Peru Women’s Andean Adventure: Inca Trail and Beyond

Our journey will begin in Cusco, a city located in the Peruvian Andes that was formerly the capital of the Inca Empire. This city is famous for its archaeological sites and Spanish colonial buildings.

We will dedicate half of the day to strolling through the historic city center and the other half to discovering the four Incan ruins that encircle the city: Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo, and Puka Pukara.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

We will embark on a hike to reach the stunning Humantay Lake, one of the most breathtaking lakes in Peru, with breakfast and lunch provided along the way.

This adventure promises to be a memorable experience surrounded by nature's beauty.

We will return to Cusco in the early evening, allowing you to relax after a day of exploration.

We will dedicate the day to exploring the Sacred Valley, where we'll visit the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Inca site, followed by lunch in a local weaving community (breakfast and lunch are included).

After our adventures, we'll head back to Cusco for dinner at your leisure, allowing you to choose from a variety of dining options.

Enjoy a restful night in Cusco, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.

Today marks the beginning of the most thrilling segment of our adventure: "Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu." Over the next four days, we will trek along the ancient Inca path, exploring numerous ruins, camping in tents, and experiencing life in the Andes. This challenging hike demands a good level of fitness and some prior training to enhance your enjoyment on the mountain.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the official starting point of the Inca Trail at Kilometer 82. Once we pass through the first checkpoint (don’t forget your passport!), we’ll cross the Urubamba River and start an unforgettable journey along one of the most famous trekking routes in the world.

The trail begins with a gentle ascent through the Andean foothills, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. During our hike, we’ll pause at a few lesser-known Inca archaeological sites, offering insight into the ancient civilization that once flourished here.

After approximately four hours of hiking, we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before continuing for another 2½ hours to our first campsite at Ayapata. This segment takes us through two small Andean villages, where you can buy snacks, drinks, or supplies and engage with friendly locals.

When we arrive at camp, your trekking team will have dinner ready for you, allowing you to unwind under the stars amidst the serene mountain landscape.

• Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles (approx. 9 hours)
• Elevation: 2,750 m (9,022 ft) → 3,330 m (10,925 ft)
• Difficulty: Challenging (steady uphill with high altitude)
• Weather: Mild to warm during the day, cold at night

After breakfast, we'll go on a steady 4-hour ascent to the trek's highest point, known as Dead Woman's Pass. Once we reach the summit, we'll enjoy a well-earned break to soak in the stunning mountain views before beginning our descent into the Pacaymayu Valley, where lunch awaits us.

After lunch, we'll tackle another climb that will take about 1.5 hours to reach the second pass. From there, we'll gradually descend for another 1.5 hours to the remarkable Inca site of Sayacmarca. We'll take some time to explore the ruins and watch the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before making a brief 25-minute descent to our campsite for dinner.

• Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles (approx. 9 hours)
• Elevation: 3330m / 10,925ft → 4215m / 13,829ft → 3600m / 11,811ft
• Difficulty: Challenging to Difficult (due to altitude and terrain)
• Weather: Cold mornings, warm during the day, and cold nights—with the possibility of rain.

This day is often regarded as the most breathtaking and unforgettable on the Inca Trail. We’ll begin our adventure early, around 6:30 a.m., with breakfast and a comforting cup of coca tea before going on a two-hour hike along what we affectionately refer to as the “Indiana Jones Path,” as the trail meanders into lush jungle surroundings.

Upon completing this segment, we’ll ascend to the final mountain pass at Phuyupatamarka, known as the “Town in the Clouds,” where we’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Urubamba River. From this vantage point, we’ll also catch our first sight of Machu Picchu Mountain, although the ancient citadel remains concealed for now.

From Phuyupatamarka, we’ll continue along the trail through the Inca site of Intipata, or “Terraces of the Sun,” as we descend for approximately three hours down a series of well-preserved Inca steps to our last campsite near Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”). We’ll enjoy lunch at camp and, around 4:30 p.m., take a guided tour of the beautiful archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, lasting about an hour and a half.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a final meal with our team to celebrate our journey. It’s advisable to get to bed early tonight to prepare for the sunrise experience over Machu Picchu the following morning.

• Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (approx. 6 hours)
• Elevation: 3600m / 11,811ft → 2600m / 8,530ft
• Difficulty: Moderate (mostly downhill with many stairs)
• Weather: Cold morning; mild to warm during the hike; comfortably warm in the evening.

This is the most eagerly awaited day of the entire trek — the day you finally arrive at Machu Picchu. We’ll rise early, around 3:30 a.m., and make our way to the checkpoint that allows entry to this ancient site. After that, it’s approximately a one-hour hike to the Sun Gate, where you’ll be greeted with your first stunning view of Machu Picchu as the morning light illuminates the mountains.

After taking in the scenery, we’ll proceed down to the citadel for a two-hour guided tour, during which we’ll explore the temples, terraces, and hidden nooks of this remarkable Inca wonder.

Once the tour is over, you’ll have some free time to further explore Machu Picchu on your own or, if you’ve reserved a ticket in advance, to hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an incredible panoramic view.

Later, you’ll take a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll meet up with your guide for the train ride back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transfer will take you safely back to your hotel in Cusco.

• Walking Distance: Varies depending on how much you explore Machu Picchu
• Elevation: 2400m / 7,847ft
• Difficulty: Moderate (lots of steps within the site)
• Weather: Warm and humid, with a possibility of rain.

Today is your opportunity to unwind and explore Cusco at your own pace, whether solo or with fellow travelers.

In the afternoon and evening, you'll participate in a cooking class where you'll prepare dinner together. Enjoy the chance to explore local culinary traditions while enjoying a delicious meal at the end of the day.

Don't forget to take in the beautiful sights and sounds of this historic city as you roam around!

Today, we will go on a day trip to explore Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. This destination is among the most popular in Peru, and it’s easy to see why.

You can choose to hike or use mules to assist you in ascending this steep mountain (mule rentals are not included).

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.

We will say “Hasta Luego” on our last day in Cusco.

Transfers to the airport will be provided.