2016 Peru: Cusco via the Sacred Valley

Days 10-11 – Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Skylodge Adventure Suites

The first stop on our way to Cusco was a short distance from Ollantaytambo. We briefly paused to take photos of the Skylodge Adventure Suites. They are often referred to as the,  “Edgiest hotel in the world.” The views of the Urubamba River and Sacred Valley would be fantastic, but not for me.  Why?

Occupants must scale a largely vertical cliff 1000′ to the “suites”. It takes about 2 hours of climbing on “via ferrata” (cables and steel rungs) to get there.

Once in the capsules dinner and breakfast are served by the guides. The ceilings of the “suites” are transparent with a hatch for entry and viewing the night sky.

After spending the night guests travel back down on a 5 stage zip line. This video shows how awesome the climb and zip lines are AND why I would never stay there.

Sacred Valley

Most of the day’s ride was through the scenic Sacred Valley. In Pisac we rode up and out of the valley on our way to Cusco.

In Cusco we stayed in the Hotel Jose Antonio. It’s another excellent hotel, however we didn’t spend much time there except to sleep. Our time was largely hiking to and around the Plaza De Armas at the center of the historic district.

Cusco is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. We spent a day and a half there viewing the unique combination of Spanish and Inca architecture. We also visited Norton Rat’s Tavern: a requirement for bikers.

Norton Rat’s Tavern

The first night we had dinner at Norton Rat’s. Afterwards Yahira (the owner) guided Ben and I to the Limbus Restobar. It was quite a hike up the hill, but it had a balcony which afforded us a fantastic night view of Cusco. The hike was less than half a mile, but at 11,000’+, any hike up hill was a challenge for me.

There was so much to see and do in Cusco that we could have spent a week there. Even though I may have missed some adventures; I had a lot of fun at Norton Rat’s Tavern, eating at different restaurants, tasting Cuy, video taping parades and watching fireworks from Limbus Restobar.

2016 Peru: Ollantaytambo to Cuzco Photo Gallery