need help with first trip to Peru!
 

This would be my first time visiting Peru. Is May a good month to go for weather when visiting Machu Picchu? If not, please let me know your suggestions.

Has anyone stayed at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge? http://machupicchu.orient-express.com

If so, please let me know your thoughts.

I would also appreciate your thoughts on Hotel Monasterio in Cuzco.

http://monasterio.orient-express.com/

How long should we spend in Cuzco?

Finally, are there any trips we can take near these areas to view unique Peruvian wildlife?

Thanks so much for your help!

I think May is the perfect month to go to Cusco and MP. The rainy season will have ended, and you get the advantage of good weather there before the high-season crowds kick in in June. Good choice.

The Sanctuary Lodge has its fans here. I think it is terribly overpriced for what it offers. I'd be a fan too, if they'd knock about $500 off their nightly rate.

I love the Monasterio. It's also very expensive, but has always seemed a better value to me than the MP Sanctuary Lodge, its sister property.

Thanks, Jeff. Can you recommend another place instead of the Sanctuary Lodge?

The Inkaterra is amazing. We stayed there in September and loved it.

taitai

We loved the Sanctuary Lodge - holding our nose for the price however!

Pics on our blog and our itinerary is

http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/l...aca/index.html

The Sanctuary Lodge is right next to the ruins. However, they no longer allow people inside once MP closes at night. Thus, you are isolated at the hotel which from the outside looks like a prefab tin building.

The Inkaterra is in Aguas Caliente. Thus you have the opportunity to explore the village, soak in the hot springs, shop around and eat someplace else besides the hotel after the ruins close.

http://www.inkaterra.com/en/