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Peru is the ultimate destination for people looking for adventure, and it’s home to one of the most visited attractions in South America: Machu Picchu. The place draws visitors from all over the globe, aiming to know the Inca culture, and the tourist hub seems to work hard to create new experiences for visitors.
Travelers planning to visit Machu Picchu often stay some days in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, where they can find excellent hotels suitable for different budgets. Yet, there is an option that isn’t for the fainted-hearted travelers: Sky Lodge Adventure Suites, a hotel with glass lodges hanging on a cliff.
The hotel was inaugurated in 2013 and became viral on social media. This exclusive place aims to reconnect guests with nature, and they describe this connection as the most luxurious experience anyone can have. Here is everything travelers must know before booking a room.
The Hotel Is Perched In The Sacred Valley
The Sky Lodge Hotel is perched on a cliff 1,312 feet above the Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) in Pachar, close to Ollantaytambo. The region was part of the Inca empire and was an important farming area back then. The place is nestled between Cusco and Machu Picchu and is a must-go destination for people visiting the region for the first time.
The hotel is located in a quiet area, so guests won’t feel they are close to a busy touristic destination in Peru, especially at night. The Sky Lodge’s prices include a transfer from Cusco, so guests don’t need to worry about booking a van or train to Ollantaytambo. Most people stay one night in the hotel and return to Cusco or head to Machu Picchu after breakfast.
For people heading to Machu Picchu by train, it takes only two hours to travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, so it’s possible to schedule the hotel for the night before or after visiting the Inca citadel.
The Rooms Aren’t Easy To Reach
Reaching the rooms requires effort, and guests will find challenges along the way. The capsules are located 1.300 feet above sea level, and the only way to access them is by using their Via Ferrata. Going down is also an adventure, but guests can use their zipline.
The hotel recommends bringing a light suitcase, as guests need to carry it to their rooms, and they have a storage facility in Urubamba. It’s also essential to wear comfortable clothes: long pants, hiking shoes, thermic clothes, and a jacket.
Guests need to be at least 15 years old to book a room, and they will receive safety instructions before climbing into the room. The hotel also has English-speaking guides for guests who don’t speak Spanish.
Sleeping On A Glass Pod
After climbing 1,300 feet, guests find a 24- by eight-foot pod with a panoramic view of Vale Sagrado, where the only distraction is stargazing. The rooms are comfortable, featuring four beds, pillows, blankets, a dining area, and a private ecological bathroom.
The hotel doesn’t have a shower, but they have a hot tub outdoors. They use solar panels, the accommodations are equipped with lamps, and they can welcome up to eight people.
For travelers wondering about safety: The pods are built with aerospace aluminum and weather-resistant polycarbonate. The rooms have six panoramic windows and ventilation ducts, which perfectly combine safety and comfort.
People Can Have Lunch In The Pods
Tourists who aren’t staying in the hotel can also experience the place at lunch. The meal includes soup, salad, a main course, dessert, and a drink. Guests must make a reservation on their website, and the prices range between S/.805 and S/.895 (between $205 and $228).
It is also an experience for families, but children need to be at least six years old to use the zipline and nine years old to use the Via Ferrata.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Sky Lodge Hotel is the first hanging hotel in the world and has only a few rooms, which can make it expensive compared to other hotels in the region. According to their hotel, staying one night at the sky lodges using the Via Ferrata or the Zipline costs S/. 1,485 (approximately $378), and using both costs, S/. 1,575 (approximately $400). They recommend booking the rooms at least two weeks in advance.
The prices include breakfast, a gourmet dinner paired with wine, a transfer from Cusco, and a guide. There is also a professional photographer and drone available for an extra price - Former guests recommend hiring it, as the pictures are excellent.
What Guests Say About The Hotel
The Sky Lodge Adventure Suites is one of the best-evaluated hotels in the region. Guests often praise the high-quality food and the whole experience the hotel provides. Indeed, spending the night in a hotel where it is possible to stargaze while on a hot tube next to the Sacred Valley is a memorable moment.
People also highlight that climbing can be challenging, and it’s not recommended for people afraid of heights. They also praise the staff and their support while guests are trying to reach the rooms.