Trip Overview
Departures
Trip Dates + Prices
Duration
10 Days
Activities
Boating/Rafting
Cultural
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
Physical Rating
Easy–Moderate
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A Tightly Woven History
Peru Explorer is an immersive journey that plants you deep in the rainforest, mystical history and the surreal story that is Machu Picchu. The treasures are found in an offering to the Earth Mother (Pachamama), dark Peruvian chocolate, buzzy markets, brilliant macaws, giant otter sightings and the woven secrets of Awamaki community in the Sacred Valley.
A seriously Sensory Experience
Chocolate, Canopies and Caimans
In the canopies above, we watch for the blur of toucans, swinging spider monkeys and curious capuchins. At night, an orchestra of croaking frogs swallows up the darkness. At the river’s edge, we seek out the red gleam of a caiman’s eyes and travel by canal boats and motorized canoes into the splendor of Sandoval Lake. Visit Lima and Cusco, enjoy an interactive cooking class and take a bean-to-bar chocolate-making workshop. Learn about the history and heritage found in the woven textiles of the Awamaki women’s cooperative and feel the grandeur of the Temple of Qoricancha and Machu Picchu.
We got to see a lot on this tour which I really appreciated. I loved the feminist and women connections—the shaman, Mama Seldonia and Awamaki collective was a huge highlight. The food was unbelievable! So good! The chance to be with women and connect with women in Peru was invaluable and that is what makes your company unique. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime!”
Wilhelmine H.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Lima
The First Taste
Plan to fly into Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) anytime before the 6 p.m. rendezvous time. Once you collect your luggage, head outside to the Arrivals area and look for a private shuttle driver holding a Wild Women Expeditions sign.
At the rendezvous, we will meet our Wild Women guide for a thorough debrief on what to expect over the next few days. We swap stories over dinner at Huaca Pucllana, one of the top restaurants in Lima. It has a cool setting overlooking the pre-Incan ruins that served as a ceremonial center centuries ago. Huaca Pucllana offers a classic Peruvian menu of hyperlocal products from the sea and land.
Today’s first big bite out of Peru is a filling one!
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
Antigua Miraflores Boutique Hotel
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Day 2
Into the Amazon
Macaws and Monkeys
In the morning, we fly to Puerto Maldonado, where a Sandoval Lake Lodge representative will welcome us. A shuttle takes us to the boat dock on the Tambopata River, where we board a motorized canoe to the confluence of the Madre de Dios River, the source of the Amazon tributary. Thirty minutes downriver, we continue our journey on foot to Sandoval Lake.
A narrow canal boat allows us to navigate the flooded forest of palms to the open waters of Sandoval Lake; motorboats are prohibited here. En route we may see the enormous paiche, an Amazonian fish that can weigh up to 220 pounds (100 kg) or hear the unsettling screams of the giant otter! We should see hundreds of blue-and-yellow and red-breasted macaws and capuchin monkeys.
We return to the lodge at dusk for dinner before an evening boat ride in search of the rare caimans.
Included Meals
Breakfast, boxed lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Sandoval Lake Lodge
The Hike
2 miles (3 km)
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Day 3
Exploring the Rainforest
A Giant Otter Odyssey
Just before dawn we will be on the lake looking for giant otters and, hopefully, a spectacular sunrise. The close-knit otter families are most active at this time.
From the boat we observe the fishing skills of birds and an up close opportunity to see the strange and primitive hoatzin. This Neotropical bird is saddled with a poor digestive system: it can take up to 45 hours for them to digest fermenting leaves.
After a late breakfast, we follow the trail through the understory of the immense primary rainforest and giant chestnut trees that surround the lake. In the afternoon we’ll strike off to the west side of the lake to explore capuchin monkey territory.
In the evening, we gather for a presentation on the dynamic Peruvian jungle. After dinner, we have the opportunity to search for caimans seeking out their own menu in the lake.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Sandoval Lake Lodge
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Day 4
Amazonian Delights
The Rainforest’s Pharmacy
For the mad birders, we can start early, seeking out new species and giant otters at play. After a late breakfast and some free time, we have an interpretive medical plant walk. We learn about the pamicho (a vital plant used to construct thatched roofs in local houses), the ginger candle that is touted for its anti-inflammatory properties and the cinchona tree. The bark of the latter has saved generations from the dire symptoms of malaria. The path slices through both the untamed jungle and a small botanical garden dedicated to the careful cultivation of native species.
After lunch, we walk through the north shore forest, the quietest and most secluded part of the forest. In the evening, we can look for black caimans along the shore or take a short walk through the woods to see who goes bump in the night!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Sandoval Lake Lodge
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Day 5
Cusco
Bites of Culture
After breakfast, we travel through the palm swamps on the west end of the lake and return to the Madre de Dios river to Puerto Maldonado for flights back to Cusco.
Upon arrival in Cusco we transfer to our hotel before a walking tour that includes all the urban must-sees in Cusco. The fusion of Inca and Spanish influences in the Stone of Twelve Angles at Inca Roca Palace is an impressive sight. We also experience the nerve center of the city, the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by colonial arcades and four formidable churches. Tonight we dine at Mamá Seledonia’s, a truly feel-good restaurant that supports young mothers and teens in rural areas with industry training and employment. The restaurant’s spectacular menu offers traditional fare like baked guinea pig, grilled chicken with elderberry sauce, trout ceviche, yuyo (sea algae) and grilled alpaca steak in pepper sauce.
Included Meals
Breakfast, boxed lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Novotel Cusco Hotel
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Day 6
Into the Cocina
Bean to Bar
After breakfast, we visit the façade of the sacred Qoricancha temple, which was built over an Incan palace dedicated to worship of the sun.
A two-hour bean-to-bar chocolate workshop at Choco Museo sweetens the day. We learn the scratch chocolate making process and how to make a tisane (tea) from the roasted husks of cacao nuts.
Note: Lunch is independent today (nothing like having dessert first!). There are several tempting options within walking distance to choose from.
At 3 p.m., we join a Peruvian cooking class and learn the generational secrets of traditional recipes. We visit a local market for an introduction to local staples and spices before a practical class led by a professional Peruvian chef. For visual learners, this class is a cinch! At the end of our lesson, we pull up seats to a three-course tasting menu and a quenching local drink.
Included Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Accommodations
Novotel Cusco Hotel
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Day 7
Sacsayhuaman
The Moon Temple
After breakfast we explore the Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman. The rocks are impossibly pieced together like a puzzle—rumor has it that over 10,000 workers labored for 50 years to build it.
At the Moon Temple, we make a ceremonial “payment” to Pachamama (Mother Earth) under the guidance of a Shaman by leaving a gift of coca leaves, chicha and seeds that contain magical power.
Later, we travel through the Sacred Valley, patchwork maize crops and terraces thoughtfully stacked into the valley walls. We arrive at our hotel smack-dab-in-middle of the Sacred Valley (Yucay village) in the early afternoon to take advantage of the property. Time for a pisco sour at the hotel’s Apus Bar?
Before dinner, those who are eager for a deep stretch can enjoy a one-hour yoga session at the hotel. Dinner will be convenient—it’s at our hotel!
Included Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Accommodations
Taypikala Sacred Valley Hotel
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Day 8
Ollantaytambo
The Awamaki Community
After breakfast, we follow the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo. The Inca-era cobblestones and adobe buildings are a magnificent example of Inca urban planning. The upper terraces of this site offer extraordinary photo opps of the tidy square-grid town below.
After exploring the ruins, we make our way to the Awamaki community to learn about traditional Andean life and have lunch in one of the community member’s homes. The women share the historical connection of their weaving and heritage. There will be an opportunity to purchase expertly woven items too!
Late in the afternoon, we take the train to Aguas Calientes. It’s known for its thermal baths. The rail journey is one of the most tranquil ways to visit Machu Picchu as the train passes along the Urubamba River and disappears into the cloud forest.
Once refreshed, we hit the town for dinner at Indio Feliz, a vibey local restaurant.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
El Mapi Boutique Hotel by Inkaterra
Travel
Train (1 hour, 45 minutes)
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Day 9
Machu Picchu
Lost City of the Incas
In the morning, we take a short bus ride up the steep, serpentine road to Machu Picchu. The Lost City of the Incas is an ancient marvel of stone palaces, towers, temples and staircases. Located 7,972 feet (2,430 m) above sea level in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, it wasn’t until 1911 that American academic and explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains.
Upon arrival, we will explore the upper terrace with our guide and tour the ruins of more than 200 houses, temples, the Intihuatana (solar clock), Sun Temple and the urban and agricultural sector. We have four hours of access to the site.
Star-struck and mesmerized by Machu, we will return to the town by bus for lunch and wandering. In the afternoon, we take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo town, followed by a two-hour private transfer to our hotel in Cusco.
Included Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations
Novotel Cusco Hotel
TravelTrain (1 hour, 45 minutes), private shuttle (2 hours)
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Day 10
Departure
Soul Satisfied
After breakfast, there will be a group transfer to the airport. Sigh. With the hypnotic charm of Peru and Pachamama and the arresting wonder of Machu Picchu firmly etched on our hearts, we have to determine where to go next before departing.
Hug your fellow Wild Women goodbye, for now, at least. What a soul-enriching time it’s been.
Head’s up: Hotel check-out is 12 p.m.
Included Meals
Breakfast
Take a Deeper Dive
Want all the details in one handy package? Download the full itinerary here.
What’s Included
- Accommodations: twin-share rooms at a hotel for three nights and at Sandoval Lake Lodge for three nights
- Nine breakfasts, five lunches, two boxed lunches and six dinners
- Airfare: Lima–Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado–Cusco
- Scenic train to and from Aguas Calientes
- Air-conditioned, private vehicle transfers throughout the itinerary
- Stress-free airport transfers
- One awesome English-speaking guide (throughout) in addition to local guides
- Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour
- Applicable entrance/admission fees
- One sweet chocolate-making workshop
- Interactive Peruvian cooking class with a top chef
- Mother Earth offering with local shaman
Please Note:
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Optional single private upgrade, subject to availability.
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Details
Know Before You Go
Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.
This trip starts in Lima, Peru (airport code: LIM) and finishes in Cusco, Peru (airport code CUZ).
The Chocolate Workshop
This chocolate workshop is not 100% Wild Women exclusive. We will be in a class with other participants outside of our group.
Repacking in Puerto Maldonado
Once we arrive in Puerto Maldonado, we repack our gear, choosing only the items that are necessary for the next three nights in the Amazon (this will help keep the boats and cargo light). Rest assured: the rest of our luggage will be stored safely and securely until our return!
Repacking for Machu Picchu
We also need to repack for Machu Picchu and our one-night stay at El Mapi Boutique Hotel. This will be easy! Pack your pajamas, toiletries and daypack essentials to explore the Lost City. The rest of our luggage will remain securely at the hotel. INCA RAIL carriages and vans do not have luggage racks on board. Each travel ticket entitles passengers to board the train/vans with only one piece of hand luggage (backpack, handbag or laptop) weighing no more than 17 lbs (8 kg). The dimensions must be no more than 46 linear inches or 118 linear cm (height + length + width).
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu regulations require all visitors to follow a predetermined timed route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences, exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site as personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
How We Support You
Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we see and do so much, and you’re never alone. If you would like to experience the best of a country and dive deep into culture, nature and beauty, then this trip is for you!
Still have questions or concerns? Let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
You should be comfortable or open to the following:
- Waking up very early on a few mornings
- Dealing with altitude
- Days that are jammed with activity and days that are laid-back
- Walking at a slow to medium pace on uneven terrain
- Sleeping under mosquito nets in an open-walled room in the Amazon
- Being in narrow canal boats and motorized canoes on open lakes
- A menu of unfamiliar foods
- Physical Rating: Easy – Moderate (Trips typically involve 3 to 5 hours of daily activity.)