The Sacred Valley's cliffs have become a base for one of the region's boldest day trips. This tour combines a via ferrata, a climbing route fitted with steel cables and rungs that you clip into, with a series of ziplines. The booking page describes a climb up a 1,312-foot (400-meter) wall, which reviewers say takes roughly an hour and a quarter with rest breaks, followed by lunch and then the descent by zipline across the valley. Reviews mention six ziplines, and one a line of about 700 meters. The day lasts about eight hours and includes lunch, safety gear, bilingual safety guides, purified water refills and round-trip transport from central Cusco hotels. There are two options: a box lunch with an eight o'clock start, or a four-course lunch at Skylodge, the suspended capsule lodge on the cliff, with a nine o'clock start and a much higher price. No previous experience is needed and asks for moderate fitness. The rating is 4.8 from twenty-one reviews, a small sample but a very consistent one.
What it feels like
The via ferrata is a vertical climb with cables on one side, so you are always attached, and the ascent is physical rather than technical. Guides lead and monitor the group, and the pace is set by the slowest member. The ziplines are the reward, long runs across the valley with views of fields and the Urubamba River far below.
Both parts require a head for heights, and people who are anxious on exposed cliffs may find the climb frightening. The booking page sets a weight limit of 265 pounds and does not recommend the tour for children aged eight and under, travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers.
Choosing between the options
The box-lunch option is the standard and the better value, and the Skylodge lunch is a splurge that adds a polished meal in an unusual setting. Group size is capped at twelve. The tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours before for a full refund, and confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. In the wet months weather can interrupt zipline and climbing operations, so allow some flexibility in your plans, and avoid scheduling the day immediately before an early train.
Practical tips
Bring gloves if you have them, closed hiking shoes, layers and sun protection, because the sun at altitude is fierce. Eat breakfast, drink water and tell the guides about any medical conditions before you start. It is best taken after a few days at altitude, since the climb is a serious effort at altitude. It suits adventurous couples, friends and active teenagers and is a poor match for anyone who dislikes heights.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day activity: a via ferrata climb up a 400-meter wall, lunch, then a series of ziplines back down the valley, with safety gear and transport from central Cusco included.
Best time
The dry season from May to September offers the most reliable weather; rain can interrupt activities in the wet months.
How long
About eight hours, starting at eight o'clock (box lunch) or nine o'clock (Skylodge lunch).
Tips
Wear closed shoes, bring layers, gloves and sun protection, and tell the guides about medical conditions. Weight limit 265 pounds; not recommended for children aged eight and under.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Fit, adventurous travelers who want a cliff climb and ziplines without prior experience.
- Families
- Only for older children and teenagers who are comfortable with heights and meet the weight and age rules.
- Couples
- An unforgettable shared challenge, with the option of a four-course lunch at Skylodge.
- Pair with
- A rest day in Cusco, Pisac or the Urubamba River rafting trip.
- Time needed
- One full day, best after a few days of acclimatization.
Good questions
Do I need climbing experience?+
No previous experience is required, but moderate fitness and a head for heights are necessary.
How high is the climb?+
The booking page describes a 1,312-foot (400-meter) wall, and reviewers say the climb takes roughly an hour and a quarter with rest breaks.
Is lunch included?+
Yes: a box lunch on the standard option or a four-course lunch at Skylodge on the premium option.
Who cannot take part?+
The booking page does not recommend it for children aged eight and under, travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers, and sets a weight limit of 265 pounds.
Can I cancel?+
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
