The journey began at 4:30 p.m. in the Sacred Valley, where the travelers embarked on an adrenaline-fueled ascent to one of the world's most unique accommodations: the Sky Lodge. Reaching the lodge requires a physically demanding climb of "400 meters straight up a mountain," involving "900 steps to the top." Despite the initial nervousness, the participants described the experience as "the greatest thing I've ever done." Navigating obstacles like the "swinging bridge" added an extra layer of thrill to the climb, turning a grueling physical task into an experience that left the group feeling "officially uncooked" but deeply accomplished.
Upon reaching the pods, the travelers were struck by the unique architecture, noting that "that wall is the mountain." Despite the remote location, the quality of service was exceptional. The travelers were highly impressed with the food, acknowledging the logistics involved in having someone "carry all of this up here and cook it in this tiny kitchen."
As night fell, the experience became even more magical. While the pods lacked traditional heating, the combination of "heavy down comforters" and "warm tea" provided by a thermos allowed the guests to stay "surprisingly warm." The night offered a rare, clear view of the stars, as the group noted it "wasn't cloudy for the first time in five days." The only minor mishap occurred when a traveler accidentally knocked a glass item off a shelf, but it did little to dampen the spirit of the night.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Sky Lodge is its unconventional bathroom setup. The travelers demystified the process, explaining a system that relies on a "tube" for liquids and a specific protocol for solids, where waste is deposited into a "trash bag and drop it down the hole." The system is finished with a "little squirt of bleach to keep it smelling fresh," providing what one traveler jokingly called "the best view from the toilet I've ever had."
Leaving the lodge proved to be just as exciting as the arrival. Instead of climbing down, the group opted to depart via zip line. The participants utilized a specific "flying position," placing their weight into a harness that "supports 2,000 kilograms." The descent involved a series of zip lines, including a "700 meters" long stretch that stood out as the longest the travelers had ever experienced. They described the process of "zigzagging down the mountain" as a far superior experience to walking down, calling it "the way to go."
As the adventure concluded and the group prepared to return to Cusco, the consensus was overwhelming. The Sky Lodge experience left such a profound impact that the travelers suggested, "If you come to Peru, forget Machu Picchu. Go to the Sky Lodge instead." While the "price tag" might initially cause hesitation, the group concluded that the experience is undeniably "worth it." It served as the perfect, sentimental finale to a family trip, creating memories that were truly "insane" and "the coolest things we've ever done."