Claire Dean
Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
SkyLodge Suites-Staying in luxury while hanging off the side of a mountain!
Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 2023-04-19
Peru’s Sacred Valley is home to many natural wonders, outstanding scenery, and Inca archaeological sites. With two UNESCO World Heritage sites at either end of the valley - former Imperial capital Cusco and 15th century Inca citadel Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is quite possibly the perfect location to stay on your trip to Machu Picchu. If you are looking for an alternative adventurous and unforgettable place to stay in The Sacred Valley of The Incas, then The SkyLodge Suites are one of the more spectacularly random options available on a Sacred Valley tour from Cusco. Read on for more information about the SkyLodge Suites.
Adventurous Sacred Valley
For those travelers to Peru who like to live life quite literally on the edge, why not spend a night in one of the Skylodge Adventure Suites on a Sacred Valley tour from Cusco? Built into the side of a mountain of Cusco’s Sacred Valley, these transparent lodges offer spectacular views of the surrounding valley. This distinctive accommodation option in The Sacred Valley of the Incas, perfectly combines luxury and an adrenalin-filled adventure, before or after your Machu Picchu visit.
Mountain Top Capsules
The Adventure
Getting to Skylodge is not for the faint-hearted it requires climbing and a solid sense of adventure. Guests can choose their route, each of which takes about an hour. You can hike up the entire 1,200-foot "via ferrata" a path used to climb a mountain with a safety system permanently installed, or choose a hike-zipline combo and climb a via ferrata at the end, both options are accompanied by professional guides.
Roof Top Deck!
The motivation behind these dramatic lodges was to offer “a unique experience that connects guests with nature and make visitors realize what remote luxury can be,” says Natalia Rodriguez, the SkyLodge manager. The transparent suites are the brainchild of adventure company Natura Vive, who want their guests to embrace their inner adventurer. To enter the capsules, you must either climb p the via ferrata or hike using a number of ziplines. Once you’re ready to leave your suite, you can zip-wire down to the ground below.
Via Ferrata
The Capsules
Measuring 24 ft. in length and 8 ft. in height and width, the capsule suites are composed of six windows and four ventilation ducts that ensure a comfortable atmosphere. The bedrooms are hand-crafted out of aerospace aluminum and weather-resistant polycarbonate, with each suite consisting of four beds, a dining area, and a private bathroom. The bedrooms also have a lighting system, with four interior lamps and a reading light, all powered by solar panels that store energy in batteries. Each suite has a private bathroom separated from the bedroom by an insulated wall. Inside is a dry ecological toilet and sink, where you can still enjoy the gorgeous views through a dome window. The capsule also has curtains for privacy, not that anyone can see you at that height.....maybe a passing condor?
View from The Sky Suites
The Experience
From above, you can see the Sacred Valley stretching out for miles on either side of you, and you see more of the amazing Andean mountains with a condor-eye view. You can see the Vilcanota River clearly, and it is beautiful to watch. The periodic train to Machu Picchu will rumble through the valley as it makes its way to and from the Inca Citadel. After sleeping in the capsule, in the morning, everything is blue skies and the rising sun.....an amazing sight and the entire Sacred Valley in the morning is something to behold. The perfect views for breakfast time!
The Perfect View
If you would like to book this "out of the box" Sacred Valley tour from Cusco with The Sky Lodge Suites as a complement to your Machu Picchu visit, contact us here!