X

Get FREE Email Updates

Sign Up

Dave's Travel Corner

Seeing the World One Step at a Time

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Guides
  • Journals
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Links
  • Interviews
  • About

interviews

Our interviews focus on the travel, entertainment and lifestyle industry,
with people who are making valuable contributions in their particular fields.


Discover the ultimate indulgence of hanging 1,200 feet off a cliff in the Sacred Valley, Peru – Interview with Natalia Rodriguez, General Manager of Natura Vive

September 25, 2021 by Teh Chin Liang1 Comment

A ray of sun broke through the clouds and the morning mist, illuminating the valley in sparkly golden gold. The surrounding mountains cast a long shadow over a vast expanse of farmland cut by a river meandering through the valley.

This is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a lush green valley lies in the heart of Urubamba Province, Peru – about 35 miles from Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Up on the edge of a mountain cliff, three transparent capsule suites cling closely to the mountain and hang 1,200 feet off the ground. From afar, they look like space pods crash landing on the mountain and are precariously wedged in between the rocks on a ledge.

Inside a capsule, Natalia woke up to a hint of sunlight shimmering through the glass. Sitting up with her legs crossed in bed, with a steaming coffee in her hand, she was mesmerized by the sweeping panoramic view of the valley outside her capsule. She slept very little the night before from the excitement of seeing the incredible sight of the Milky Way just right above her, with occasional shooting stars streaking across the night sky.

The hotel – Skylodge Adventure Suites, is Natalia’s brainchild. Spending a night suspended high up on a cliff at her own hotel in a picturesque setting is nothing short of surreal and a dream come true for her.

From Bogota to the Sacred Valley

Natalia is a native of Bogota, Colombia where she enjoyed a very successful engineering career and loving family. She has a Master’s degree in Logistics and was a scholarship recipient from the Colombian government.

In 2007, she established Natura Vive, an adventure tour company offering multiple-day rafting trips for adrenaline junkies. The tour business, however, did not pan out as planned – The adventure tourism was still in its infancy in local tourism and Columbia lacked a large presence of international tourists.

It was then she landed a great job with a multinational company, but that offer came as a dilemma to her.

“My older daughter was born in Bogota. If I accepted the job offer, I would miss out on many precious moments of her growing up.”

The last option was to move to the Sacred Valley with her husband. The vivid color of the valley drew her in like a magnet.

“The Sacred Valley seems like a beautiful place to raise our children.” She realized that might be a ticket to a new start and decided to take a leap of faith.

They didn’t want to miss a second of her daughter’s life. Her older daughter was almost two when they left Colombia.

They packed everything in a van and drove 2,500 miles for 23 days exploring south of Colombia, the coast of Ecuador, and north Peruvian coast before hitting their last stop – Sacred Valley.

“It was an epic road trip! I was pregnant during the 23-day journey, and I did not realize it until we arrived at the Sacred Valley.”

“We stopped by my grandparents’ house in Cali. It turned out that was the last time we saw each other. I stopped to say hi, without realizing I was saying goodbye to them one last time.”

“I felt the magic of the mountains in the Sacred Valley!”

Both Natalia and her husband are rock climbers. As they were taking on different mountains in the Sacred Valley, they were inspired by the “via ferrata” concept and started actively looking for business opportunities based on that concept. (Note: Via ferrata refers to a mountain route equipped with fixed ladders, cables, and bridges in order to be accessible to climbers and walkers.)

“We were eyeing a business that does not require an enormous capital investment.”

 “We rented a mountain!”

Almost the entire Sacred Valley is under a preservation order. A local organization sent a team of 5 people to guide them in scouting around the valley for a mountain with solid rocks to build a via ferrata. After a whirlwind site visits and research, they finally found the mountain where they would later build the Skylodge Adventure Suites.

“We rented a part of the mountain from a local who has a permit to exploit the mountain from the local authority.”

In 2009, Natalia started a business offering rock climbing and rappel via ferrata. As time went by, she added ziplines in 2010 and built Skylodge Adventure Suites in 2013.

The idea came from portaledge

Portaledge is a raft-like deployable tent designed for rock climbers to sleep on cliff faces during a long climb.

Skylodge Adventure Suites were built in the shape of a portaledge. The suites are made up of 3 exclusive capsules that can accommodate up to 12 guests. The suites were built with aerospace aluminum and weather resistant polycarbonate. Each capsule is furnished with four beds, a private compost toilet, a dining area, a small table with a jar of water infused with local herbs, lamps and a reading light powered by solar panels.

The room package includes a complimentary breakfast, gourmet dinner with wine, transportation from Cuzco and service of professional bilingual guides.

The project mainly aims to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for rock climbing beginners to have a taste of climbing the vertical face of a mountain.

“Not only you will enjoy luxurious accommodation, you’ll have a chance to confront your fear of heights and challenge your limits in a safe environment.”

“Your every penny spent is worth the experience that combines adventures with lavishness. You may pay a similar price staying at a luxury hotel in Urubamba or Cusco.”

 

It is safer than you think

“Via ferrata is the safest way to climb a rock face. You are tethered to a safety harness as you ascend the metal ladder. The harness is attached to a steel cable, divided by sections, that goes with you all the way up. It is not a vertical climb all the time. There are platforms where you can walk on foot or take a break.”

“The only time when the guests can go without the harness and helmet is when they are inside the capsule. When they arrive at their suite, we will brief them on safety protocols including the right way to put on the harness and safely secure the helmet to the head, how to use the radio to communicate with the guides etc. All the guests must go through the safety briefing and get themselves familiarized with the safety equipment before the climb.”

Maintenance works are carried out on a regular basis. Daily inspection of the cable is required or before each use. The structure maintenance is usually scheduled in February – the lowest month for visitors. They also perform other necessary installations and cleaning to keep the suites in pristine condition.

Experience gastronomic indulgence at its finest

“We partnered with a chef from Urubamba. The menu is curated to bring out the best Peruvian culinary experience.”

“We also offer a lunch package for visitors to spend a day on a mountain and enjoy a gourmet lunch overlooking the picture-perfect valley.”

The lunch menu consists of authentic local cuisine such as alpaca and cuy. All the ingredients are locally sourced and served fresh.

Love is in the air

The serenity of the mountains exudes a palpable air of romance. It presents a perfect setting for one to get on one knee and pop the question. But Natalia has a different opinion.

“There have been many guests taking the opportunity to propose to their loved ones. If you ask me, that might not be the best idea. I mean, what if she says no!? We always love to hear about the outcome of the proposal. So far, there was only one failed proposal. The couple stopped talking to each other at breakfast after the proposal fiasco. I don’t know if it is funny or not, but it is certainly very awkward.”

Congratulations to the guests who decide to tie the knot and take the plunge, but just don’t do it literally at 1,200 feet off the mountain.

“There were also people who asked if they could put on a costume during the climb. For safety reasons, they can only do so when they plant their feet safely on the platform.”

Invest in employees’ professional development

Natalia understands that a happy employee is a dedicated employee. All the guides and photographers are eligible to enroll in training and development programs such as a full rescue course and Wilderness First Aid course.

“Our goal is to ensure every employee has a fulfilling career growth within the company. We also conduct team building programs to promote teamwork among the employees.”

“We offer competitive salary packages and employee benefits. Many of our employees have been staying with us for years. Some of them have been with us for over seven years.”

Coming up next

Natalia is excited for her next “STARLODGE” project that consists of six more capsules with an easier access – No via ferrata climbing or zipline required. The guests can access to the suites hanging off a cliff on foot. “STARLODGE” is expected to open in December 2021.

“As an industrial engineer, having my own company is all I ever wanted.  We still have a long way to go and we never know what will happen next. But we will continue to embrace innovation and creativity to stand out from the pack.”

Visit to learn more about Skylodge Adventure Suites.



All photographs credit: Natalia Rodriguez

Related posts:

Arequipa, Peru – Colca Canyon Charles Duncombe: Founder, Holidaysplease huaraz cordillera blanca andesHuaraz, Peru Huaraz, Peru – Lodging Huaraz, Peru – Trekking Companies

Filed Under: Interviews · Tagged: Art, Bridges, Coffee, Colombia, Culinary travel, Ecuador, Interview, Journey, Machu Picchu, Mountain Climbing, Peru, Road Trip, Rock climbing, Walking tour, Whitewater Rafting, Wine Tasting

Comments

  1. Dave says

    January 18, 2022 at 4:16 am

    This looks way cool! And I’m in Colombia now, not to far away by flight.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want an avatar to show with your comments? Get a free Gravatar

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dave's Wines Logo

The Official Wine Club of
the Napa Wine Project!

Your personal membership to the
finest Napa Valley artisan wineries.
Learn More
Follow @DaveDTC

Get FREE Email Updates ▶

Categories

Interviews

  • “Hiko in Tonga” – A Vanishing Culture of Women Jugglers in Tonga – Interview with Paprika Leaverton, Filmmaker, Professional Juggler and Entertainment Performer
  • A harsh but beautiful wildlife haven at the bottom of the world – Interview with Vicki Foster, Government Officer of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands
  • Adam Olalde – CEO and Founder – Xtreme Xperience
  • Adam Pervez: Travel Writer, Speaker
  • Adam Shepard: Author and Speaker
  • Adrian Qais: Adventure Traveller
  • Ashley Colburn: Travel Host, Producer & Writer
  • Babak A. Tafreshi, National Geographic Photographer, Explorer, Speaker
  • Boyd McCleary, Former Governor of the British Virgin Islands
  • Brady Trautman, Round the World Sailor, The Delos Project
  • Carl T.C. Gutierrez, President & CEO Guam Visitors Bureau and Former Governor of Guam
  • Charles Duncombe: Founder, Holidaysplease
  • Chawadee Nualkhair, Thai-American Food Journalist
  • Christopher Birt, Actor and Traveler
  • Christopher Elliot Consumer Advocate and Journalist
  • Conversation, Margaret Lehmann – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley
  • Dan Buettner, Founder of Blue Zones & New York Times Bestselling Author
  • David Stanley: Traveler & Guidebook Author
  • Delving into the Art of Travel Writing with Nathan James Thomas, Founder and Chief Editor of Intrepid Times
  • Discover the ultimate indulgence of hanging 1,200 feet off a cliff in the Sacred Valley, Peru – Interview with Natalia Rodriguez, General Manager of Natura Vive
  • Don George: Editor & Travel Author
  • Doug Lansky: Travel Writer + Speaker
  • Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Marine Scientist and Author
  • Ed Stafford: Adventurer
  • Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom
  • Erden Eruç: Global Circumnavigater and Adventurer
  • Everett Potter – Travel Journalist
  • Fatspatrol (Fathima) Mohiuddin, Artist and Muralist
  • Follow the Nomadic Footprints in Kyrgyzstan – Interview with Aisha Mambetalieva, Director and co-founder of Kyrgyz Tourism LLC
  • From the World’s Smallest Classroom to the Oscars – Interview with Pawo Choyning Dorji, Producer, Director and Writer of “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom”, the Nominee for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards
  • Gloria Huwiler: Actress
  • Gretchen Upshaw, Founder of Spell Caster Ghost Tours
  • Guðrið Højgaard, CEO Visit Faroe Islands
  • Horror Talk with Rich Ragsdale – Director, Composer, Producer and Writer
  • How Living with Strangers Sparked a Filmmaker’s Dream – The Story of Christoph Pehofer
  • Ian Cumming, Entrepreneur & Founder Travel Massive
  • Interview with Joe Sidek, father of George Town Festival
  • Interview with Tobias Hägg, Photographer and Aerial Artist
  • Isabel Leong Travel Blogger
  • Jackson Doktok, Chairman of Palau Visitors Authority
  • James Asquith, Youngest to Visit all 196
  • James Kaiser: Photographer, Guidebook Author
  • Jens Notroff, Archaeologist, Illustrator, and Science Communicator
  • Jessica Matthews & Julia Silverman: sOccket Co-founders
  • Jo Carroll, co-owner of Winchcombe Farm Holidays
  • Johan Ernst Nilson: International Explorer
  • John Farrell, Founder of One Bag Travel
  • Johnny Jet: Travel Expert and Travel Blogger
  • Joseph Rosendo, TV Personality & Travel Journalist
  • Julie Stevens – A Model Traveler
  • Justin Francis, Co-founder and CEO of Responsible Travel
  • Justin Zackham, Screenwriter, Producer & Traveler
  • Karen Rowley – Owner Many More Travels
  • Karl Bushby, Adventurer and Author
  • Kimberly Fisher: Model, Travel Writer & Philanthropist
  • La Carmina – Blogger, Author, Journalist and TV Host
  • Landing in Paro, One of the World’s Most Dangerous Airports – Interview with Chhimi Dorji, Captain of Drukair
  • Larry Jacobson: Sailor, Author
  • Lee Abbamonte: Global Super Traveler
  • Leif Harum – Author, Backpacker & World Traveler
  • Lisa Niver: RTW Traveler
  • Living in the Archipelago That Whale Sharks Call Home – Interview with Founder of the Mafia Island Tourism Association, Peter Byrne
  • Louise Reilly Sacco, Permanent Acting Interim Executive Director of the Museum Of Bad Art
  • Lynn Gilmartin: Australian Presenter and Traveler
  • Marilyn Conroy, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Riviera River Cruises
  • Mark Jason Williams, Award-Winning Playwright, Essayist and Travel Writer
  • Matt Ruby, New York City Stand-up Comedian
  • Matthijs Keij, CEO of Withlocals
  • Meet the Brummy who turned his love for his hometown into a walking tour – Rob Ankcorn, the co-founder of Real Birmingham Free Walking Tour
  • Michael Wigge: Reporter & Filmmaker
  • Mike Corey, Adventure Travel YouTuber & BBC Television Host
  • Neil Mandt: Actor, Producer & Traveler
  • Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer of Finnair
  • Patrick Smith: Airline Pilot and Author
  • Paul Salopek, Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and Writer
  • Peter Greenberg, The Travel Detective
  • Peter Mondavi Sr: Longtime Napa Winemaker, Industry leader
  • Pilots, Amelia Rose Earhart & Patrick Carter
  • Rachel Rudwall, TV Host & Producer
  • Ramona Bruland, Adventure, Lifestyle & Adventure TV Host
  • Richard Bangs: Global Explorer, Author
  • Robert Reid: Lonely Planet USA Editor
  • Robert Young Pelton: Author, Filmmaker, Journalist, Adventurer
  • Rolf Potts: Travel Writer & Journalist
  • Russ Hedge, CEO of Hostelling International USA
  • Ryan & Emily, The Snail Travelers
  • Ryan Vasquez, Broadway, Movie and TV Actor and Singer
  • Sam Shank, CEO HotelTonight
  • Sarah Dandashy, Founder Ask A Concierge
  • Savannah Grace: Author & Traveler
  • She Walks the Earth – Angela Marie Maxwell, Explorer, Inspirational Speaker, Empowerment Coach
  • Skuli Mogensen, Founder & CEO WOW air
  • Sleep Tourism: How the Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York is Redefining Hotel Stays through a Revitalizing Sleep Program
  • Steven K. Tsuchida, American Film Director
  • Stuart Every – CEO and Founder of Dolphin Creative
  • Teri Johnson: Co-host of Travelista TV
  • The Earl of Yarmouth, co-founder of The Secret Aristocrat Company
  • The Utopia in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean – Interview with Shirley Squibb, Deputy Head of the Tourism Department of Tristan da Cunha
  • The Vawter Family – Vawters on the Water
  • Thomas Ramdahl, SVP Network Management at airBaltic
  • Tom Allen, Adventure Cyclist, Author and Filmmaker
  • Tom Waller: Producer, Director and Writer
  • Tony Wheeler: Founder of Lonely Planet
  • Tori James, Adventurer and Speaker
  • Vanessa Pirotta, Whale Researcher
  • Virginia Chan, Founder of Humid with a Chance of Fishballs
  • Visit Cyprus – The Deputy Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus
  • Walter “Yukon” Yates: Adventurer & Entrepreneur
  • Yung Chang: Writer & Director

Latest Posts

  • Albay: A Splendid Volcano Province
  • A Spring Getaway Awaits in Armenia: The New Hotspo…
  • From Coast to Coast: Your Guide to Car Transport t…
  • Bulacan: Heritage and History
  • Pangasinan: Western Luzon’s Hidden Gem

Explore

  • Above the Clouds
  • Guides
  • Highlight of the Month
  • Interviews
  • Journals
  • Press Releases
  • Videos

Prepare

  • Book Reviews
  • Pack List
  • Quiz: Geography
  • Quiz: Travel
  • Tour Booking
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Products

Share

  • Contribute
  • Forums
  • Links
  • Photos

About

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Contributors
  • Email Dave
  • Media Coverage
  • Media Kit
Hi I'm Dave. After a life changing trip in 1996, I began this site as a creative outlet to educate, inspire and share travel experiences. Read more...
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo
  • YouTube

Return to top of page
Copyright © 1996–2025 Dave's Travel Corner · All Rights Reserved · Log in

7ads6x98y