Ollantaytambo is already one of the most magical places in Peru, but this stay took our time in the Sacred Valley to a whole new level. When the girls learned we would be spending the night suspended on a cliff in a glass capsule, excitement and nerves instantly kicked in. This was not just another overnight stay. It was a bold adventure that promised unforgettable views, heart racing moments, and memories our adventure travel family would carry forever!
What Are the Vertical Sky Suites in Ollantaytambo?
The Vertical Sky Suites in Ollantaytambo are a small adventure focused lodging complex built directly into the cliffs above the Sacred Valley. Instead of a traditional hotel layout, the experience is centered around a handful of transparent glass capsules dramatically anchored to the mountainside. These capsules appear to float in midair, offering unobstructed views of the valley, surrounding peaks, and endless sky in every direction.
Each glass capsule is designed to maximize the feeling of being immersed in nature while still providing comfort and security. The transparent walls create a constant connection to the landscape, making you feel suspended between the mountains and the clouds. During the day, the valley stretches out below in vivid greens and browns. At night, the sky feels impossibly close, filled with stars and silence. It is an experience that blends adrenaline with awe in a truly unique way.
The overall complex is intentionally minimal and adventure driven. Rather than restaurants, pools, or luxury extras, the focus is entirely on the journey, the climb, and the overnight experience itself. Every part of the Vertical Sky Suites is designed to heighten the sense of accomplishment and wonder, from the remote base camp to the final ascent to your capsule. This is not simply a place to sleep. It is a carefully crafted adventure for travelers who want to experience the Sacred Valley from a completely different perspective.
For our adventure travel family, the Vertical Sky Suites felt like stepping into a real life adventure story. It was bold, exciting, and unlike anywhere else we have ever stayed.
Getting to the Vertical Sky Suites
Getting to the Vertical Sky Suites is a big part of what makes this experience so memorable, and the adventure begins right in the heart of Ollantaytambo. We were picked up in the main square at a pre arranged time, which made everything feel easy and well organized from the start. Seeing our ride pull up instantly kicked our excitement into high gear because we knew something unforgettable was ahead. From the square, we drove partway up the mountain on a narrow road filled with steep switchbacks and dramatic drop offs. With every turn, the Sacred Valley stretched out farther below us, and the views kept getting better and better.
Once the road ended, the adventure shifted gears in the best possible way. We hopped onto ATVs for a bumpy, dusty ride up to base camp, and this quickly became one of Spider Monkey’s favorite parts. She giggled nonstop as we bounced along the rugged terrain, holding on tight and soaking in the thrill. The ride felt wild and fun but still well guided and safe, which helped us relax and enjoy the moment. By the time we reached base camp, our adrenaline was already pumping, and we felt completely immersed in the experience.
Arriving at base camp marked the transition from transportation to true adventure. The setting felt remote and dramatic, with wide open views of the valley and towering cliffs above us. It was the perfect place to pause, take it all in, and mentally prepare for the climb ahead.
Our First Impressions of the Vertical Sky Suites
The complex is thoughtfully laid out with a clear flow from arrival to base camp and finally to the cliffside capsules. Everything felt organized, professional, and focused on safety while still delivering a sense of excitement. Staff walked us through the process, explained the climb, and helped us feel confident before continuing upward. Even before reaching our capsule, it was obvious this experience was carefully curated and unlike anything we had done before.
We fully switched into adventure mode during this unforgettable stay with our adventure travel family. This was not a typical hotel experience by any stretch of the imagination. From the moment we arrived, the entire Vertical Sky Suites complex felt remote, dramatic, and intentionally designed for adventure seekers. The setting alone made our hearts race, with towering cliffs, wide open skies, and sweeping views of the Sacred Valley stretching far below.
Sleeping in a glass capsule hanging off the side of a mountain felt thrilling, surreal, and slightly unbelievable all at once. Seeing the capsules suspended against the rock face made the experience feel bold and daring, yet surprisingly approachable.
Base Camp
Base camp offered a brief but welcome pause to take in the scenery and catch our breath. We enjoyed refreshing drinks while soaking in panoramic views of the valley far below. Full disclosure: we paid for the drinks, and they were rather pricey, but at least it gave us something to do while waiting. We were held at base camp for a few hours until the sun dipped behind the mountains, and while the views were absolutely breathtaking, the long wait was a bit disappointing. Our adventure travel family would have much preferred spending more time in the capsule or wandering through Ollantaytambo itself instead of sitting around waiting.
The area was windy, which made hanging out outside less comfortable, so we spent more of our time in the small restaurant at base camp, sipping our drinks and passing the hours. Even with the delay, it was impossible to ignore the dramatic scenery around us. Towering cliffs rose above the valley, and the sun slowly began its descent, painting the landscape in golden light
The Final Climb to Our Capsule
After waiting at base camp, it was finally time to tackle the final climb to our glass capsule. The trail was steep and rocky, snaking up the cliffside with ladders and safety cables to guide the way. The altitude added an extra challenge, making each step feel more strenuous than it looked from below. It was difficult, no doubt, but completely doable, and every step brought a growing sense of excitement and accomplishment. The girls were cautious but determined, and seeing them navigate the ladders and rocky stretches made us all feel proud and even more connected as a family.
Getting into the capsule was an adventure in itself. Some of the pods require full climbing gear to enter, which can feel intimidating for families with young kids. I specifically requested a capsule near the top that allowed for easier access, and it made a world of difference for Buttercup and Spider Monkey. We were able to step inside without extra equipment, which made the experience feel safer and more comfortable. The plus side of this choice was that we were not stuck inside waiting for a staff member to assist us, which is required for the climbing-gear pods.
Seeing the glass capsule up close was breathtaking and slightly surreal. It looked like something straight out of a science fiction movie, clinging to the mountain face high above the Sacred Valley.
Inside the Vertical Sky Suites
Entering the capsule for the first time was surreal. We climbed through a small hatch on the top of the pod, which instantly added to the excitement. The moment we stepped inside, it felt like stepping into a secret hideaway suspended above the Sacred Valley. The space was surprisingly cozy and thoughtfully designed, with comfortable beds, warm blankets, and a tiny little heater that made the chilly air at altitude much more comfortable.
The beds were strategically positioned so that we could take in the panoramic views from anywhere in the capsule. The transparent walls created the sensation of floating in midair, surrounded by the towering cliffs, endless sky, and the vast expanse of the Sacred Valley below. It was both thrilling and peaceful, a unique mix that made it easy to feel completely immersed in the landscape. For moments when we wanted a little privacy, there were curtains we could close to cover the walls, which helped make the space feel more intimate and cozy.
Even more impressive was the full bathroom tucked inside the capsule, complete with a privacy curtain. Having a functional bathroom in such a dramatic setting was a real luxury and added to the sense that this daring adventure could still feel comfortable and practical. Every detail inside the capsule was designed to balance excitement with comfort, making it the perfect perch for watching the sun set, stargazing, or simply relaxing after the climb.
Hiking Back Down for Dinner
After settling into our capsule and taking a few moments to marvel at the views, it was time to hike back down to base camp for dinner. The descent felt much easier than the climb up, but at altitude it still required careful footing. The air was crisp and it was very windy.
The food itself was good, but it did not feel worth the high price. For our adventure travel family, it was a practical choice rather than a culinary highlight. Because this was the only dining option available, we had little choice but to pay the steep cost or skip dinner altogether. Drinks were also not included in the price we paid to stay, so we purchased a few beverages to complement the meal.
Even with the premium cost, the setting helped make the experience special. Sharing a meal while surrounded by the dramatic cliffs and glowing valley below was a moment that reinforced just how unique this adventure was. It was not about the food, but about the shared experience, the laughter, and the sense of accomplishment that came from hiking to the capsule, watching the sunset, and the anticipated stargazing.
Sunset and Stargazing Over the Sacred Valley
By the time we hiked back down and had dinner, it was already night. Once the sun disappeared behind the mountains, the temperature dropped dramatically. The little heater inside the capsule did almost nothing, but the very thick blankets made sleeping possible. We dressed in layers, wearing winter hats and gloves as we climbed into bed, and even then, the cold reminded us just how high up we were. Despite the chill, the experience was completely worth it.
As night fell, the Sacred Valley transformed into pure magic. The fading sunlight painted the cliffs and fields in glowing golden hues before the sky deepened into rich shades of blue and purple. We cuddled together and watched stars gradually appear, twinkling faintly at first, then shining more brightly with each passing moment. Soon the entire sky was filled with sparkling lights, and the Milky Way stretched clearly overhead, a ribbon of galaxies so vivid it felt unreal.
Being inside the glass capsule while the universe unfolded above us was like sleeping inside a floating observatory. Every angle offered a new perspective of the valley, cliffs, and sky, and the sense of isolation made it feel like we were the only people in the world. Buttercup whispered that she wished this night could last forever, and Spider Monkey kept peeking out the window to make sure the stars were still there.
Sunrise Above The Valley
The following morning was just as breathtaking as the night before. The first rays of sunlight slowly peeked over the mountain peaks, casting soft pinks, oranges, and golds across the valley. The light shifted almost magically, turning the rugged cliffs and patchwork of fields below into a living painting. It was chilly, but incredibly peaceful, with nothing but silence, the occasional bird call, and the sweeping views surrounding us.
Wrapped snugly in blankets and layered clothing, we soaked in every moment together. The girls pressed their faces to the glass walls, marveling at how different the valley looked in the soft morning light compared to the dramatic colors of sunset the night before. From our high perch, we could see the village of Ollantaytambo waking up, tiny figures moving along the streets, smoke rising from chimneys, and the quiet rhythm of a day beginning in the Sacred Valley.
There was a sense of calm accomplishment in the air. After the thrill of the climb, the chill of the night, and the magic of stargazing, watching the sunrise felt like a gentle reward. Every hue, every shadow, and every movement in the valley reminded us of how lucky we were to experience this adventure together as a family.
Is a Night in the Vertical Sky Suites Worth It?
From start to finish, our stay at the Vertical Sky Suites was an unforgettable adventure. The journey began with a thrilling drive and ATV ride up the mountainside, followed by the long wait at base camp. While the wait and pricey drinks were a little frustrating, the views, the wind, and the dramatic cliffs reminded us we were in a truly unique place. Then came the climb to our capsule, challenging yet doable, with the girls navigating ladders and rocky paths with determination. Stepping inside the pod felt like stepping into another world, cozy, carefully designed, and suspended above the Sacred Valley with nothing but sky all around.
Dinner at base camp gave us warmth and nourishment, even if the cost felt steep, and the experience of sharing a meal while surrounded by cliffs and nightfall was still memorable. Back in the capsule, the night unfolded into pure magic. Wrapped in thick blankets and layers, we watched the stars appear, sparkling brighter than we had ever seen, while the Milky Way stretched overhead. It felt like sleeping inside a floating observatory, and for our adventure travel family, it was a moment we would never forget.
The following sunrise continued the wonder. The first light of day transformed the valley into a living painting, with soft pinks, oranges, and golds illuminating the rugged cliffs below. Wrapped together in blankets, we watched the village wake up and the valley come to life, feeling a calm sense of accomplishment after a night filled with thrills, awe, and beauty.
For families and adventurous travelers willing to embrace the height, the chill, and the premium cost, the Vertical Sky Suites offer far more than just a place to sleep. They deliver a full adventure, breathtaking scenery, and moments of connection that stay with you forever. For our adventure travel family, this was a once in a lifetime experience that pushed us out of our comfort zone, rewarded us with awe inspiring views, and left us with memories that will last a lifetime. It is bold, magical, and absolutely worth it.
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures in Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. Also, follow along on our full 10 day family adventure through Peru!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
