If you are going to do the Salkantay Trek, one of the decisions that will shape your experience is where you will sleep each night. Eco Majestic Sky Domes are an accommodation option right along the route, designed for you to rest comfortably after days of hiking. Here, we explain what they are, where they are located, and why they fit so well into the journey to Machu Picchu.
What are the domes?
The domes are geodesic wooden structures, a type of accommodation different from a traditional trekking tent. Instead of sleeping on the ground inside a tent, you can rest in a double bed in an enclosed, warm space with a private bathroom.
Each dome has a private bathroom with a shower and hydromassage, as well as a private terrace with a table and chairs, where you can take in the surrounding mountains. This accommodation combines the feeling of being immersed in nature with the comforts of a well-equipped room. That is why it works equally well for trekkers and for those seeking a peaceful stay surrounded by greenery.
Where they are located on the route
The domes are located in the community of Playa Sahuayaco, at 2,100 m above sea level, on the section of the route that descends from Salkantay toward Llactapata and Machu Picchu. It is a green, mild area, very different from the high, cold part of the mountain.
To help you get your bearings, these are the distances from the lodge:
- To Santa Teresa: around 45 minutes by car.
- To the Cocalmayo hot springs: around 45 minutes.
- To Machu Picchu: approximately 2 hours by car.
- To Cusco: around 6 hours by car.
Its location is one of its main advantages. You are right on the way to Machu Picchu, with direct access to the trekking route toward Llactapata, while also being close to attractions such as the Cocalmayo hot springs and the Chaquiorcco waterfalls. From here, you can continue the journey on foot or combine a car ride and train to reach the Inca citadel.
Why they fit the trek
After crossing the high-altitude section of Salkantay, arriving in a mild, green area is a relief for the body. The domes welcome you at this point in the journey, once you have descended from the highlands and want to rest well before the final stretch to Machu Picchu.
Sleeping here allows you to recharge in a real bed, enjoy a hot shower with hydromassage, and take in the surroundings from your terrace. It is the kind of stop that makes the trek challenging along the way, yet comfortable at the end of the day.
What to expect from the surroundings
The lodge is surrounded by gardens and green areas, with a dining room overlooking the mountains and river, a lounge, a fire pit and barbecue area, a small bar, and private parking. The atmosphere is peaceful: nearby nature, clean air, and the sound of the river in the background.
If you enjoy combining relaxation with activities, the area offers nearby options such as visiting a coffee farm, zip-lining and a Tibetan bridge, the Chaquiorcco waterfalls, and the Cocalmayo hot springs.
Frequently asked questions
What altitude are the domes at?
The domes are at 2,100 m above sea level, in the community of Playa Sahuayaco, an area milder than the upper part of Salkantay.
Do the domes have private bathrooms?
Yes. Each dome has a private bathroom with a shower and hydromassage.
How long does it take to get from the domes to Machu Picchu?
From the domes, Machu Picchu is around 2 hours away by car, with options to continue on foot or by train.
What does a stay in the domes include?
The rate includes dinner and breakfast, as well as accommodation in a private dome with its own bathroom and access to all the lodge’s common areas.
Can you get to the domes without doing the trek?
Yes. Although they are on the Salkantay route, you can also get there by car from Cusco or Santa Teresa and stay as part of a more relaxing getaway.