Can you imagine spending the night in a transparent capsule fixed to the wall of a mountain? That is Skylodge Peru, an adventure accommodation in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near Urubamba, in Cusco. It consists of three modules made of aerospace aluminum and polycarbonate, anchored to the rock and suspended about 400 meters above the valley.
And how do you get to a room that has no road? That is part of the experience. Access is via the via ferrata, a route with cables and steel steps over the rock, and the return is done by zipline. You do not need prior climbing experience, although you do need to tolerate heights. Once up there, there is dinner, a night with an open view of the valley, and breakfast the next morning.
In this guide, we tell you where Skylodge is located, what the modules look like on the inside, what the stay includes, and why many people consider it one of the most experiences in Cusco. You will also find other adventure activities near the city, in case you want to combine them with your trip.
Skylodge Peru is in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the Cusco region, about 20 minutes from Urubamba. The exact location is kilometer 224 of the Urubamba - Ollantaytambo route, where the rock wall faces the valley directly. The three suites, called "Vertical Living Modules", are built in high-resistance aerospace aluminum and polycarbonate, and were designed by Natura Vive.
From Cusco, the trip to the Urubamba area takes about an hour and a half by road. If you prefer to arrive on your own, you can do it by taxi or private car to the meeting point, but it is best to coordinate it with the operator beforehand.
Due to its location, Skylodge combines well with other places in the Sacred Valley: Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Pisac. Ollantaytambo is also the starting point for trains to Machu Picchu, so many travelers include Skylodge the day before or after visiting the citadel.
Capacity and what is included
Skylodge has a capacity for 12 people per night. The package includes transportation, guides, safety gear, dinner, and breakfast, with prices starting from US$ 440 per person.
One of the particularities of Skylodge is that the adventure begins before entering the room. There are no stairs or paths to the modules, so access is made over the rock wall with safety gear and guidance from guides.
The route to the rooms is installed on the rock with steel cables, steps, and anchor points. Therefore, when climbing, you are secured to the cable at all times with a harness and safety lanyards, and you go up step by step along the wall until reaching the entrance of the modules. You do not need prior climbing experience, but you do need a basic physical condition and no serious issues with heights. The guides give you a brief instruction before starting and accompany you throughout the entire route.
For the descent, a series of ziplines crossing the valley are used, with sections between 150 and 700 meters. It is the fastest part of the experience and the one that offers the widest views of the Sacred Valley. Just like on the climb, the gear and guides are included in the package.
For most people with normal physical fitness, the via ferrata is demanding but manageable. What weighs the most is usually the height, rather than the effort. If you feel vertigo, it is best to consult with the operator before booking.
What happens if I don't want to continue? It is best to make the decision before starting. Once you are on the wall, you cannot simply turn around and walk back down, because the route is designed to be done from start to finish with the guides. That is why, before climbing, the team explains the route, checks your safety gear, and gives you the opportunity to say if you do not feel comfortable.
If you are already on the route and feel scared or tired, let your guide know. The guides go with you during the entire journey, secure you to the cable, and can give you breaks, step-by-step instructions, and help to go at your own pace. The best thing is to let them know as soon as you notice any doubt, and not wait until you are in a difficult section.
The three Skylodge modules, called Skylodge Adventure Suites, are capsule-shaped with transparent walls overlooking the Sacred Valley. Each one is 7.5 meters long and 2.6 meters high and wide, and is designed to accommodate up to 4 people.
Each capsule has 4 beds, a dining area, and a private bathroom. Six windows and four ventilation ducts keep the air in suitable conditions for sleeping. The lighting is eco-friendly and distributed across 4 lamps. The curtains can be closed if you prefer more privacy, although at that height the only neighbors are the birds.
Meanwhile, the bathroom is private and separated from the rest of the module by a soundproof wall. It has a toilet and sink, and a 1.8-meter-diameter dome that lets you see the landscape. The lighting is also eco-friendly. Finally, the bed includes pillows, feather duvets, and good-quality sheets. With them, spending the night at 400 meters of height turns out cozy and comfortable.
The price of Skylodge Peru starts from US$ 440 per person. It corresponds to one night in one of the modules and includes the climb, dinner, breakfast, and the descent. The rate can vary depending on the season and group size, so it is a good idea to confirm it with the operator before booking.
The Skylodge package covers what is needed to climb up, sleep, and go down:
These are expenses that usually are paid by the traveler:
Here are five reasons why many travelers include the Skylodge in their trip through the Sacred Valley:
Skylodge does not require climbing experience, but it does require meeting certain health, age, and weight requirements, and being comfortable with heights. It is a good idea to check them before booking, because once on the wall there is no easy way to turn back.
The climb up the via ferrata is demanding, but it is within reach of most people with a normal physical condition. You climb using your hands and feet on metal steps and steel cables, so your arms, legs, and back work hard for a good stretch. To enjoy it without getting exhausted, walking regularly in the weeks prior and arriving rested on the day of the activity helps.
The climb up the via ferrata takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, moving at a calm pace. Do not worry about continuous effort: the guides schedule breaks at strategic points on the rock wall, where you can safely sit in your harnesses to rest, drink water, and take photos of the landscape. Meanwhile, the zipline descent (which consists of 6 sections of cables) takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. In total, the mountain activity lasts from 3 to 4 hours not counting transfers.
If you have heart, respiratory, back, or joint problems, or if you are pregnant, consult your doctor and the operator before booking.
The activity has age and weight limits, which apply due to the safety equipment and the conditions of the via ferrata and the zipline.
If you are close to any of the limits, let them know when booking. This prevents you from being denied the climb on the same day.
It is the most common doubt, and with reason: the route passes hundreds of meters above the valley. You are clipped to the cable at all times and the guides accompany you, but the feeling of height is real and does not go away just from being well equipped.
If you have a mild fear, many people handle it by moving forward calmly, avoiding looking down constantly, and relying on the guide's instructions. If you feel strong vertigo or panic attacks with heights, the wisest thing is to consult the operator before booking, and evaluate whether this experience is right for you.
For lodging in the hanging Skylodge capsules, the mandatory minimum age is 15 years old, so going with young children is not allowed. All eligible minors (between 15 and 17 years old) must climb accompanied by their mother, father, or a legal guardian.
However, if you are traveling with children under 15 but older than 8 years old, they can do the one-day adventure activity together (climbing the via ferrata and descending by zipline) with Natura Vive. For this day option, operators have fully certified small-sized helmets and harnesses, ensuring they fit the child's body perfectly before starting the climb.
Beyond the majesty of Machu Picchu, the surroundings of Cusco offer a variety of experiences that allow you to get to know the culture, history, and landscapes of Andean Peru up close. From traditional towns to little-explored natural wonders, there is a lot to discover just a few kilometers from the imperial city. If you are looking for new adventures outside the usual, here we present the places you can't miss:
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and more
+51 84 226 547
+51 912 891 560
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
www.salkantaytrekmachu.com
