Before booking a night in the lodge, you might be asking yourself; can I do this as a beginner? What if I have no experience in rock climbing? Would I even make it to the top?
We know it can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. We have tried and tested the Skylodge and are here to tell you the whole truth - from what to expect, to how challenging the climb really is. Check out our article below for our trusted insider tips and, of course, the answer to the all-important question; is the 400-meter climb to the hanging lodge really worth it?
Skylodge Peru is the world’s first-ever hanging lodge. Suspended 400m (1,312ft) above the Sacred Valley, visitors can enjoy some of the most astounding views in the world. You have three options to choose from to experience the Skylodge. You can either:
My colleague and I, both traveler designers with no previous rock climbing experience (and short on time), opted for the day trip with lunch.
Once at the base of Skylodge, you will get the necessary equipment; a harness, gloves, and a helmet. There is a toilet, so make sure to visit it before starting your climb up (the next toilet is in the pods)!
The base of the Skylodge is situated at about 2,790 m.a.s.l. (9,150 ft) and the lodge is situated at about 3,190 m.a.s.l. (10,465 ft).
To reach the Skylodge you have to climb up the face of the cliff using fixed steel ladders and cables (called ‘Via Ferrata’) or hike a trail along the various zip lines. We climbed up via ferrata after 3 days of acclimatization in Cusco.
Despite being an active person (who runs regularly), I must admit that the climb was quite challenging. On the one hand, it is necessary to use muscles you do not use on an everyday basis. On the other hand, the most challenging part for me was a swinging bridge, where you only have one cable that holds you up and you need to keep your balance yourself.
All in all, the 900-step climb took about 2 hours and we were quite exhausted upon reaching the dining pod, but was it worth it… The view from above is absolutely breathtaking. Even though it was challenging, there was a guide in front of us and one behind the last traveler as well. Knowing there was an expert with us every step of the way, really eased my nerves. There is also no rush and the guides are really supportive so don't worry if you need to take a short break every now and then to catch your breath.
Scroll down to check out all our insider tips for making the most out of your Skylodge experience!
After reaching the transparent dining capsule perched on the side of the mountain, we were more than excited to be served our well-deserved lunch.
What makes this 3-course meal remarkable are the views. Considering that each component is diligently transported from the base we found the meal to be enjoyable. It's essential to manage your expectations, as each course is warmed up in the capsule rather than freshly cooked. In terms of standard, the meal is comparable to what you would typically receive on an international flight.
My colleague also got her vegetarian option, as requested. The Skylodge crew are pretty accommodating - just let them know your dietary restrictions ahead of time.
Non-alcoholic beverages and wine were available. For me, the glass of wine was exactly what I needed to give me the energy and the courage to stand up and start the descent back down again.
Coming down from the Skylodge, you can choose between:
We opted for the ziplines. Before starting your descent, you can decide if you would like a guide to accompany you or if you would like to try descending alone (I chose to be accompanied).
The way down has 7 different zip lines ranging from 150 m (493 ft) to 700 m (2,297 ft) and totaling up to 2,800 m (9,187 ft) in distance. You will first start with a 30-minute hike via Ferrata to the first line. Each zip line is different, starting with an easy and short one and getting progressively longer as you descend (and gain confidence in your ziplining abilities!) Once you reach the valley floor, a van will be waiting at the foot of the mountain to take you to your hotel.
If you decided to opt for an overnight, your adventure will begin with an afternoon pick-up in Cusco (or Sacred Valley). Upon arriving in Pachar you will complete your safety briefing and begin your ascent via Ferrata or zip line hike. Once you arrive at the Skylodge at about 6 pm, the guides will welcome you with a hot drink and provide you with a tour and safety information of the accommodation. At 8 pm dinner will be served in the dining pod.
The best part of having an overnight at Skylodge Peru is the chance for some unbeatable stargazing if the sky is clear. If it's not cloudy, you will have some spectacular views of the milky way. Furthermore, having more time at the lodge gives you the chance to take amazing photos with the capsules. In case you are met with cloudy weather on your ascent, you have a second day where the weather could clear up, giving you another chance for amazing views and perfect photos.
The following morning, you will enjoy an early breakfast as you watch the sun rise over the magnificent Sacred Valley. Afterward, you will start your descent back down, from where the guides will bring you back to your hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley.
The suites are quite comfortable and offer amazing 300-degree vistas of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. They are clean and feature some nice décor. The capsules are made of aerospace aluminum and weather-resistant polycarbonate. They measure about 7.5 m (24 ft) in length and 2.6 m (8 ft) in height and width. To ensure breath-taking views, the capsules are almost completely transparent (except for the aluminum framework). There are also some curtains for a good rest. Each capsule also features four comfortable beds, a small dining area, and a private bathroom. Solar power provides light in the suites, although keep in mind there are no power outlets.
The Skylodge bathrooms are separate from the sleeping area and consist of a dry ecological toilet and sink as well as curtains for privacy (from passing condors 😉). Keep in mind that there are no showers.
The capsules have a small observation deck above them, perfect for taking some amazing photos. Climbing in and out of your capsule requires a helmet, gloves, and a harness (as well as informing the guides via walkie-talkie).
Situated in Pachar, between the towns of Ollantaytambo and Urubamba in the Sacred Valley, Skylodge is about an hour and a half’s drive from Cusco and only 15 minutes’ drive from Ollantaytambo train station (where the trains to Machu Picchu leave from). Check out our map below and look for the green circle with the number 8.
Your adventure at Skylodge includes a pickup from your hotel in Cusco city (or Sacred Valley) as well as a drop-off.
Visiting the Skylodge is a dream come true for adventurers. Even though it was challenging, we still succeeded in arriving at the top, despite our lack of experience in rock climbing. So to answer the question of whether you can make it without previous experience? - Absolutely! Follow our insider tips, and we guarantee you can conquer it too. Don't hesitate - take the leap and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience.
