The Sacred Valley is one of the few places in the world where you can climb a cliff face on a via ferrata, a protected route of metal rungs and cables, and then fly down on ziplines with the Urubamba valley spread beneath you. This day tour includes the climb, the zipline section and lunch. Guides fit harnesses, helmets and gloves and clip you onto the safety line, so you do not need technical experience, though you do need a head for heights and decent fitness. The tour lasts about eight hours with transport. It is also the closest way to experience the idea behind Skylodge, the famous glass capsules that hang from the rock and are reached by a similar route.
A via ferrata is a climb on fixed rungs with a harness and two safety lanyards that you always keep attached, so it is much safer than free climbing, though it is still physically demanding and exposed. Expect a sustained vertical section at altitude, and be honest with your guide about fear of heights, knee or back problems and fitness. Minimum ages and weight limits apply, so check the conditions on the booking page and wear comfortable clothes, closed shoes and a hat.
The zipline sections let you travel across the gorge at speed, with views of the valley floor and the river. Many visitors say the descent is the best part. Lunch is included in this tour, and it is usually a relaxed meal after the effort.
Skylodge Adventure Suites, with its see-through capsules on the cliff, is a separate overnight experience that costs far more and is only for adults who are comfortable with heights. If you want to sleep in a capsule, look for overnight packages that include the via ferrata climb and a zipline descent. From November the rainy season begins and runs to March, and wet rock can lead operators to postpone or change routes, so keep the day flexible and choose a morning slot.
What to expect
The experience
Equipment fitting and a briefing, a guided via ferrata climb, a zipline descent and lunch, with transport from Cusco or the valley.
Best time
A dry morning, since wet rock can lead operators to change or postpone the route.
How long
About eight hours including transport and lunch.
Tips
Wear closed shoes and comfortable clothes, tell your guide about any fear of heights, and check age and weight rules.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers who want a real adventure rather than another ruin.
- Families
- Best for fit teenagers, as minimum ages and weight limits apply and the climb is exposed.
- Couples
- Share the climb and the descent, and have a long lunch afterwards.
- Pair with
- A rest day in Urubamba, or a quieter day at Pisac market.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Do I need climbing experience?+
No, guides fit the harness and clip you onto fixed cables, so no technical experience is needed. You do need a head for heights and reasonable fitness.
Is lunch included?+
Yes, the tour includes lunch, usually after the climb. Mention dietary needs when you book.
Is it the same as sleeping at Skylodge?+
No, Skylodge is a separate overnight experience in capsules on the cliff. This day tour gives the same kind of climb and zipline without the night.
Is the tour safe in the rainy season?+
Operators may postpone or change routes if rock is wet. From November to March choose a morning slot and keep your day flexible.
Are there age or weight limits?+
Yes, minimum ages and weight limits apply. Read the conditions on the booking page before you choose.
