1.- WHAT IS TINKUY RESTAURANT? UNDERSTANDING ITS UNIQUE POSITION ON THE PLANET
One of the main aspects that stands out about the Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge is undoubtedly its excellent location next to one of the wonders of the modern world, Machu Picchu. Considered one of the most important gastronomic centers in the world, this strategic location is undoubtedly unparalleled compared to other restaurants in the area. It allows each diner the opportunity to enjoy and savor the flavors of Andean cuisine prepared to the highest standards, while maintaining an exclusive view of the expansive sanctuary where the stone citadel is located.
It’s also worth mentioning that the overall setting of the Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge is considered a tranquil and relaxing place due to its natural surroundings, completely encircled by the immense Andes Mountains and the diverse flora and fauna characteristic of its proximity to the Amazon region. For this reason, the gastronomic offering of the Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge is not simply a meal or a traditional dish; it represents a well-deserved pause where one can enjoy a special connection with a culture and heritage that, for generations, seems to have been frozen in time.
Of course, what many travelers don’t know about the Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge is that it belongs to the Belmond hotel chain. For this reason, it’s located inside the Sanctuary Lodge, considered the only hotel situated next to a wonder of the world. Therefore, the service is expected to meet international standards, with food quality focused on sensory experiences and always prioritizing diners’ comfort. Essentially, local, seasonal ingredients are used.
| “Eat more, worry less.” |
2.- Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge vs. Tampu Restaurant
The main difference between the two restaurants is that the Sanctuary Lodge Tinkuy Restaurant offers a different style of food presentation. Here, you can expect a buffet-style meal, which is much more accessible to all diners after a complete experience inside Machu Picchu. It’s ideal for those seeking a more varied alternative, including traditional Peruvian dishes, without sacrificing comfort and exclusivity. On the other hand, the Tampu restaurant specializes mainly in a more exclusive style of food since it has privileged attention only for the hotel guests where the experience becomes a more intimate space always highlighting the privileged à la carte service with personalized attention.
3.- THE TINKUY BUFFET: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
There’s no doubt that one of the best dining options you can find during your next trip to Machu Picchu is at the Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge. Its proximity to the Inca city, just steps from the main entrance, has been specifically designed so that diners can savor unique and incomparable flavors while enjoying a direct view of the Inca citadel. The restaurant offers high-quality Peruvian cuisine, with a focus on providing travelers with quality time to enjoy the flavors at a leisurely pace, appreciating the importance of each ingredient while immersed in a natural setting.
The food at Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge is served exclusively as a buffet, strategically and intuitively laid out. This allows guests, despite the large number of travelers and diners seeking unique Andean flavors, to explore and enjoy the various stations at their leisure. Upon entering Tinkuy buffet restaurant Sanctuary Lodge, you’ll find two large counters. One displays lighter dishes such as appetizers, salads, and even cold preparations. The other features hot dishes and main courses, creating a more organized experience and allowing each guest to sample a variety of options.
In addition to this, you can enjoy another small area where you’ll find exclusive beverages, including soft drinks and Andean infusions such as the popular coca tea, which is generally used to help with altitude and environmental adaptation. You can also choose from the excellent coffee sourced from the surrounding jungle regions, which is a perfect complement to Andean cuisine. It’s important to note that additional beverages like sodas or beers are not included in the buffet service at the Sanctuary Lodge Tinkuy Restaurant and therefore incur an extra charge.
4.- Dishes You Can’t Miss
Generally speaking, all the food at the Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge is quite good. However, there are some essential recommendations for your experience that you shouldn’t miss. The most important thing to know is that the food is based primarily on contemporary cooking techniques, resulting in more intense flavors. Consider choosing from the salad options, especially the Mediterranean salad, the quinoa tabbouleh, or the variety of artisanal breads baked fresh daily. Among the main dishes, the traditional ceviche stands out. This particular version uses a local fish known as trout, which is also used in other dishes such as tiradito, causa rellena, and cecina (dried, salted meat).
5.- PRICES: HOW MUCH DOES TINKUY RESTAURANT COST?
There’s no doubt that choosing the Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge signifies exclusivity during your visit to Machu Picchu, primarily due to its location next to the citadel. However, you should consider that this isn’t the most economical option you’ll find. It has been designed exclusively for travelers with much higher standards of quality and comfort during their dining experience. Keep in mind that prices are constantly updated, so it’s important to know the details. You can find options ranging from $45.00 to $55.00 USD per person, always varying depending on the season and availability. This price grants you exclusive access to all the stations within the buffet service. However, please note that additional drinks such as sodas, beers, and other alcoholic beverages have a different, extra price.
There is an age-based discount for children between 3 and 11 years old, which is ideal for family trips. This discount is approximately $20.00 USD, which is very beneficial since children are always present on family trips. This makes the service more accessible and convenient for all families. The buffet-style presentation of the food is one of the easiest ways to find a variety of options to suit different tastes. Children under 3 years old eat free.
6.- Is the Tinkuy buffet restaurant Sanctuary Lodge worth visiting?
It’s absolutely worth experiencing the food, as it’s not just about the meal; it’s a complete experience. The location of the Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge is also strategic, as you don’t need to travel to Aguas Calientes for lunch. This is ideal and especially important for travelers with limited time and tight itineraries, offering a worthwhile investment for an unforgettable experience. Traditionally, lunch at the Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge is included in exclusive tour packages, which are typically tailored and personalized for each traveler with private services. This makes it the perfect time and place to enhance the experience you’ve already enjoyed inside Machu Picchu.
7.- SIZE AND REPETITION
“Just like in other parts of the world, the buffet style also works the same way at Tinkuy Restaurant Hotel Sanctuary Lodge. The most important thing is that you can have as many seconds as you want without any problems. Also, the portion size is always based on what you choose, since there are dishes of various sizes. However, the recommendation is always to choose small portions so that you have enough appetite to complete the experience and try a little of everything.”
8.- FAQs
- What is Tinkuy Restaurant at Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu?
This restaurant is considered one of the most exclusive places you can enjoy during your next trip to Machu Picchu. It stands out primarily for its buffet-style menu, accessible to all travelers seeking to savor the unique flavors of Andean cuisine, as well as other international options.
- Is Tinkuy Restaurant open to the public or only for hotel guests?
It is available to all travelers arriving daily at Machu Picchu. Unlike other restaurants, such as Tampu Restaurant, which is only open to hotel guests, this one allows access to all visitors.
- How much does the Tinkuy buffet lunch cost per person?
Prices vary depending on the season, so you can expect to pay between $45.00 and $55.00 per person. Please note that there is also a discount for children between 3 and 11 years old, who generally receive a $20.00 discount per person.
- What time does Tinkuy Restaurant open and close?
This service is primarily geared towards lunchtime dining. As a buffet, it offers extended hours, starting at 11:00 am and ending at 3:30 pm. Of course, these hours may vary depending on the season.
- What food is served at the Tinkuy buffet at Machu Picchu?
It boasts a wide variety of options, from fresh appetizers and salads to traditional main dishes like trout ceviche or causa limeña, as well as international dishes such as pasta.
- Do you need a reservation to eat at Tinkuy Restaurant?
It’s highly recommended for all diners. Reservations are generally advised during peak season, as seating is limited. However, during the rest of the year, reservations are accepted.
While visiting isn’t just about seeing iconic landmarks or experiencing local traditions, there’s also a rich culinary heritage that is delicious and renowned worldwide. Auri Peru is a strategic partner of this prestigious restaurant, so we can organize an experience that includes a stop at this place. Contact us and let’s start planning the first bite of your next experience together.
“Every dish has a story.”
