Skylodge Adventure Suites Review and Guide For Your Bucket List

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Ever hear of the unique and jawdropping hotel called the Skylodge Adventure Suites?

When one hears of the majestic country of Peru, thoughts of llamas and Machu Picchu immediately come to mind. It is indeed true that those activities do draw massive amounts of tourists each day. 

However, what about the activities that are lesser known yet equally as adventurous? Maybe you haven’t heard of it or maybe you were too scared? 

In this article, I am going to be taking a deep dive into one of the coolest and most adventurous hotels that I have ever had the pleasure of staying in!

Welcome to your Skylodge Adventure Suite review and guide!

Skylodge Adventure Suite Reviews: Overall Bucket List Thoughts

For adventurers who want information fast!

Category	Luxury Outdoor
Who Should Add This to Their Bucket List?	Active travelers looking for a unique Peru hotel experience.
Best Time to Go	April to October
Traveling Difficulty	Moderate/Difficult
Physical Difficulty	Difficult
Popularity Rating	4/10
Group Tour Required	Yes, you need climbing guides for safety.
Budget	$$$$$ Plan to pay $500+ per person on this one…
Wheelchair Accessible	Nope
Fly into…	Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco) May need to go through Lima if flying internationally.
Add This to Your Bucket List	Book the Skylodge Experience

If you need more information about the categories of this table, please check out the Bucket List Reviews guide.

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What are the Skylodge Adventure Suites in Peru?

The Skylodge Adventure Suites is a set of three individual pod capsules with beds, a toilet, and a deck on top. There is also a separate pod for dining.

The catch? They are suspended over 1,200 feet (400 m) in the air and hooked to the side of a cliff overlooking the Sacred Valley. 

Yes—read that again just to let it sink in. 

As of right now, it is the only accommodation of its kind and prides itself on being the first “hanging lodge”.

The guests of this exclusive hotel must climb up Via Ferrata. For those of you who don’t know (like me), that is rock climbing but there are metal handholds at all the right places to ease your journey. 

Once at the top, guests are treated to a gourmet Peruvian dinner and wine. After dinner, you climb to your individual pod to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stars of the Sacred Valley twinkling above you. 

They call this a 5-star hotel, but it is easy to see why they call it the “million-star hotel”!

How to Book the Skylodge Adventure Suites

The biggest piece of advice I can give you is book early! There are only 3 pods that sleep 2/3 people each. So, you do the math.

Just make sure that you know exactly what you are getting because there are several different options.

For example, I had to be specific on if I wanted to repel or zipline. I also had to specify that I wanted to stay the night, not just come for lunch.

You can either book directly with NaturaVive, through a travel agent, or with a tour company like Viator, GetYourGuide, or Booking.com 👇

Skylodge Adventure Suites Packages

Who Can Check the Skylodge off of Their Bucket List?

In a word…adventurers!

I must caution you, the Via Ferrata is not for the faint of heart. It involves a lot of climbing, physical activity, and heights.

Restrictions

PHysical Health

According to the tours, you must weigh under 265 lbs and be in moderate physical health to do the Skylodge Adventure Suites.

They do not recommend this activity if you have back problems, heart complaints, serious medical issues, or pregnancy.

I would make sure that you are able to rock climb and be physically active for about 2 hours.

Keep in mind that you are at higher elevation (about 9,000 feet), so this can impact your abilities.

Personally, I am not a rock climber. So, my arms and legs were pretty sore (and I had just hiked for 8 days). Luckily, it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle.

While I think that it is intense physically, it is certainly not impossible for beginners.

Can I bring Kids to the Skylodge Adventure Suites?

As for age and kids, I personally cannot recommend it unless they are little daredevils.

For the day trips, I have seen an age limit of 8. To sleep in the pods, the age limit increases.

The drinking age for wine at meals is 18.

I have seen both 16 and 18 as age limits, so make sure to contact your tour to double check if you are climbing with anyone under 18.

How much is it to stay at the Skylodge Adventure Suites?

Staying the Night at the Skylodge Adventure Suites

Prices for the Skylodge are enough to make any adventurer cry. This is a unique adventure experience, and they know it!

I would expect to pay anywhere from $440 to $600 per person depending on your package. Seriously, I just cried typing that.

Included is transportation from Cusco (I believe it was around 1.5 hours), dinner with wine, breakfast, and professional bilingual guides.

Day Trips to the Skylodge Adventure Suites

If you looked at those prices and said, “excuse me…WHAT?”

Don’t worry – you have some options. You just might have to give up sleeping in the pods themselves.

Day Trip Prices (Subject to Change)

There are also day trip and lunch options.

Some even give you a box lunch so that you can really cut down on the price.

*These prices are just a rough guide and are subject to change. You might also find a deal like the one I linked. All of the prices in USD are estimated on the current exchange rate and are subject to change. For true pricing, please visit the website!

What To Expect climbing the Via Ferrata

The entire process consists of climbing on strategically placed metal bars all the way up the rock face.

You are geared with two carabiner that are secured to a metal wire the entire way up the cliff.

About every 6 feet or so, you would switch one carabiner over, and then the other. This way, if you did fall, you would only fall a short distance…in theory.

There were times where we were on a bit of an overhang and my arms did struggle a wee bit.

There were also times when I would have my feet on one of the metal handholds and be able to look straight down.

Skylodge Adventure Suites Packing List

According to the Tour…

• Passport
• Portable Charger with Full Charge
• Light Clothing
• Long Pants
• Sunglasses with Strap
• Comfortable Shoes (tennis shoes or light hiking boots; sandals are not allowed)
• Small Backpack
• Sunscreen
• Bugspray
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, etc)
• 2 L of Water
• Layers
• Any cameras or phone holders you want (if you want your own footage or don’t want the photo package)
• Necessary medications

According to Someone Who Did It…

Stuff for climbing

Depending on the time of the year that you go, you might need to dress very warmly. 

My family and I went in August during the dry season (April to October) so it was a little chillier. I would suggest bringing LAYERS. 

It might have been a little chilly, but after climbing, I was definitely sweating! However, if you choose to brave the deck on top of the pod for some star gazing, it can be pretty cold. 

If traveling in the wet season (around November to March), I would prepare for rain but still bring layers—remember you are still very high up in the air. 

No matter what season you go in, wear solid closed-toed shoes and long durable pants!

They will provide all of the climbing gear and gloves for you.

You can see on my photos that I had a shirt, leggings, sturdy hiking boots, and a light jacket.

Once You Get to the Pods

If you are sleeping in the pods, bring warm but light PJs for stargazing!

As far as other stuff, obviously bring the essentials like a toothbrush and any medications.

The amenities are very limited (cause you are on the side of a cliff), so don’t expect a porcelain shower…or any shower.

Personally, I was only there for one night so I didn’t bother bringing shower wipes or my full face-care routine.

Just think…anything you take..you have to climb up with! So, keep it light and simple.

Is the Photography Package Worth it?

I’m not gonna sugar coat it: this experience isn’t cheap. It’s because it is…well…an experience! There is a reason it was on my bucket list! It is a once-in-a-lifetime activity. 

If you are going all the way to Peru and going to do something like that, it is worth it to save a bit extra so you can get the photographer upgrade. Our photos were, in a word, EPIC! 

Plus, the last thing you want on your mind as you are ascending over 1,000 up a cliff in Peru is: Hold on! Let me hang on to this rock, undo my backpack, and grab my phone for a picture!

I have shown them to so many people since then and every single person’s jaw drops! It is 100% worth it (in my opinion and if you have the means) to have that memory for life! 

This costed us about 400 SOL (about $103), but I’ve also seen this for about $5o per person. I think this is fair considering the photographer has to climb up with you.

My Experience And Skylodge Adventure Suites Reviews

Booking

(3/5 Stars)

I choose to book directly through the NaturaVive page. Honestly, it was a little confusing.

I wasn't exactly sure of what I was getting. I really wanted to do the Via Ferrata up and then repel down. If I had to do it over again, I would go through a tour or a travel agent.

Again, you can book 👉 here.

It is important to let them know of any dietary restrictions at this stage, since they need to prepare in advance.

The Price of the Skylodge Adventure Suites

(2/5 Stars)

I wanted to throw up after buying this. It's a TON of money, especially for only 2 days and 1 night in the pods.

You add the photography package and I extra wanted to throw up.

Unfortunately, this extremely rare, unique, and desirable bucket list experience among adventurers. The price reflects that.

Just grab some extra shifts, close your eyes, book it, and go cry in the bathroom. It will be worth it eventually!

The Staff

(5/5 Stars)

No complaints from this adventuring mermaid! The staff might be small, but it is mighty!

What stood out to me was that the small staff took care of everything: picking us up, doing the safety briefing, getting all the gear, keeping us safe while climbing, cooking our meals, and getting us down.

When I checked this off of my bucket list, there were two guides and then the photographer.

Review of the PHotography package

(5/5 Stars)

Honestly, 5/5 stars earned.

The photographer climbed up with us and was there every step of the way.

It was a huge relief to just focus on the climb and not worrying about capturing the moment.

I thought that the price was fair, and the photos were absolutely breathtaking!

Also, I appreciated that he did a photoshoot with us during the climb up as well as in the morning in the pods themselves.

Getting to The Skylodge ADventure Suites

(4/5 Stars)

Overall, getting there was a breeze! They picked us up directly from the hotel, drove us to the starting area (about 1.5 hours), and helped us every step of the way.

The guides spoke amazing English and were very pleasant to talk to during the van ride up.

Once we arrived to the "Skylodge Base Camp", it was literally just a little shack on the side of the road.

Here, they had a little shop where you could buy snacks, merchandise, and fill up your water. They also had some bathrooms.

They also did a safety briefing here and got you all geared up for the Via Ferrata climb.

Overall, this was a very nice experience, but was a bit of a drive.

Climbing Up the Via Ferrata

(4.5/5 Stars)

There's nothing like earning your bed for the night! And wow! You do earn it!

Our entire ascent up the 400m (1,314 feet) to the pods was EPIC!

My mother did bow out about 5 minutes in, and ended up hiking for part of the way. The rest of my group ascended the old fashion way.

As mentioned previously, I am not a rock climber. Fortunately, I did feel safe and secure the entire way. There were only a few moments where my heart skipped a beat!

Meals and Eating at the Skylodge Adventure Suites

(3/5 Stars)

I wouldn't expect a jaw-dropping meal here. You have to think - they have to climb up with all of that food.

I do have to credit them for preparing a 4-course Peruvian meal in a structure suspended into a cliff.

I wouldn't call it gourmet like they advertise, but it was very yummy! Plus, the wine was a huge bonus.

Breakfast was at 7am the next morning. It was pretty standard, but there was no complaints from me...other than the fact that my Skylodge experience was ending.

Sleeping in the Pods

(5/5 Stars)

If I could give this a million stars, I would. Get it? Cause it's called the "million star hotel".

All humor aside...sleeping in the pod, suspended on a cliff, under a sky of stars overlooking the Sacred Valley is surreal.

It is one of my favorite places I've ever slept. Hands down!

I have read some reviews that say that they didn't sleep well. Well, I say "suck it up, buttercup" 🤣

Keep in mind that previous to this I had been sleeping on the ground for 8 days hiking the Andes. This meant that the bed here was so comfy that it made me cry tears of joy...no joke.

A Note on the Bathrooms in the Skylodge

I do have to say that the the toilet situation is a little weird. Us ladies had to basically pee/poo into a bed pan and then send it down a tube. That's a first.

Getting Down - Zipline Vs Repelling

(4/5 Stars)

There were two options for us to go down - repel or zipline.

Everyone in our group opted for the repel for the adventure!

Starting out, we had to descend down the Via Ferrata for about 25 minutes. Not going to lie, this was my least favorite part of the entire thing.

Going down those handholds was terrifying. There was even a point where I had to not-so-gracefully slide down a rock cliff and grab the handholds on the way down.

Once we got to the repelling point, it got fun again.

I had done that smooth auto belay in a rock climbing gym, but this was a whole new level doing it in the wild.

With that being said, it is a little jerky since the guide is manually belaying you from above and below. Also, it can be tricky to find good foot placement.

I ran into several bushes on my way down. But, hey! It's all apart of the experience!

Overall Skylodge Adventure Suites REview

Overall, it's expensive. It's physically demanding. It's a lot of work!

...but is the Skylodge Adventure Suites Worth it?

So, is it worth it? Abso-freaking-lutely.

Easily was one of the coolest things I've done. It made my adventure Grinch heart grow x3 the size.

For an adventure junkie who loves wacky and unique accommodation, this place was the glass slipper to my Prince Charming.

Tips and Things to Consider

Make sure you have appropriate footwear

This is CLIMBING. Although the metal grips provide a sense of security and ease the difficulty—don’t be fooled! 

It is still a high-fitness activity that can be demanding. Don’t be scared off though—we were not climbers at all and still did it! But do yourself a favor and set yourself up for success by wearing very durable and strong closed-toed shoes. 

Luckily, I had just hiked Salkantay and the Inca Trail, so I used those and could not complain. The only thing is that make sure they are lightweight hiking shoes if you do go that route. 

I preferred the hiking shoes because they offered more traction.

If you don’t like heights…this might not be for you

But don’t let that stop you—as far as I know, if you don’t like climbing then you can take an alternative route. 

As far as height anxiety, I would say that is less scary than bungee jumping but scarier than skydiving. 

My mother tried climbing and in about five minutes said a big ol’ “NOPE!”. 

However, she said that she still did have to climb a bit to get to the alternative route.

There is something so satisfying about laying in that comfy bed on the side of a cliff knowing that you climbed to get there. 

If you want an alternative, you could try their other more tame option: the Starlodge.

Enjoy the dinner…but don’t enjoy too much wine 

This goes without saying but the pod that you actually eat in is not the pod that you sleep in.

Of course, I happened to be the pod that was the furthest away and yes—I did have to harness up and climb to my bed. 

We had wine at dinner and we also had another bottle in the pod itself.

It was definitely a different experience climbing when I had a glass of that yummy Peruvian wine, not to mention that it is dark!

Who knows, maybe a condor will help you to your pod?

Go up on the deck to watch the stars 

Even though the entire pod is made of glass, it is worth it to get the harness back on and sit on the deck! 

There have been a few times in my travels where I have seen incredible displays of stars and this was an easy one to add to the list. So be brave in the dark and hope for a clear night! 

Hint: I would also look at the weather if possible before the trip and try to book on a day when your odds are greater for getting a clear sky. Trust me—it’s worth it!

Repel down

Listen—I am not afraid of heights, nor have I ever been. But there was something truly terrifying about climbing down. 

Yes, you are strapped in, but sometimes it just doesn’t matter to your irrational brain. I think there was one part where I had to be on my stomach and let myself fall a bit off the cliff and then catch myself on one of the metal handles.

Exhilarating, but scary. Luckily, we chose the “repel down” option and only had to climb down manually for about 25 minutes. 

The repel was so much fun and such a rush! Even my mother did it (so proud!).

Although we choose differently, there is also an option to zipline down.

Skylodge Alternative: Starlodge Adventure Suites

If you saw these photos and said, "That looks cool...but NO WAY!"Don't panic! I got you.

You can also check out their alternative: Starlodge Suites.

This offers the same kind of experience as the Skylodge, but is less intense adventure wise.

There are 6 pods are all named after the constellations of Incan astronomy.

What really stands out about this is that they have Onsen-styled hot tubs!

Instead of climbing on rock cliffs, you will get to your pods on metal stairs. This way, you get the thrill of climbing up high without the thoughts of "I'm gonna plummet into the Sacred Valley".

Find a Place to Stay in Cusco

It is important to note that you only carry what you can climb with.

With that being said, you might need to store your luggage or have accommodation in Cusco already.

You can search places to say in Cusco below! It is worth noting that Cusco is a gold mine for accommodation, so you will not have a find time finding a cute boutique place to stay!

More Resources to Get You to Peru

Find a Flight to Peru

Airport Transfer

Cusco is a little chaotic to navigate on your own. We arrived at night, so we booked a cheap airport transfer.

find More Things to Do In Peru

Exploring Outside of Cusco

More Adventure for Your Bucket List