
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL IN CUZCO
Upon arrival in Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire, your Wild Women Expeditions guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 2:00PM. You will receive your Inca Trail Trek duffle, hiking poles, sleeping bag and Thermarest.
We’ll then immediately immerse ourselves in all things Peruvian with a walking tour that includes all the urban must-sees. The fusion of Inca and Spanish influences in the Stone of Twelve Angles at Inca Roca Palace on Hatun Rumilloc street is an impressive sight. We’ll also experience the pounding heart of the city, the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by colonial arcades and four formidable churches.
Later, your senses will be overloaded with a sweet fix! We’ll participate in a two hour bean-to-bar chocolate workshop at Choco Museo and learn how to make Peruvian chocolate and tisane (tea) from the roasted husks of cacao nuts. During the workshop, we will be introduced to the entire scratch chocolate-making process from cacao harvest to the familiar “OMG!” tasting. We’ll make our own custom milk or dark chocolates under expert direction with more than 15 different add-in ingredients to choose from. Our biggest decision will be sea salt and toffee bits or sprinkles and gummies?
After the workshop, we’ll swap stories over dinner at Mamá Seledonia’s, a truly feel-good restaurant that supports young mothers and teens in rural areas. Women who have expressed a passion and talent for cooking but have experienced difficulty in finding employment due to their family obligations are trained in the industry. 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.
Today’s first big bite out of Peru is a sweet one!
Disclaimer: Dreams come true on this trip.
Meals Included: Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Casa Andina Premium Cusco Hotel

DAY TWO: SACRED VALLEY
At 8AM, we’ll depart Cusco for the embrace of the Sacred Valley (the drive to Ollantaytamo is approximately two hours). On the way, we’ll stop at El Mirador, for an uninterrupted view of the entire Sacred Valley and Inca History 101 lesson.
The Sacred Valley was a critical settlement area to the Incas. The agreeable climate and fertile plains made for perfect alchemy and an unusual bounty for the high Andes. The Incas intelligently sculpted the mountain flanks with contour terracing and irrigation channels. Gardeners and farmers will appreciate the thoughtful blueprint process and proactive planning.
We will then head to Ollantaytambo. Located on the 725km (450 mile) Urubamba River, the Inca-era cobblestones and adobe buildings of this town are otherworldly. We’ll check in to our hotel and drop off our luggage before exploring Ollantaytambo’s archaeological site to the east of the Plaza de Armas..
This is a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. The upper terraces of this site offer extraordinary photo opps of the tidy square-grid town below. Situated on a hilltop landscape, the surrounding terracing and Ciclopean rock carvings are part of the unspoken story. We will notice the prevalence of cut stones known as “tired stones” in the ancient quarry. These abandoned, carved stones never made it to their intended last stop in the village–adding to the mystery (and understandable fatigue!).
From the tiptop, there is a mind-stretching view of the village below and surrounding countryside. Painters and poets in the group will be making mental notes!
After exploring the ruins, we’ll make our way to the Awamaki community to learn about traditional Andean life and have lunch in one of the community member’s homes. We’ll meet the colourful women of the Awamaki community for an introduction to textiles and the historical connection it provides. After a weaving demonstration, we will each partner with a local Awamaki woman and try our skill at weaving a small and precious souvenir. There will be an opportunity to purchase expertly woven items which will directly support the Awamaki community. Please note–it’s not appropriate to haggle here, however, this is an ideal spot to practice your Quechua! Best to start with “Allillachu!” (Hello!)
After a full day of amazement, we’ll transfer back to our hotel to chill and hang out over dinner. We’ll also begin the process of prepping and packing for our first day on the Inca Trail in the morning!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Samanapaq Hotel

DAY THREE: HUAYALLABAMBA
After a big hiker’s fill of carbs and protein at breakfast, we’ll weigh our duffle bags for the Inca Trail. They must weigh no more than 7 kilos (15.4 lbs). Keep in mind that this maximum must include the weight of your sleeping bag and Thermarest. So, in reality, your personal gear should weight no more than 5 kilos (11 lbs) out of respect for our porters. We’ll store our original bags, and any gear we don’t need in Ollantaytambo. On Day 7, we will be reconnected with our baggage before heading back to Cusco so pack thoughtfully! Please note that the duffle bags are not to be kept!
We’ll then drive to Km 82 (Piscacucho) to hike a scenic section that follows the original Inca Trail to the winding Urubamba river. We’ll cross the bridge over the mighty river at Km 88 for a celebratory lunch at Tarayoc trail before continuing to hike another two gratifying hours to reach our maximum altitude for the day at Huayallabamba (3,100m/10,170ft).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Tent Camping
The skinny on today’s hike:
- Hiking Distance: 16 km(9.94 miles)
- Hours: 8–9 hours (*dependent on the group’s pace and skill)
- Altitude: 2,750m(9,022ft)
- Maximum Altitude + Campsite Elevation: 3,100 m(10,170ft)
- Elevation Gain: 350m(1,148ft)

We will begin walking around 7AM after a filling early bird breakfast. For 3–4 hours we’ll follow the trail’s steep ascent to Llullcha Pampa (3,900m/12,795ft) below the first pass, where we will have lunch with a killer view of Mt. Huayanay. Along this narrow hanging valley and its unfolding trail, we will begin to see the surreal cloud forest that shrouds the Queñua (polilepis) woodlands, a rare and precious Andean forest of fairy tale-like polylepis trees and shrubs that are only found at high elevation.
After lunch, we’ll continue for 2 hours to the daunting Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m (13,828ft). This is the highest point of the Inca Trail (in elevation and heart rate!) and so-named for the mountain crests and their resemblance to a woman’s supine body.
From here, we’ll continue downhill for 2–3 hours, depending on the group’s pace and affection for taking photos! We will be spending the night in the en plein air serenity of the Pacaymayu campsite.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Tent Camping
The skinny on today’s hike:
- Hiking Distance: 10km(6.21 miles)
- Time: 6-8hrs
- Altitude : 3,100 m(10,170ft)
- Maximum Altitude: 4,215(113,828ft)
- Campsite Elevation: 3,600 meters (11,811ft)
- Elevation Gain : 900m(3,000ft)
- Personal Gain: OFF THE CHARTS!

DAY FIVE: PHUYOPATAMARKA
Today, we’ll kickstart the day by walking uphill approximately 90 minutes. At 3,800m (12,467ft) we’ll visit the unique semicircular complex of the Runcuraqay ruins (*Runkurakay is a Quechua word meaning “collapsed house”) before ascending another 90 minutes to Runcuraqay Pass (3,900m/12,795ft). From here, it’s all downhill, baby!
We’ll descend for nearly 2 hours, following ancient Incan stairs down to the ridgetop ruins of Sayaqmarka to pass through a 20m(65ft) tunnel that the Incas created without the convenience of modern tools or an Ikea Allen key. We’ll slip into the dripping, verdant cloud forest vegetation, spellbound by the transitions. Hungry? We’ll carry on for another 30 minutes to one hour (depending on the group’s pace and selfies) to Chaquicocha (3,500m/11,483ft) where we’ll have lunch.
Satiated and stretched out, we’ll continue hiking for 2 hours until we reach the Phuyupatamarka ruins (3,600m/11,811ft) that overlook the fast flow of the Vilcanto River far below. This is the last pass on our agenda and we’ll spend the night here enjoying a few recovery bites of chocolate, feeling the hum of our hamstrings.
Phuyopatamarka is suitably named. In Quechua, it means the “City above the Clouds.” The views from our campsite toward the sacred peak of Salcantay are sublime. There are three short trails that split off from the campsite that we can explore if we want to pack some more hiking into our extraordinary day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Tent Camping
The skinny on today’s hike:
- Hiking Distance: 12km(7.456 miles)
- Time: 5-6 hrs
- Altitude: 3,600m(11,811ft)
- Maximum Altitude + Campsite Elevation: 4,200m(13,779ft)
- Elevation Gain: 600m(2,000ft)
- Peruvian Chocolate Bar Cravings: SKY HIGH

DAY SIX: MACHU PICCHU
We’ll rise early for a short but necessary walk (15 minutes) to the viewpoint to (hopefully) take in the marmalade glow bathing the snow-blanketed mountain peaks of Salkantay and Pumasillo. Mother Nature can be moody and cloud cover can often impede sunrise.
This morning will be our last opportunity to say a grateful thank you to our lean and mean porter team. There will be a formal tipping ceremony to demonstrate our appreciation for their kindness, encouragement, enthusiasm and rock solid backs! Remember, they made this trip as smooth as pudding for us and carried the weight of the world (well, our packs) on their shoulders!
After breakfast and the tipping ceremony, we will descend steeply all day, following the famed Royal Highway through a cloud forest seemingly painted with delicate orchids to Winya Wayna (or Wiñayhuayna) ruins. We’ll first walk 2.5 hours downhill to the Inti Pata Inca site (2,900m/9,514ft). From here, we’ll continue another 45 minutes to reach the Wiñayhuayna campsite (2,600m/8,530ft) where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. The final part of the trail (on the east side of Machu Picchu) is a gorgeous traverse across the remarkable Inca stonework leading to the iconic Gate of the Sun overlooking Machu Picchu.
Refuelled, we’ll walk for 90 minutes to the iconic Gate of the Sun (2,700m/8,858ft) where we’ll absorb a mesmerizing, panoramic view of the Machu Picchu ruins. Stunned, we’ll float as though in dream, downhill, to the Machu Picchu site. A bus will transport us to Aguas Calientes village (2,040m/6,692ft) where we’ll spend the night and gather for a set menu dinner at a local restaurant. We will celebrate this dream-come-true journey and lap up all the pampering at our hotel in Aguas Calientes. Hot showers! A pisco sour! Real beds! It’s the small things (after the BIG things, of course).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel
The skinny on today’s hike:
- Hiking Distance: 9km(5.59 miles)
- Time: 6–7hrs
- Altitude: 2,400 m(7,874ft)
- Maximum Altitude: 3,600m(11,811ft)
- Campsite Elevation: 2,400m(7,874ft)

DAY SEVEN: MACHU PICCHU/CUZCO
We will return to “the Sanctuary” via a short and rollicking local bus ride bright and early this morning (breakfast will be available at our hotel from 4:30AM onward). Upon arrival to the site, our tour guide will introduce us to the sectors of this impressive Inca City as we follow the circuit to the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu.
Take an unhurried moment to reflect on this sacred spot and time in your life. Our guide will share the unbelievable stories behind Intiwatana (solar clock) and the urban and agricultural sector. This in-depth guided tour of the ridge-top city will allow us to fully appreciate the ancient marvel as the sun rises into the sky.
Machu Picchu stands 2,430m (7,972ft) above sea level, smack dab in the middle of a verdant, tropical mountain forest. The Incan Empire urban design of impossibly giant walls, terraces and ramps appear as if they have been naturally carved into the continuous rock escarpments. Contemplating the origins, mysticism and resilience of Machu Picchu under the rising sun is life affirming.
After the guided tour, we will return to the town by local bus and in the afternoon, we will board the super scenic tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to the Novotel in Cusco.
In Cusco, we’ll gather for a reflective farewell dinner still giddy and goosebumpy from our Machu Picchu experience.
Note: Machu Picchu visiting regulations require all visitors to follow a predetermined 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Antigua Casona San Blas Hotel

DAY EIGHT: CUZCO
After a nourishing breakfast, the rest of the day is unscheduled! Unless you have a flight to catch, of course! For those who are lingering a little longer, explore the city’s colourful pockets a little deeper. Sit down with Andean mint or toronjil (lemon balm) tea or chicha morada (made with purple corn). Or, sip a genuine emoliente (a medicinal mixture of several herbs).
Note: If you are joining the Amazon extension, your CUZ-PEM (Puerto Maldonado) flight will be booked on your behalf, and your return flight home should be booked from PEM at the end of the extension.
IMPORTANT: If your passport is due to expire before your trip please send in new passport details as soon as possible before the trip commences. If applicable, please bring both passports on the Inca Trail (the original you used to book your trip and your new passport) as officials may request to see both.
What now? Start dreaming about your next DREAM destination with your shiny new Wild Women BFFs!




Meals Included: Breakfast
Other Notes: Option to extend for 4 days in the Amazon Jungle
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