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Belmond Sanctuary Lodge sits just three minutes on foot from Machu Picchu's entrance, making it the only hotel located at the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site in Peru's Cusco region. Built into the mountainside above the Sacred Valley, the lodge overlooks the 15th-century Inca citadel while providing access by train from Cusco or on foot from Aguas Calientes.
Check availability Official websiteSanctuary Lodge occupies a unique position just three minutes' walk from Machu Picchu's entrance, making it the only hotel located at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. No other lodging exists at the archaeological complex itself, making the lodge the sole option for guests seeking to sleep at the citadel.
Built into the mountainside, the property overlooks the 15th-century estate of Inca emperor Pachacuti—the tiered terraces and temples that comprise Machu Picchu. The location provides guests with exclusive early access to the site without the crowds that typically surround daytime tourist visits, a significant advantage given the citadel's international popularity.
The primary route from Cusco is via the Hiram Bingham train, a four-hour luxury journey that concludes at Aguas Calientes. From the train station, a 25-minute drive reaches Sanctuary Lodge.
Visitors traveling via Ollantaytambo (a more budget-conscious option in the Sacred Valley) can take a train journey to Aguas Calientes (approximately 3.5 hours), followed by the short drive to the lodge. The Hiram Bingham train also arrives at Machu Picchu Train Station, positioning travelers just 25 minutes by vehicle from Sanctuary Lodge.
Sanctuary Lodge's full address is Carretera Hiram Bingham km 7.5, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru. The property can be reached by foot (from the citadel or from Aguas Calientes via shuttle) or by train.
The site itself holds historical significance as a research station that housed explorers and researchers from 1911 to 1946, with facilities for storing archaeological tools. A hotel called Entur Peru operated from 1947 onward before the property underwent renovation in 1999 under Belmond's management, combining modern comfort with its connection to the region's archaeological legacy.
The lodge is a three-minute walk from Machu Picchu's entrance, making it the only hotel located at the archaeological site itself.
Most guests arrive via the Hiram Bingham train from Cusco (four-hour journey) to Aguas Calientes, then a 25-minute drive to Sanctuary Lodge.
Yes, visitors can take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (approximately 3.5 hours), then drive 25 minutes to the lodge.
Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel at Machu Picchu's entrance, offering exclusive early access to the citadel without typical crowds. A three-minute walk separates the lodge from the archaeological site.
The site housed researchers and explorers from 1911–1946, operated as a hotel from 1947, and was completely renovated in 1999 when Belmond assumed management.
Back to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge overview for photos, map, address and verification, or see the full guide above.
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