Sanctuary Lodge FAQs

Check-in is at 1pm and check-out is at 11am.

Peru’s official currency is the Peruvian sol. Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In taxis, tipping is not necessary, though a small tip may be given for exceptional service. For tour guides, a tip of $5–$10 USD (approximately 15–30 soles) per day is customary, while porters, drivers, cooks and similar staff typically receive $3–$5 USD (9–15 soles) per day; private drivers are often tipped $5–$10 USD per day, depending on the level of service. In hotels, porters are usually tipped about $1 USD (2–3 soles) per bag, while tipping housekeeping or room service is optional and based on service quality. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard in larger or upscale establishments and may already be included in the bill; additional tipping is optional for exceptional service. In mid-range restaurants, tipping is optional, though leaving 1–2 soles is a kind gesture, and no tip is expected in budget or family-run eateries.

Pets are not accepted at Sanctuary Lodge, except for approved service dogs. Service dogs are allowed only if properly accredited and accompanied by the required documentation, including service certification and an updated vaccination record. No fee is charged for service dogs. Service dogs are welcome in all guest-accessible areas, including rooms, restaurants, bars, lounges, gardens, transportation areas, and other common spaces, in accordance with Peruvian law. Guests with service dogs have full and unrestricted access to these areas, but dogs may not enter spaces where their presence is prohibited for health or hygiene reasons. The service dog must remain under the handler’s control at all times, using a leash, harness, or tether unless these interfere with the dog’s work or the handler’s disability prevents their use; in such cases, control must be maintained by voice, signal, or other effective means.

The hotel does not offer day passes.

Most nationalities do not require a visa to enter Peru; however, entry requirements vary by citizenship. Guests should consult their local Peruvian embassy or consulate for specific and up-to-date information. It is the guest’s responsibility to verify entry requirements based on their citizenship and travel documents. Passports must be valid for a minimum of three (3) months from the date of entry into Peru.

Sanctuary Lodge can only be reached by train, as there are no public access roads to Aguas Calientes. Visitors must take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, with service provided by PeruRail. From Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Station), the train journey takes approximately 3½ hours, followed by a 30-minute bus ride to the hotel. A regular bus service operates between Machu Picchu Town and the main entrance to the Inca ruins, where the hotel is located. The bus service runs daily on a limited schedule, so reservations should be made well in advance. Travel from the Sacred Valley to the hotel takes about 1.5 hours by train.

Supplemental oxygen is available upon request, and mosquito nets and spray can also be provided on request. Guest room doors have peepholes for added security. The property has 24-hour onsite security and security cameras throughout the hotel.