Female Led 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Upon your arrival in Cusco, a warm welcome from a Far & Wild representative awaits, ensuring a seamless transfer to the Quinta San Blas hotel in the charming San Blas neighbourhood. Tucked away on a picturesque cobblestone street, this boutique hotel offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for acclimatising to the altitude. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace, with nearby restaurants and cafés providing the perfect opportunity to savour local flavours and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this historic district.

Spend a captivating morning discovering Cusco, a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. Wander through its cobbled streets, lined with original Inca walls, and observe the fascinating mix of contemporary Cusqueñans and traditionally dressed locals leading alpacas through the city. This unique urban landscape beautifully juxtaposes the past and present.

Your half-day tour includes a visit to the awe-inspiring Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, now housed within the Church of Santo Domingo. Once covered in gold, this temple holds a significant place in history. Next, explore the Plaza de Armas, once the heart of the Inca capital, now home to Cusco Cathedral, built in 1654. Inside, admire artworks from the Cusco School of Painting, including the striking "Last Supper" by Quechua artist Marcos Zapata, where a guinea pig is served as the main course. The Plaza, with its gardens and statuary, remains a lively gathering spot for both locals and visitors.

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day trek, led by an experienced female guide and supported by dedicated women porters. The journey begins with a scenic route from Cusco, taking a less-travelled section of the Inca Trail. Unlike most groups that cross the Urubamba River at Km 82, we take a unique path, traversing downstream and crossing at Km 88, ensuring an exclusive experience away from the crowds.

Upon reaching Chamana, a quaint village within the Llaqtapata Community, a delightful picnic awaits at our private campsite. As the day progresses, you have the option to explore the captivating archaeological sites of Wayna Q’ente and Llaqtapata, featuring mesmerising Incan stone walls, stairs, and other ancient monuments. The evening promises a hot shower and a satisfying dinner, allowing you to relish the day's outdoor trekking adventures, made even more special by the expertise and camaraderie of our female-led team.

Driving distance: 87.6 km (54.4 mi) – Time: 2:30 hours;

Trekking distance: 10.1 km (6.3 mi) – Time: 4:30 hours

The journey continues as we ascend the narrow Cusichaca Valley, passing through farmland and Andean villages where traditional lifestyles endure. Led by our expert female guide, whose deep knowledge of the region enhances the experience, we reach the community of Huayllabamba, an important waypoint along the route. From here, we join the original Inca Trail, navigating steep ascents through a rare native forest, home to a variety of bird species.

At our campsite in Llulluchapampa, just below the first pass, breathtaking views of Mt. Huayanay greet us. Here, the Andean cloud forest reveals its unique biodiversity, including the striking Quenua (Polyepis) trees, often called "Paper Trees" due to their distinctive peeling bark. With expert guidance, we gain a deeper appreciation of the landscape’s ecological and cultural significance, setting the stage for the challenges and rewards of the trail ahead.

Trekking distance: 11.7 km (7.3 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours

The day begins with a steady climb to Warmiwanusqa (Dead Woman’s) Pass at 4,215 metres, the highest point of the trek. From here, sweeping views of the landscape conquered so far provide a real sense of achievement. The pass, shaped like a reclining woman, sits nearly 1,800 metres above Machu Picchu. A rewarding descent follows, leading to the Pacaymayo River and a well-earned lunch.

The afternoon brings another ascent to the ruins of Runkuraqay and the second pass at 3,968 metres. From here, we follow the original Inca Trail down to Sayacmarca, where the first signs of the misty Andean cloud forest appear, home to unique wildlife. The trail along the ridge offers a gentler pace, with vibrant orchids, hummingbirds, and butterflies adding bursts of colour. As we pause to take it all in, breathtaking views of the Aobamba Valley and the snow-capped peak of Mt. Salkantay unfold, before we reach our campsite at Phuyupatamarca – the "village at the edge of the clouds" in Quechua.

Trekking distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) – Time: 8 hours

The long-awaited moment arrives as we catch our first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu citadel. Rising early, we set off from our campsite for a short hike to witness a breathtaking sunrise, accompanied by a steaming cup of tea from our dedicated porters. This vantage point is famed for offering some of the most spectacular sunrise views within the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

After breakfast, our journey continues along an ancient stone buttress, passing the remarkable ruins of Phuyupatamarca. Built over 500 years ago, its sophisticated irrigation system still functions today. From here, the trail descends steeply into the lush cloud forest, leading us to the beautifully preserved site of Wiñay Wayna, meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua.

For the next two hours, we follow the historic Inca Trail through mist-shrouded forest before reaching Intipunku, the Sun Gate. As the mist clears, the breathtaking sight of Machu Picchu unfolds before us. Taking in this unforgettable view, we then board a bus to the village of Machu Picchu, where we celebrate the journey’s end with a well-earned stay at El Mapi by Inkaterra.

Trekking distace: 10.9 km (6.8 m) – Time: 7-8 hours

Bus ride: 6.2 km (3.9 mi) – Time: 30 min

A half-hour bus journey transports us to the gates of Machu Picchu, setting the stage for a captivating three-hour guided tour of this ancient hilltop citadel. The exploration encompasses various sectors, allowing us to enter houses and temples, breathing life into these iconic ruins. Amidst the mystical ambiance, it feels as though we've stepped into a dream of ancient times. Wandering among the Inca's seamlessly integrated manmade structures in the lush natural surroundings leaves us with a profound sense of wonder and reverence, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In the afternoon, we return to the village, where the Vistadome train awaits to transport us back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, concluding our unforgettable journey through the remarkable Machu Picchu.

Trekking distance: visit Machu Picchu – Time: 3 hours

Bus ride to Machu Picchu (RT): 12.4 km (7.7 mi) – Time: 1 hour

Savour a final day at leisure in Cusco, soaking up the city's vibrant atmosphere. Take time for some last-minute souvenir shopping, explore bustling local markets, or revisit favourite landmarks at your own pace. Whether you uncover hidden treasures in artisan boutiques or simply wander the charming streets, this is the perfect opportunity to bid farewell to this captivating city.

Later, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your departure flight. If you're looking to extend your adventure, we can seamlessly arrange onward travel within Peru or to other extraordinary destinations across Latin America.