Staying in the Lost City
Peru is best known for two things: the mighty Amazon River and Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city high in the Andes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas – which include the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, and colonial city of Cusco – are rich archaeological sites considered to be some of the most important in the world. This makes Peru an ideal vacation spot for people who are fascinated by the mysteries of the bygone era of the Incas, as well as those longing for a tranquil retreat.
Go back in time by exploring the wealth of history in the Cusco Region. Spanish colonial grandeurs sit alongside the traditional culture of the Peruvian people that have remained from the great empire of the Incas. The city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is home to the Plaza de Armas – the central square in the old city – with arcades, carved wooden balconies, and wall ruins from the Incan Empire. One of the main attractions is the Incan Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) – the baroque Santo Domingo Convent was built on top of the temple, but its Inca archaeological stonework remains can still be seen. La Catedral is one of the city’s most spectacular displays of architecture, while the Pre-columbian Art Museum boasts an unmatched collection of Peruvian artefacts, including ceramics, jewellery, and carvings that date back from 1250 B.C. to A.D. 1532.
Of course, the biggest drawcard of this area is Machu Picchu. The remnants of the once powerful Incan Empire invoke awe in those who trek around the ancient remains of the stone walls. One of the features that makes this lost city so unique is that it was never touched by the Spanish invaders – the Incas obscured the 12 acres of temples, aqueducts, and gardens that make up the city from the Spanish, keeping the sacred city untouched for hundreds of years.
And the only hotel adjacent to the Lost City of the Incas is Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
Situated at a mountain summit located within the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is a truly unique place to stay. The area of Machu Picchu sits almost 2,500 m above sea level. The hotel and citadel are a short walk or bus ride away from the town of Aguas Calientes and
80 km from Cusco. The only way to and from the hotel is to take a private bus service run by Consettur.
The magnificent location of the hotel allows guests exceptionally easy access to the ancient sites from early morning to late afternoon – ideal times to explore the ruins, as most tourists are not there yet or have left already.
The views from Belmond Sanctuary Lodge are truly awe-inspiring. The lodge’s gardens allow for stunning views across Machu Picchu and are the perfect location to marvel at the historical site, as well as the wide variety of flowers and birds that call this region home.
After hours of trekking the hilly pathways of Machu Picchu, rest and relaxation is provided in a variety of manners. The lodge offers guests massages and aromatherapy treatments based on ancient Inca techniques. These can be enjoyed al fresco in the gardens facing the striking mountain of Huayna Picchu. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge also has a dedicated relaxation area where guests can meditate or do yoga, while absorbing the spirit and energy of Machu Picchu.
You do not have to tear your eyes away from the majesty of the view when dinner time comes around – the onsite Tampu Restaurant is situated to enjoy views of the surrounding area, sights very few other restaurants can boast about. While international dishes are offered, traditional Andean meals should also be tried. Considered to be one of the world’s best cuisines, Peruvian dishes have developed over the centuries from when the Inca Empire used their indigenous ingredients, to when international influences from around the world added their flavours to the pot. Ceviche, known to be the flagship dish of Peru, consists of fish marinated in lime juice. It might include seafood such as sand smelt, sea bass, tuna, octopus, sole, black clams, or sea urchin with chillies. Red onion, corn, sweet potato, and cilantro accompany this dish once it has marinated for a few hours. Guinea pig is the traditional protein choice for many in the Andean region, and is often enjoyed whole and deep-fried. For dessert, the Peruvian answer to doughnuts is picarones. Made from sweet potatoes and a green squash locally known as zapallo macre, these ingredients are seasoned with aniseed and cinnamon before being drizzled with syrup of fig, passion fruit, or sugar.
After a day of exploring, relaxing, and dining, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge offers Standard Rooms, Superior Terrace Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and One-bedroom Suites. All feature beautifully appointed marble bathrooms, plush king-size or twin beds, and bright touches in the décor, offset with dark wood furnishes. The Superior Terrace Rooms, Deluxe Terrace Rooms, and Onebedroom Suites all include private terraces from which to enjoy the spectacular views that the lodge affords.
What better way to soak in the history of the Lost City of the Incas than by unwinding just a few steps away?
For more info, visit www.belmond.com.