7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis)

7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - $28 Supertramp Hostel in Aguas Calientes with Direct Trail Access to Machu Picchu

For those wanting to explore Machu Picchu without emptying their wallets, the Supertramp Hostel in Aguas Calientes presents a compelling option. Its key selling point is the direct access to the trails leading to the ancient Inca city, allowing for effortless exploration. This hostel is embedded in a truly captivating natural landscape. You'll find yourself surrounded by vibrant vegetation, therapeutic hot springs, and dramatic mountain vistas.

Beyond the location, Supertramp offers a pleasant mix of essential services including a restaurant and bar. Free WiFi keeps you connected. The hostel also features a popular eatery, Palate Pizza & Burger Bar, highlighting a commitment to organic ingredients. It's worth noting the hostel garners strong reviews, frequently topping rankings for specialty accommodations in Aguas Calientes. This consistently high praise suggests a positive guest experience, and certainly positions it well for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable base to discover Machu Picchu. While some may find the 7am to 12pm front desk hours a bit restrictive, it's clearly a minor trade-off for the access and price.

**Aguas Calientes' Supertramp Hostel: A Budget-Friendly Gateway to Machu Picchu**

Supertramp Hostel in Aguas Calientes presents itself as a cost-effective option for travelers keen on exploring Machu Picchu. Its proximity to the trails leading to the ancient ruins makes it an appealing choice for early morning hikes. The hostel's design, blending into the natural surroundings with forest, hot springs, and mountain views, makes it visually attractive. Located near the hot springs and roughly 37 miles from Huayna Picchu, it offers a good base for those wanting to explore this region further.

The hostel's features are straightforward, including a bar, restaurant, and a limited-hours front desk. Free Wi-Fi covers the entire property, which is useful for researching further travel plans. With a strong performance in online reviews, consistently ranking first amongst the multitude of specialty lodgings in Aguas Calientes, the hostel has managed to achieve a very respectable 4 to 4.5 out of 5 stars across various platforms. The hostel offers affordable nightly rates starting at around AU$45, a solid value proposition for its location and amenities.

One notable facet of Supertramp is the onsite 'Palate Pizza & Burger Bar' offering organic dishes, a welcome touch considering the potential to encounter budget-conscious traveler-oriented options. The culinary approach incorporates local Peruvian flavors, enhancing the hostel experience. Overall, the Supertramp Hostel presents itself as a practical solution, successfully integrating comfort, exploration, and a basic level of social interaction for the value-conscious visitor. However, its limited front desk hours and the potential for fluctuations in price based on demand might not be ideal for all types of travelers. The hostel's focus is mainly catering to a younger traveler that values budget travel and social interaction.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - $28 Supertramp Hostel in Aguas Calientes with Direct Trail Access to Machu Picchu
2. 7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel by the Urubamba River with Private Birdwatching Trail
3. 7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Casa Andina Classic Machu Picchu with Mountain Train Station Pickup
4. 7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Glass Dome Suites at Skylodge Adventure by Natura Vive in Sacred Valley
5. 7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - El Albergue Ollantaytambo with Organic Farm and Coffee Roasting Workshop
6. 7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel with Direct Bus Stop Access and Pisco Making Classes
7. 7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu Gate with Private Dawn Access Tours

7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel by the Urubamba River with Private Birdwatching Trail

If you're seeking a luxurious base near Machu Picchu, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel might be your ideal choice. Positioned along the Urubamba River, this hotel offers a secluded, nature-rich experience within a private reserve just outside the town of Aguas Calientes. The hotel's design blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment, featuring suites with private terraces and some even equipped with plunge pools, providing stunning views of the gardens. You can expect impeccable service with the hotel offering 24/7 butler service for a truly personalized stay.

The dining options, particularly the main restaurant, offer fantastic perspectives of the river and its surroundings. A major draw for nature enthusiasts is the private birdwatching trail, taking advantage of the unique biodiversity within the hotel's 12-acre reserve. Access to Machu Picchu is convenient with buses departing every 15 minutes before dawn.

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is consistently ranked as a top choice in Aguas Calientes, successfully balancing a sense of seclusion and tranquility with luxury amenities. It caters to travelers seeking an immersive experience, appreciating both the lavish accommodations and the captivating natural surroundings that define the region. While its luxury positioning comes at a price, it clearly stands out due to its exceptional focus on blending natural splendor and exceptional guest experiences.

Nestled within a 12-acre reserve on a mountainside near Aguas Calientes, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers a unique blend of luxury and nature. Its location, just a short distance from the train station, makes it convenient for exploring the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

The hotel's architecture cleverly mimics traditional Andean villages, utilizing local materials and blending seamlessly into the environment. While the surrounding area is known for its rich biodiversity, the hotel's private birdwatching trail adds a distinctive layer, attracting roughly 200 species. This illustrates the importance of maintaining natural habitats while creating lodging infrastructure.

Guests can expect to experience significant temperature differences throughout the day, with daytime highs around 20°C and drops to 10°C during the night. This illustrates the engineering challenges of building at this altitude and highlights the need for energy-efficient systems for both heating and cooling.

The hotel's restaurant plays a part in the local ecosystem. By using ingredients from nearby farms, it champions a culinary experience that draws on ancient Peruvian traditions. This is one approach to supporting local communities while showcasing the region’s heritage.

The proximity to the train station leading to the Inca Trail provides a strategic advantage for trekkers. Those embarking on this adventure will find it ideal to spend a night here before beginning their excursion. The hotel also offers proximity to naturally heated thermal springs, which could offer an interesting study into the geothermal conditions of the region.

The Inkaterra's high-altitude setting presents guests with the need to acclimatize to the environment. Features like oxygen-enriched rooms and hydration tips emphasize the unique challenges of this destination, prompting the developers to consider solutions to improve guest comfort and safety.

Overall, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel presents itself as a well-considered venture. It merges luxurious accommodations with environmental considerations. This luxury lodging option shows the potential of tourist development while respecting the ecology and cultural fabric of the region.

7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Casa Andina Classic Machu Picchu with Mountain Train Station Pickup

Casa Andina Classic Machu Picchu is conveniently situated in Aguas Calientes, right by the train station, making it a practical choice for travelers hoping to explore Machu Picchu. This proximity allows for quick access to the early morning treks, which is crucial for maximizing your time at the ruins. The hotel offers a selection of modern comforts like a restaurant with river views, aiming to strike a balance between basic necessities and a comfortable experience in this stunning location. Room rates tend to be more affordable on certain days, such as Mondays and Fridays, making it an attractive option for travelers on a budget. This 3-star superior hotel offers a decent stay in a region where the Andes mountain backdrop dominates the views. However, expect the usual peaks and valleys of hotel quality in a region heavily driven by tourism, meaning fluctuations in the overall experience are possible.

Casa Andina Classic Machu Picchu, nestled in Aguas Calientes, offers a practical base for exploring Machu Picchu, particularly its proximity to the train station. It's conveniently located near the train tracks, making it a quick hop to the site, ideal for maximizing time at Machu Picchu with early morning visits and potentially late-night stays.

The hotel provides a range of amenities catering to the needs of visitors, including a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, bar, and even a snack bar. Essentials such as luggage storage, laundry service, and currency exchange are available, making it fairly self-sufficient. The newly opened hotel back in 2014 is categorized as a 3-star superior establishment. It's fairly compact, with 54 rooms spread across 5 floors and offering standard, superior, and junior suite room classes.

Guests can enjoy a full breakfast before starting their explorations, a welcome feature, particularly for those keen on catching the early morning light at Machu Picchu. The restaurant itself offers views of the Vilcabamba River, a bonus for guests who may be keen to appreciate the local surroundings. Internet access is also available through a dedicated internet center.

Pricing tends to fluctuate based on demand, with Mondays and Fridays often being the more economical choices. In recent weeks, a room was observed at a low of $102, a decent deal for the location. However, Saturdays appear to be the most expensive days to stay.

This hotel’s location within Aguas Calientes also offers a vantage point for studying the local geography. The elevation of around 2,040 meters presents an interesting study for those examining the impact of altitude on architectural and design considerations, including potential issues related to altitude sickness for guests. Further, the presence of hot springs in the area offers the opportunity to consider the potential for using geothermal energy in hotel operations, a potentially interesting research area for energy engineers.

The architectural style blends well with the surrounding environment, with buildings designed to minimize their impact. This low-profile approach may have ramifications for natural disaster resilience, worth considering in earthquake-prone areas. The surrounding natural environment also provides a good opportunity for ecological studies in the Andean mountain ecosystem with its diverse flora and fauna.

The proximity to the train station is notable, highlighting the impact of good transportation infrastructure on visitor experience. Further, evaluating the hotel's food sourcing practices could be interesting, examining the benefits of using locally-sourced ingredients, potentially reducing the hotel's carbon footprint. The hotel's emergency preparedness, essential in a region with a history of natural events like earthquakes, could provide valuable lessons in disaster management for hospitality businesses. Finally, the hotel's heating and cooling systems also offer insight into engineering challenges at such altitude, highlighting the need for energy-efficient solutions in locations with significant temperature swings.

Overall, Casa Andina Classic Machu Picchu represents a solid, if unspectacular option for travelers seeking a convenient and affordable base for exploring the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu. Its convenient location and range of amenities make it an appealing choice, especially for visitors who prioritize ease of access to the site.

7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Glass Dome Suites at Skylodge Adventure by Natura Vive in Sacred Valley

The Skylodge Adventure, operated by Natura Vive, in the Sacred Valley provides a rather unique lodging experience: sleeping in transparent capsules suspended high above the ground. These hanging pods are situated roughly 400 meters above the valley, resulting in truly breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Each capsule comfortably accommodates up to four guests and is surprisingly well-equipped for such an adventurous location with basic amenities such as a small dining area, solar lighting, and bathroom facilities.

Getting to your capsule is part of the experience. You can choose to either climb a via ferrata or opt for the zipline. Both options add a hefty dose of adventure to your stay. With a 300-degree view, the capsules are ideal for those who enjoy the vastness of a starlit sky, away from the glare of city lights. The location itself is positioned strategically between two major cultural landmarks, Cusco and Machu Picchu, making it convenient for exploring the broader region. Reviews suggest that it is a popular and well-regarded destination, particularly due to the unique experience. This location might attract guests seeking a combination of a luxurious stay in a less conventional setting paired with adventurous activities. While the accommodations are designed with comfort in mind, the experience is clearly geared towards the adventurous.




Natura Vive's Skylodge Adventure Suites in the Sacred Valley of Peru offer an unconventional lodging experience within transparent hanging capsules. These capsules dangle a remarkable 400 meters above the valley floor, granting spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Each capsule, housing up to four guests, incorporates features like dining spaces, solar-powered lighting, and basic bathroom amenities.

Reaching Skylodge requires an element of adventure. Guests have the option of climbing a via ferrata—a secured climbing path—or using ziplines, making the journey part of the experience. The 300-degree panorama from the capsules is a draw, particularly for stargazing, as the suites' high elevation and isolation minimize light pollution.

Interestingly, Skylodge accommodates only eight guests across three capsules. It's marketed as a "million-star hotel", playing on the unique open-air sleeping arrangement. Situated strategically between Cusco and Machu Picchu, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, it's ideally placed for tourists exploring this area.

The Skylodge concept is gaining traction, highlighted by positive feedback on travel sites like Tripadvisor. This lodging blends adventure and a certain level of luxury, making it appealing to travelers seeking novel accommodation near popular attractions.

The structural innovation employs aerospace-grade materials, focusing on transparency and durability for the capsules. This material choice enables stunning views while offering resistance to the high-altitude winds of the region. Maintaining a comfortable temperature inside these hanging pods is achieved through a multi-layer insulation system, which helps offset the significant temperature swings—from relatively mild days to much cooler nights in the mountains.

The engineering challenge of delivering water and basic amenities at this height is evident in the use of a water harvesting system that captures atmospheric moisture. This exemplifies innovative approaches to supply these essentials in a challenging location.

The location also presents a fantastic opportunity for amateur astronomers, and perhaps even some specialized research in the field. The location within the Sacred Valley offers a chance to observe native wildlife. The local sourcing of many of the capsule furnishings demonstrates a possible avenue of integrating the lodgings within the local community.


The food service model involves on-site chefs offering a culinary experience with a focus on Peruvian flavors and locally-sourced ingredients. Although this is not a common or conventional style of lodging, there is a unique experience element present, offering an interesting take on the usual accommodations found in a tourist hotspot. The duration of the stay is typically 1 to 3 nights, designed to fully immerse the guests in the surrounding environment and activities. While the Skylodge adventure suites represent an innovative take on lodging, they also illustrate the challenges of creating high-end accommodation in remote areas that require detailed engineering solutions to bring the basics to such challenging environments.

7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - El Albergue Ollantaytambo with Organic Farm and Coffee Roasting Workshop

El Albergue Ollantaytambo offers a unique blend of hospitality and sustainability for those seeking a more grounded experience near Machu Picchu. This family-run hotel in the Sacred Valley focuses on connecting guests to the local environment through its on-site organic farm. The farm provides fresh ingredients for the restaurant, including vegetables, herbs, and even free-range poultry and dairy. One highlight is the Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast cooked in an earth oven, served in scenic outdoor settings. Adding to the farm-to-table experience, the property also roasts its own coffee, showcasing another aspect of the local agricultural landscape.

Beyond the farm, the hotel is highly regarded, consistently earning strong reviews for its overall experience. Its location is strategic, serving as a comfortable base for venturing out to Machu Picchu and exploring the wider Sacred Valley region. Guests can unwind amidst beautiful gardens and take in stunning mountain and glacier views. The property goes beyond simply offering accommodations by integrating educational and conservation efforts into the experience. Interestingly, they also run a distillery, producing a distinctive local spirit that mixes characteristics of rum and tequila. While the hotel caters to a variety of travelers, from budget-conscious visitors to those seeking more luxurious lodgings, the focus on local community and eco-consciousness sets it apart. The overall experience seems to lean towards a more engaged and immersive way of traveling. While it's certainly a step up from the basic budget hostels, the integration of farm activities, the focus on local cuisine and its community engagement components, might make it an interesting consideration for some travelers looking for something beyond just a bed for the night in the run up to visiting Machu Picchu.

Here's a reimagining of the provided text about El Albergue Ollantaytambo, focusing on aspects that might pique the interest of a curious researcher or engineer:


El Albergue Ollantaytambo, nestled within the historical town of Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley, offers a unique blend of hospitality and sustainability. The hotel's organic farm not only provides fresh produce for its restaurant but also offers a glimpse into local agricultural practices, especially with its on-site coffee roasting workshop. This provides an interesting opportunity for guests to experience the journey of coffee from bean to cup.


Ollantaytambo itself is a remarkable testament to Incan engineering and city planning, with many of its original structures still in use today. Observing the intricate stonework, especially its drainage systems, provides an engaging look at ancient hydraulic principles.


The hotel's location next to the train station leading to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is a major advantage for travelers. This location not only provides convenient access to the famed Inca ruins but also highlights the role of efficient transportation infrastructure in facilitating exploration.


Located at a considerable altitude of roughly 2,792 meters, the hotel's design must tackle the challenges of significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. This requires clever insulation strategies to ensure comfortable stays for guests, providing an interesting case study for building design in challenging environments. The hotel also explores options for maximizing renewable energy through the use of solar panels, especially important in regions where grid access can be limited.


The hotel's strong commitment to sourcing local ingredients enriches the culinary experience for its guests. This not only showcases the flavors of the region but also underscores the importance of supporting local farmers and the overall economic impact of tourism.


Beyond its culinary focus, El Albergue also offers a variety of cultural workshops, emphasizing the intersection of tourism and education. Guests can experience a deeper understanding of the area by engaging in activities that illuminate Andean traditions, arts, and crafts.

El Albergue's approach demonstrates several facets that merit attention. The integration of sustainable practices, the incorporation of renewable energy, and the emphasis on engaging with the local community and culture make this hotel an interesting study for anyone exploring tourism development in sensitive environments. The hotel is an interesting example of how architectural design, sustainable practices, and cultural exchange can intertwine to enhance a travel experience while also preserving the cultural heritage of the area. It provides a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of hospitality in a region rich with history, biodiversity, and ecological challenges.

7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel with Direct Bus Stop Access and Pisco Making Classes

The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel provides a luxurious base for exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu, boasting convenient bus stop access and a unique opportunity to learn about Peruvian culture. Situated at the foot of the historic site, near the Vilcanota River, it offers a truly scenic setting with breathtaking mountain views. While the hotel's accommodations emphasize comfort and elegance through spacious rooms and an Andean aesthetic, it also provides a more enriching experience through classes like Pisco making. This allows guests to go beyond simply staying in a nice hotel and participate in the local traditions. The hotel consistently receives high praise for its service, making it a good choice for families. Located only a 25-minute bus ride from the ruins, it's a convenient choice for travelers seeking both luxury and a chance to immerse themselves in Peruvian heritage. While it's a luxurious option, the hotel's efforts to provide cultural insights and a top-notch guest experience sets it apart from other lodgings in the area.

The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, lauded by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, offers a blend of comfort and cultural immersion near the historic Machu Picchu sanctuary. Its prime location at the base of the sanctuary, near the Vilcanota River, provides stunning views of the surrounding Andes landscape and direct access to the bus route for convenient travel to the ancient Inca city, a mere 25-minute journey away.

This hotel's design is distinctly Andean in style, emphasizing comfort and a sense of tranquility. Rooms are spacious, with seating areas and cable TV, catering to both relaxation and entertainment. Guests can immerse themselves in local culture through the unique experience of Pisco-making classes, learning the art of crafting Peru's national drink.

From an engineering standpoint, the hotel's construction at 2,500 meters above sea level presents intriguing challenges. How do they manage the substantial temperature fluctuations throughout the day and night? What structural considerations are necessary to cope with potential seismic activity in this region? The solutions employed may offer valuable lessons in high-altitude building practices.

Furthermore, the hotel's emphasis on local ingredients in its cuisine demonstrates the intersection of culinary heritage and local ecosystems. Studying the sources of these ingredients provides a lens into the region's biodiversity and the role of local farms in the success of this hospitality venture. It's also noteworthy that the hotel includes energy-efficient practices, a testament to careful consideration of energy use in a challenging environment.

Beyond its architectural and culinary strengths, the location's close proximity to the Urubamba River and varied ecological zones makes it ideal for researchers interested in biodiversity. Moreover, the convenience of access to the Inca Trail presents an opportunity to learn more about the impressive engineering feats of the Inca civilization, especially in terms of route design and adapting to the area's varied terrain and climate. Finally, the hotel's approach to promoting local products highlights the influence of tourism on community development. How effectively is the local economy integrated into the hotel's operation?

The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel's attention to guest acclimatization, stressing the need for proper hydration and rest in high-altitude environments, underscores the need for detailed planning in these environments. The hotel provides a compelling example of how the unique features of this region—its natural beauty, history, and cultural traditions—have been woven into a luxury travel experience. While its success is evidenced by positive reviews and recognition, exploring the underlying engineering and ecological considerations highlights its role as a model for responsible tourism.

7 Strategic Locations to Stay Near Machu Picchu From Budget Hostels to Luxury Lodges (2024 Analysis) - Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu Gate with Private Dawn Access Tours

The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge stands out as a luxury option for those seeking an intimate experience at Machu Picchu, particularly for early morning exploration. Its location, right at the entrance to the ruins, is unique, being the only hotel situated so closely to Machu Picchu. This provides guests with exclusive access for guided tours at dawn, a privilege not found elsewhere. The lodge itself presents a tranquil atmosphere with 31 well-appointed rooms embedded in landscaped gardens offering commanding views of the Inca citadel. While luxurious, booking in advance (at least 45 days) is crucial to secure both a room and the coveted Machu Picchu entrance tickets, which are part of their exclusive tour package.

Reviews are consistently positive, but some travelers find that the luxury experience of places like Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo presents more value, since that hotel often includes meals as part of the accommodation package. The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is highly sought-after, regularly reaching full capacity, especially during peak season from May through September. If you're seeking an immersive experience in the heart of this historically important region, consider this hotel if you are able to book early and pay the premium. It might not be the most affordable option, but it gives a degree of exclusivity not easily found elsewhere.

### Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu Gate with Private Dawn Access Tours


The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge boasts a unique position right at the entrance to Machu Picchu, making it the only hotel directly adjacent to this iconic site. It's housed in a series of buildings tucked into the landscape, thoughtfully designed to minimize disruption of the surrounding environment. Within the grounds, you'll find 31 rooms, some with impressive views overlooking Machu Picchu's wonders.

The biggest perk for most is the option for exclusive early access to Machu Picchu, preceding the general public rush. This can be quite a significant advantage, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in this historical place without throngs of other tourists. Whether this early access is always guaranteed is a question that will depend on availability, but it certainly is a big draw. You need to book well in advance though, usually 45 days is the minimum to ensure you get the chance to secure entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and those coveted pre-dawn tours.

Of course, with that convenience comes a premium price point. The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is a luxury experience, and some consider its competitor Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo to be more budget-friendly (though its ranking on platforms like TripAdvisor suggests it's still well-respected). And indeed, its placement within the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, which is home to a remarkable 400 species of plants and nearly 200 bird species, brings a new dimension to the engineering challenges of building at such a unique location and altitude. The developers need to account for extreme weather variations at 2,400 meters. It is impressive that it has managed to integrate itself without significantly impacting the surrounding ecosystem.

The hotel offers a wide array of services for its guests, including access to knowledgeable local guides that can shed light on the history of the area, and their culinary experience features locally sourced products, some even from a garden cultivated at the site. This not only keeps the experience 'fresh' but also helps support the local community in a way that most luxury hotels seem to not quite manage.

Additionally, the lodge's location has some intriguing engineering challenges, particularly regarding thermal management due to extreme temperature swings. It also needs to account for earthquake risk. The area's geothermal conditions also make the natural thermal springs potentially an interesting study area, possibly for integrating them into heating and wellness features. While the lodge's reliance on conventional energy sources is expected in the modern age, it is certainly an area where one could potentially examine some more sustainable solutions.

From an astronomical perspective, the location offers dark skies with minimal light pollution which makes for great stargazing opportunities. This could be a niche interest that further adds to the unique aspects of the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge experience. Ultimately, this lodge's combination of access, convenience, and amenities within a unique natural setting, as well as its ability to offer a variety of experiences related to local history and culture, makes it a compelling option for those visiting Machu Picchu. However, be aware it is not a budget friendly destination and is a place that attracts crowds (albeit smaller ones due to the early morning access).