Cusco Skylodge Via Ferrata & Zipline: Is It Worth It? A Detailed Look

Thinking about trying the Skylodge Adventure Suites in Cusco? It’s very almost certainly one of those travel experiences you see online and instantly think, “Wow, that looks unbelievable!”. You know, sleeping in a transparent pod suspended on a cliffside high up in Peru’s Sacred Valley does sound pretty amazing, yet also slightly intimidating. It could be a bucket-list experience for adventurous travelers, but before you book, it is important to get more information on everything that’s involved.

So, this is a complete review after spending the night there, and it touches on absolutely every aspect, like the climb, the pods, the food, what to expect, things to know before going and if it really meets expectations.

What Is Skylodge Adventure Suites?

Well, the Skylodge Adventure Suites gives a completely, totally unique hotel stay suspended way up on a cliff face. Situated in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru, it gives thrill-seekers a chance to sleep in transparent capsules. Getting there is also part of the thrill, as you ascend via a Via Ferrata, that’s a climbing route with a steel cable permanently fixed to the rock, or by ziplining. Really something different, I’m sure you agree.

Actually, Natura Vive, a Peruvian company focusing on inventive tourism, developed and operates the Skylodge. Their goal, that’s great to hear, is to offer adventure experiences that connect individuals with nature, while also promoting sustainable tourism practices. The company, they also run other pretty amazing adventures like mountain biking tours and expeditions throughout Peru.

How to Get to Skylodge

Firstly, reaching Skylodge calls for you to make your way to the Sacred Valley, the region sitting between Cusco and Machu Picchu. There are quite a number of options, yet most start from Cusco. It turns out, this region also includes smaller towns like Ollantaytambo and Urubamba. Getting to Skylodge will also vary a bit on where you are coming from.

Typically, Skylodge provides transportation from Cusco or Urubamba in their packages. This could be pretty much the more simple option, as it’s usually a group transport, and it makes it easier. As a matter of fact, if you have organized the Skylodge experience, speak to them about transfers because they can arrange that for you.

Getting There Yourself

Otherwise, if you happen to be considering organizing transport all by yourself, there are some alternatives:

Taxi: You could probably hire a taxi from Cusco, or the Sacred Valley. Ensure you negotiate the price prior to you beginning your travel. This is often a more high-priced alternative, yet more convenient.
Collectivo: So, these shared mini buses are used commonly by local people to travel around the Sacred Valley, as well as to/from Cusco. The buses don’t really operate to a precise schedule, more or less leaving once they are full, but are an extremely low-priced method of travel. Drop off will still be at the side of the road; then you might want to take a taxi.
Bus: It appears that standard buses do travel between Cusco and cities in the Sacred Valley. So, these are typically more at ease than Collectivos. Again, you will have to get a taxi from where they drop you off, it seems.

Choosing Between Via Ferrata or Zipline

The exciting thing, Skylodge gives two various ways of accessing the capsules. You might want to climb up a Via Ferrata, which is a mountain path having metal rungs and safety cables. Otherwise, if you want a thrilling entrance, think about ziplining. If you choose ziplining up, then you still do the very Via Ferrata to go down.

There’s, obviously, something that can influence your choice; it looks like your fitness level comes into play. The Via Ferrata asks for physical stamina; in other words you’ll be climbing for a few hours. You will have to be pretty comfy with heights for both alternatives. It’s almost certain you’ll love them.

Via Ferrata Details

So, this mountain climbing path, a Via Ferrata, assists your ascent through metal steps bolted into the rock face and it really provides breathtaking views while being pretty safe and secure. To move across this path, it looks like you connect your harness to a steel cable running all along the course.

Climbers just clip two carabiners from their harness into the cable, and as they move along the Via Ferrata, they unclip and re-clip the carabiners, it sounds like a really well-designed, simple system. This guarantees that they are generally connected to the safety cable, and are secure even while they pause to take rests or admire the beautiful scenery.

Zipline Details

If you want a quicker, and probably more thrilling method of reaching Skylodge, then this might be it. Strapped into a harness, it seems that you zip through a series of cables across the valley. These ziplines let you take in the scenery beneath you, though at much higher speeds! A series of seven distinct ziplines provide a heart-pounding, one-of-a-kind way of getting into the Skylodge. So very cool indeed.

Inside the Skylodge Adventure Suites

Once you are inside one of the Skylodge capsules, you’ll probably notice they are more spacious than you could think! Made out of aerospace aluminum and weather-resistant polycarbonate, each one is securely mounted to the rock face.

The capsules measure 7.5 meters x 2.6 meters (24 x 8.5 ft), in a way providing adequate area to comfortably sleep two adults. Each suite features:

Beds with comfortable mattresses
Pillows and duvets
A little dining location
A private, eco-friendly bathroom

Actually, the insides are minimalist yet properly designed. In other words they maximize the available space and take the views. The capsules also have curtains to get some privacy and shade.

What’s the Bathroom Like?

Each pod, it is equipped with a dry eco-toilet to deal with waste in a sustainable manner, as you could imagine. Waste, of course, is saved and treated. It could be a composting toilet, that reduces water use. You’ll find a small sink and hand-washing facilities, so everything required for simple sanitation.

What to Expect: The Whole Experience at Skylodge

So, it’s vital to understand the timings for Skylodge because most likely you don’t just arrive any time you want. There is quite a specific order of events, that may change based on the weather.

Arrival and Briefing: Once you get there, the guides offer you a security briefing that covers the climbing, ziplining, and safety protocols within the Skylodge. Here is your opportunity to ask concerns and get familiar with the gear.
Ascent: You climb via Ferrata or zipline at around 3pm. Based on the strategy and level of fitness, the ascent can take from 1 to 3 hours.
Arrival at Skylodge: As soon as at the top, take some time to unwind. You might want to take pictures or take in the amazing views before sunset.
Dinner: Around sunset, the guides, they’ll prepare and provide a meal, that commonly features local Peruvian cuisine. So very delicious it sounds like.
Nighttime: Enjoy an evening under the stars. The capsules provide a unique viewpoint for stargazing. Just relax and savor the peace, you know?
Morning: A morning meal, which is served generally at sunrise, offers stunning views as you start your day. You may want to have a cup of coffee watching the sunlight climb up the hills, a view you’ll likely never forget!
Descent: Next, descend via the Via Ferrata (for people who climbed up) or ziplining (after Via Ferrata). This is generally done each morning.

Is the Food Included at Skylodge?

Meals are generally included at Skylodge, as I have said. I am also saying that to clear things up. In short the meals includes both dinner and morning meal. Expect freshly prepared, simple food highlighting regional Peruvian tastes, yet of course, the adventure adds to it too. Drinks like water and hot drinks tend to be supplied also. It’s always best to check out what’s included in your selected package deal at the time of reservation to have a full image.

What to Pack for the Skylodge Experience

Packing is, so important, given that you should bring just the requirements. Here is what you want:

Clothes: Pack layers! At that altitude temperatures might actually vary considerably, specially between sun and after dark. Think about light layers which can be added or taken away.
Footwear: Trekking shoes or other strong, comfortable footwear is important. Climbing and walking all require sturdy footwear, so you know.
Toiletries: Basic toiletries are so vital, but remember space could be restricted. Consider small sizes to save room and weight.
Camera: Because you will need a camera, you will most likely love capturing the scenery and unique experience. A smartphone is fine or bring a professional camera if that’s like your style.
Snacks: You might need a few treats, since the climb may make you hungry. Some protein bars should do the trick!
Water: Stay hydrated, so bring a refillable bottle, as always, to hold enough for the climbs up/down.
Headlamp: If you have to go to the restroom in the evening or should you just want to read anything at night, getting a headlamp can come in handy

Things to Know Before Booking Skylodge

Book in Advance: Because Skylodge only has a few capsules, reserving really early is a clever idea. Especially during peak tourist times.
Altitude: The Sacred Valley sits at a pretty good altitude, therefore it’s better to get acclimated before arriving, therefore you should consider hanging around Cusco before the Skylodge adventure.
Physical Fitness: It is a good plan to assess if you can do some climbing and hiking ahead of time. In fact, climbing the Via Ferrata takes a certain degree of physical fitness. Even if you choose ziplining, some hiking may be required.
Weather: It’s always a good thing to confirm the weather predicted around the scheduling before heading. Always bring some rain gear, and maybe a rain cover to get a dry bag.
Age/Weight Restrictions: There may very well be weight or age rules when taking part. Look at this prior to scheduling, mostly to avoid letdown.

Is Skylodge Really Worth It?

So, does the Skylodge experience meet the hype? Almost, the vast majority would very likely state yes. In other words it really is worth it! So, you need something seriously unforgettable with amazing opinions and a surge of adrenaline then definitely check it out.

If you feel very strongly about it or have fears of levels or physical limitations, or simply can’t afford the experience, it is most likely best to skip it. If those are not issues, then you would absolutely have an experience like no other with stories that you will be recounting over and over.

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