Has anyone traved with Mountain lodges of peru? If os, what are your thoughts. I guess you hike a different train with not near the travelers as the Inca trail but you do not spend the night at Machu Picchu. Please share your thoughts.
Marsha

Marsha, the only tour company I know of that books its tour members overnight at the Scantuary Lodge is Wilderness Travel. All other tour companies I have investigated spend the night down in Aguas Calientes. I loved staying at the Scantuary Lodge. I would never want to visit Machu Picchu and stay anywhere else.

I have never heard of Mountain Lodges of Peru but there are many, many tour operators.

As far as I know there is only one Inca Trail. If you are not hiking that what are you hiking?

www.mountainlodgesofperu.com is great

recent article on the trek in www.lan.com magazine

basically you do the Salkantay Trek stopping at

luxury lodge along the way instead of camping...

Awesome journey though not cheap.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/...u?layout=print

Do not forget your Diamox

Tauck Tours also stay at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. I haven't gone on this trip, but love Tauck. It is expensive though.

Nothing wrong with staying at AGuas Calientes. The bus ride up to MP is as almost as exciting as a roller coaster ride! LOL
Keep in mind that the Sanctuary Lodgel, while super pricey, does not offer views of MP. So it's like staying at any other fancy hotel except you get to MP faster.

Mind you, if I had the chance to do it for free I'd go for it! ;-)

How strict is the no bag rule in MP? The guide books say that you can absolutely bring no bags into MP, but I've seen picture of people walking around MP with a backpack-like bag around their back. Thanks.

A small (and I mean small) daypack or camera bag should be okay. If it is too big, they will tell you to check it in at the luggage storage area near the entrance (fee required).