1.- WHAT IS STARLODGE ADVENTURE SUITES? A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE IN PERU
Star Lodge Peru is an innovative and unique option when it comes to choosing a place to spend the night during your visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It offers a very different concept in accommodation, subtly combining luxury, adventure, and adrenaline with a unique connection to the natural environment. It’s considered one of the places where exclusivity and comfort are paramount for guests, who can enjoy spending the night inside transparent capsules suspended on the mountainside.
From these capsules, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vast Sacred Valley and the immense mountains of the Peruvian Andes. And of course, the incredible nighttime views under a completely starry sky are breathtaking. In addition to the opportunity to rest several meters above the ground, you can also combine your experience with various activities such as via ferrata, which are used to ascend and descend to the capsules.
The concept of Star Lodge Peru is quite unique, as its main idea is to live high in the mountains, offering a singular and distinct perspective. Each capsule is very safe for travelers, as it is completely fixed to the rocks, allowing them to enjoy a 360° view of the entire Andean region. However, it’s also important to understand that reaching Star Lodge Peru requires physically demanding activities. The first challenge involves ascending via ferrata using iron rungs, harnesses, and ropes for safety, as the entire path is vertical. After several minutes, you have the opportunity to settle into your chosen room.
2.- Part of Natura Vive
Many people are unaware that Peru Star Lodge is a new venture belonging directly to Natura Vive, a Peruvian company that has been instrumental in the development of adventure tourism. In fact, they are the same company that created the world’s first suspended hotel, also known as Skylodge Adventure Suites, in 2013. Each of these ventures seeks to combine safety with sustainability, along with the adrenaline rush offered by their unique locations, resulting in a truly unique and innovative experience within the global tourism industry.
3.- Star Lodge Peru vs. Skylodge
3.1.- Skylodge: The Original Hanging Hotel
This unique and popular hotel began operations in 2013, considered the pioneer of this type of adventure and experience. It focuses primarily on pure adrenaline combined with an experience better suited to discerning travelers seeking innovative and novel offerings. Despite its more rustic style, it remains a top choice among travelers looking for an authentic yet challenging experience.
3.2.- Star Lodge Peru: A New Option
On the other hand, Star Dome Lodge Peru focuses its experience on an evolved concept from the original. This new construction is characterized by its modern design, offering greater comfort and organization in terms of the exclusive luxurious amenities found within the rooms. It primarily caters to travelers who want to enjoy the same activities but without sacrificing comfort.
3.3.- Construction Basis
The capsules are primarily distinguished by their transparent glass enclosure, providing a unique and exceptional panoramic view. Each capsule inside the Star Lodge Peru is completely encased in aerospace-grade aluminum, ensuring exceptional durability. The design is also optimized to withstand extreme conditions without compromising safety, which is paramount for travelers. Once inside, you can appreciate how the construction has been specially designed to offer guests of the Star Lodge Peru the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted, panoramic views of the vast Sacred Valley, creating the sensation of floating above the air.
Another very interesting aspect is that despite its rather remote location, it doesn’t sacrifice the exclusivity and comfort of a room in one of the most luxurious hotels in the city or surrounding area. It has been designed to offer comfortable and spacious beds, as well as access to private bathrooms, a constant water supply throughout the day, electricity, and personalized service. This creates an experience that successfully blends the adrenaline rush of adventure with the exclusivity of luxurious amenities. Every aspect has been strategically designed so that guests can enjoy a comfortable stay, taking advantage of each exclusive comfort and creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
4.- THE SIX PODS, EACH NAMED AFTER INCA CONSTELLATIONS
When you choose Peru Star Lodge, you have the opportunity to select from a variety of options, each offering a unique view of the vast Sacred Valley. You should also understand that each option is directly linked to the central history of the Andean region. Each category is connected to Andean beliefs and is named after constellations, which are shadows within the Milky Way. During the ascent, you’ll discover that each room is uniquely oriented and offers panoramic views, resulting in a symbolic stay that resembles an ascent to the heavens. Each capsule has a maximum capacity of up to four travelers per night, so in total only up to 24 people are allowed per stay. This is a way to ensure exclusivity and personalized attention, so reservations must be made in advance due to space limitations.
4.1.- Pod 1 — Southern Cross (9,521 ft)
Considered the standard version of the capsules at Star Dome Lodge Peru, this pod is located approximately 2,900 meters above sea level. It is highly recommended for travelers experiencing this type of accommodation for the first time, as it offers a unique experience at high altitude. Its location and positioning on the mountain provide expansive views that allow you to appreciate the surroundings, including the iconic Southern Cross, which has been used since ancient times for navigation and orientation.
4.2.- Pod 2 — Baby Llama (9,580 ft)
This is the second category available at Star Lodge Peru. It focuses primarily on a much broader view of the landscape and is inspired by the distinctive figure found in Andean folklore. This particular capsule is directly linked to nature and the traditional way of life passed down through generations by ancient Andean communities. For those seeking a more intimate experience, this is the ideal place.
4.3.- Pod 3 — The Shepherd (9,613 ft)
Positioned at a higher altitude than the previous two categories, this pod offers a significantly greater elevation, resulting in a direct panoramic view of the Sacred Valley and the surrounding landscape. Its name refers to the guardian of the vast flocks that can be seen within the constellations, symbolizing a place of protection ideal for travelers seeking to escape from everyday life.
4.4.- Pod 4 — The Fox (9,646 ft)
Undoubtedly one of the best options when choosing a room at hotel Star Lodge Peru, this pod offers an environment where you can feel both the magic and the mystery. Here, the sense of isolation helps you forge a special connection with the mountains, allowing you to feel their energy and making your rest experience much more comfortable and profound. The result is a pleasant and comfortable place for travelers.
| “Less weight means more comfort during the ascent.” |
4.5.- Pod 5 — The Condor (9,685 ft)
A capsule named after the once sacred condor that has watched over the Andes for centuries, this is one of the highest pods, offering a breathtaking and unique view. It evokes a sense of freedom and connection with the natural environment, directly representing the pure bond between the earthly world, where everything exists, and the spiritual world, where the gods reside.
4.6.- Pod 6 — Orion (9,718 ft — The Highest)
Undoubtedly the most exclusive option offered by Star Lodge Peru, this pod is located at the highest point on the property, at an altitude of 2,960 meters. It offers the best and most privileged panoramic views. This pod is designed primarily for travelers seeking to combine adventure, adrenaline, and a connection with nature through a unique experience. Thanks to the profound silence, the combination of the altitude and a completely starry sky creates the perfect environment to disconnect from the world.
5.- HOW TO GET TO YOUR POD: THE CLIMB UP THE MOUNTAIN
You should be aware that reaching one of the capsules at Star Lodge Peru is not just a conventional transfer like some other experiences. In fact, the experience combines physical activities with excitement and the expansive landscape, creating a constant sense of accomplishment. With each step you take up the mountain, you’ll discover how the vast Sacred Valley also offers a different perspective, creating a unique path that leads you to your accommodation.
The first and most important step is to depart from the city of Cusco to the Pachar sector, located quite close to the traditional town of Ollantaytambo. This journey generally takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, though this can vary depending on traffic and other conditions along the route. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a safety briefing where you’ll be introduced to all the equipment you’ll use, such as harnesses, helmets, gloves, and carabiners, along with a professional instructor who will accompany you throughout the ascent.
At this point, information is also provided about everything inside the capsules, including instructions on how to use each facility. After securing the harnesses, the gradual ascent to the chosen capsule begins. This part generally lasts about an hour, following a stepped system of several metal cables anchored directly to the mountain rock. Naturally, at first glance, it looks like a very challenging experience; however, its design is optimized to be more accessible for all types of travelers, even if it’s their first time doing this kind of activity. Thanks to the combination of hiking and climbing, there’s a perfect sense of security along with a constant adrenaline rush. This feeling intensifies when it’s time to cross the Tibetan bridge, which is characterized mainly by being completely suspended in the air, yet it’s short and quite safe.
6.-Recommendations for what to pack
Keep in mind that this trip is designed exclusively for you to enjoy every moment of your stay, so you should only pack the essentials for your overnight stay. We recommend the following items for your luggage:
- Warm clothing for the evenings, remembering that the cold is more intense at high altitudes.
- Headlamp
- Personal hygiene items
- Water and snacks
- Personal equipment such as a camera or cell phone
- Charger
7.- Conditions to consider for the climb
Generally, the hotel Star Lodge Peru adventure is designed for all types of travelers; however, there are some aspects you should consider when booking. The most important is the weight limit of 120 kg (265 lbs). This is for safety reasons. For families wishing to share this experience with children, there is also a minimum age requirement of 12 years, as the experience is primarily intended for teenagers and adults. In these cases, supervised accompaniment is always provided for safety reasons. Ultimately, it is not necessary for those participating in this adventure to be specialists or experts in climbing activities; it is enough to have adequate physical condition. Of course, it is also important that each guest does not have vertigo or a severe fear of heights, since the goal is to feel comfortable at heights and always have a good disposition to enjoy the adventure.
8.- YOU DON’T SLEEP ON THE MOUNTAIN, YOU SLEEP ON THE MOUNTAIN
“A key part of the experience is that the capsules are completely suspended from the clothing, giving you the feeling of flying through the air while simultaneously enjoying a sweeping view of the vast Sacred Valley below. After a day full of experiential activities such as visiting the traditional markets of Pisac or Ollantaytambo, it becomes the best reward you can have.”
9.- FRECUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is Starlodge Peru?
It’s an exclusive hotel with the unique feature of offering capsule-like rooms suspended directly on one of the mountains within the vast Sacred Valley. It’s characterized by providing a combination of luxury, adrenaline, and panoramic views of the Peruvian Andes.
- What is the difference between Skylodge and Starlodge in Peru?
The main difference between the two accommodations lies in their level of comfort and exclusive amenities. Skylodge is a more original version, focusing on rustic accommodations designed primarily for adventure, while Starlodge is a more modern and contemporary building with luxurious amenities.
- How much does Starlodge Peru cost per person?
You can find various price options starting at $550.00 USD per night. This always varies depending on the season you choose for your trip and the package you select, as some options also include aspects such as transportation, full board, professional guides, and more.
- Is Starlodge safe?
Yes, it’s one of the accommodations that offers complete safety from the very beginning. Each capsule has been designed to be highly resistant to the elements, and during the ascent and descent, each guest is provided with complete equipment, including harnesses, helmets, lifelines, gloves, and other items, along with the accompaniment of professional guides.
- Do you have to climb to reach Starlodge?
Yes, in fact, this is the most important part of the experience, as it’s the way to access the capsules, which are suspended in the mountain’s ice room. This is done using metal steps and an ascent via ferrata. It’s important to understand that no experience or specialization in climbing activities is required, only adequate physical fitness.
Your next trip to Peru doesn’t have to be conventional, with popular or traditional activities. You can also add a little adrenaline to your trip. Auri Peru is one of the few companies with commercial ties to Natura Vive, so we can manage a direct booking to secure your spot. Contact us and feel the excitement of your next trip.
“Not all who wander are lost, some are just finding themselves.”
