they will stamp it. Nice looking stamp.
#12
Ambassador: Peru
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: LIM Peru
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