February 28th - March 14th 2025
Organised Adventures
For
Women

 A Journey from the Pacific coast to the High Andes and Machu Picchu
Embark on an amazing adventure with me through Peru, diving deep into its intriguing history,
colourful culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Let's explore together! 

The legacy of the Inca Empire, which ruled over Peru from the 15th to the 16th century, is evident in the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. This archaeological wonder, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, offers a glimpse into the advanced engineering and spiritual beliefs of the Incas. 

Peru's vibrant culture is a tapestry woven with indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial influences. Festivals such as Inti Raymi celebrate ancient sun worship, whilst music played on traditional Andean instruments echoes through the streets. Peruvian cuisine, known for its fusion of flavors and use of indigenous ingredients, tantalises the taste buds with dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. 

Peru's varied landscapes house a treasure trove of biodiversity. The Amazon rainforest teems with life; from colourful birds to elusive creatures like jaguars. In the Andes, llamas and alpacas roam the high-altitude plains providing wool for traditional textiles. Along the coastal deserts, seabirds like condors soar overhead, the Ballestas Islands boast Humboldt penguins and Blue footed boobies and the Pacific waters are rich with marine life.

Guaranteed Departure
Maximum group size: 12
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Highlights:   15 days / 14 nights
  • Lima: Peru's vibrant capital, renowned for its rich food culture, captivating history, and dynamic cultural scene. 
  • The Ballestas Islands, famed for their diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty.
  • Huacachina oasis, an enchanting desert oasis surrounded by picturesque sand dunes.
  • The Nazca lines: mysterious geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, shrouded in
           intrigue and ancient secrets.
  • The journey from Nazca to Cusco: Getting off the beaten track amid stunning
​​           Andean scenery. 
  • Cusco: Ancient Inca capital and gateway to the sacred valley.
  • Ollantaytambo: the best surviving example of Inca city planning.
  • Quechua Community Homestay 
  • Quarry Trail Hike: Spectacular views, local villages and no other tourists (probably!)
  • Aguas Caliente: The gateway to Machu Picchu with stunning mountain scenery
  • ​Machu Picchu: The iconic Inca citadel
Price per person $4315.00 CAD *
based on two sharing and a minimum of 8 passengers 

Single supplement $615.00 CAD
(limited availability)

Hold your space with a $400 non-refundable deposit.

Please note that the industry standard for a small group tour typically ranges from 16 to 22 people.
At WGT, our tours always maintain a true "small" group size, with a maximum of 12 women ​

DETAILED ​ITINERARY
Peru - hosted small group, women-only tour
15 days / 14 nights

Day 1: Lima
​Meals Included: Welcome dinner

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, the "City of Kings".

Peru's capital, Lima, was officially founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings. However, settlements had already existed in the valley before the Inca period. The city was constructed on the site of an existing palace and temples that originally belonged to the local chief, who had to relocate to make way for the new city and it's occupants.

This evening, we meet our local guide and head to our welcome dinner at La Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, one of the top restaurants in Lima.
It has a unique setting overlooking pre-Incan ruins that once served as an important administrative and ceremonial center, many centuries ago.
The restaurant specialises in the diverse flavors of Peru by combining traditional Peruvian tastes, local ingredients, and modern cooking techniques.

Day 2: Lima
​Meals Included: Breakfast

We spend today exploring Lima with a local guide.

Our first stop is the "Pucllana Pyramid" before heading to the Unesco World Heritage Historic Centre of Lima. We'll visit landmarks like the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace,  City Hall, and the Convent of San Francisco; a seventeenth-century complex featuring a church, a convent, and a square.

After delving into the catacombs beneath the church we venture off the beaten path to Alameda de Chabuca Granda, a local favourite spot. Here, we'll sample some of Lima's beloved sweet treats from vibrant street food stalls, including Peruvian donuts and mazamorra morada, a porridge made from purple corn.

Finally, we move on to the modern district of Miraflores. We will visit Larco Mar, a stylish shopping mall perched on a stunning cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and the iconic "Parque del Amor", before ending back at our hotel.

Day 3: Lima - Paracas - Ica
​Meals Included: Breakfast

We set off early from Lima towards the port of Paracas, a four to five-hour drive. 

Our initial destination is the Ballestas Islands, also known as the poor man's Galapagos, famous for their abundant seabird populations. During our boat ride we'll see the striking pre-Inca Candelabra geoglyph, colonies of sea lions, fur seals, and a diverse range of bird species such as cormorants, pelicans and Peruvian blue-footed boobies.

After the island exploration, we take a short drive to Ica, the heart of Peru's wine region, where we will spend the night in a desert oasis by the picturesque Huacachina lagoon.

Day 4: Ica - Nazca
​Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, you can explore the lagoon's surroundings or perhaps take an optional excursion: a dune buggy ride or sandboarding.*

After visiting the Huacachina oasis, we journey towards Nazca.

Nazca’s origins date back to the 2nd century BC, and thanks to the dry desert conditions, mummies, textiles, ceramics and other relics have been remarkably well-preserved, providing archaeologists with clear snapshots of the highly developed, pre-Inca civilisation.

Head to the viewing tower, or take an optional flight over the lines for even better views! 

* Note, the flight over the Nazca lines may impact the length of time we have in the oasis.  One day before the over flight, the airline will inform us of the time that we should be at the aerodrome as it depends on the weather conditions and the authorisation of the local authorities. 

Day 5: Nazca - Abancay (2,378m)
​Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we depart from the coastal desert and venture high into the Andes on a remarkable journey.

Recent improvements to the Abancay/Chalhuanca road have made this once remote area more accessible to travellers and whilst the journey is long it offers awe-inspiring views. So, download a podcast or audio book and enjoy the journey!

​En route, we pass through the country's largest vicuña reserve, where we may catch sight of these smaller wild cousins of llamas as well as Guanacos.

The highest point on our journey is at Negro Mayu, a pass towering at 15,092 feet (4,600 meters) above sea level.

Upon reaching Abancay, located in the Eternal Springtime Valley, we will spend the evening resting and acclimatising. 

NOTE: The distance from Nazca to Cusco is 660km and we will divide that journey over 2 days.
Taking a sustainable approach and travelling overland allows us to visit parts of Peru that most tourists don't see, and we avoid having to backtrack to Lima (7 hours by road) for a flight or taking the much longer route via Arequipa. Additionally, opting for the land route provides a gradual ascent to Cusco, aiding in better acclimatisation compared to a direct flight to 3400m.

Day 6: Abancay - Cusco (3,400m)
​Meals Included: Breakfast

We continue our journey to Cusco, making a couple of stops en route:
  • Stop 1: Located ~ 50km from Abancay is the Sayhuite Stone. This monolithic stone features intricate carvings, possibly depicting Inca hydraulic designs or a topographical model, offering insights into their advanced technology.
  • Stop 2:  Another 75km along the road to Cusco lie the Tarawasi ruins. Located in the Limatambo Valley, they are notable for their exceptional stonework, including a ceremonial platform, terraces, and finely cut stone walls, revealing the Inca's ceremonial and agricultural practices.

As we traverse through the Andes, the glaciated peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the descent into the Apurimac River valley showcase the striking diversity of this rugged landscape.

Cusco is South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and served as the capital of the Inca Empire for two centuries prior to becoming the initial capital established by the Spanish. Present-day Cusco beautifully embodies a blend of both cultures.

After check in at our hotel, the remainder of the day is free.

(Todays journey will take about 6-7 hours, including stops.)

Day 7: Cusco (3,400m)
​Meals Included: Breakfast


​
​This morning we will take a guided walking tour of Cusco.

We'll start with an organic coffee tasting at Florencia y Fortunata café; a social enterprise that seeks to make visible the work of women in the world of specialty coffee. Their coffee comes from different parts of Peru, especially Cusco and Cajamarca. (https:// florenciayfortunata.com/en)

The tour continues to the Stone of Twelve Angles at the Inca Roca Palace, and the infamous Qoricancha temple, considered the most important temple of the Inca Empire, before heading to the heart of the city, “la Plaza de Armas”.

Afternoon at leisure.

Day 8: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo
​Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

We will travel through some of the most scenic spots in the Sacred Valley as we take a private guided trip.

Our initial destination is the ancient salt ponds close to the village of Maras, followed by lunch at UNU restaurant. This restaurant is situated in a picturesque location beside the Tiobamba church, offering a stunning view of the surrounding landscape from this remote setting.

In the afternoon we continue the excursion to Moray, where huge circular agricultural terraces were built by the Incas on limestone sinks served to plant various crops, before ending at our hotel in Ollanyatambo.

Day 9: Ollantaytambo - Quechua Community
​Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning we leave Ollantaytambo for an Awamaki Quechua community.

Upon arrival, we will be received with a coca mate for acclimatization and introduced to the families of the community before participating in a natural dyeing demonstration and fabric master class.
After lunch we'll enjoy a medicinal plants workshop, where we will learn all about the traditional local plants and their healing properties.

Our bed tonight will be in a homestay in the village: rustic and comfortable private room accommodations (shared bathrooms). Throughout, we will share typical meals with our host family.

Additionally we can hike to the alpaca herding grounds or glacial lakes above the villages, or for a gentler option, choose a walk through the village or more in-depth weaving lessons. 

"Awamaki’s program in sustainable tourism strives to create opportunities for artisan women in rural Andean communities to host visitors and benefit from tourism on their own terms. We support our artisan partners in starting and improving their own tourism programs by offering training in tourism market understanding, cooking for tourists, and demonstrating the weaving process. The artisans create a rotation system to benefit all cooperative members and set hours and days of availability, and work with Awamaki to set guidelines for photography in their community. Awamaki’s sustainable tourism program ensures artisans benefit from the tourism that they host regardless of whether they sell weavings."

Day 10: Quechua Community - Ollantaytambo
​Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch 


​This morning we head on a guided hike with a female representative of the community and a local guide.

We pay tribute to the Mother Earth, “Pachamama”, and learn how to make an Earth oven Pachamanca lunch.

After lunch, we return to Ollantaytambo and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 11: Quarry Trek
​Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

(NOTE: A non trekking / non camping option is available, please ask for details)​

​During the next three days we’ll be hiking the Quarry Trail:
The Inca Quarry Trail is within the ability of anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The hike is 26 km long and its highest pass is at 4450 m above sea level. Horses will carry our gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping, and the third night we’ll stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.  

Our trek today takes us first to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill, where we’ll climb to the top for the incredible views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several sacred tombs in the area, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your leader and even see some of the original structure crafted from wood and leather. We then carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack.
​
We'll arrive at the campsite, 3700 m above sea level, around lunchtime. After lunch we set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.  

Day 12: Quarry Trek
​Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This is the most challenging but most rewarding day of the hike.

​A 3hr walk takes us to the top of the first pass, known as Puccaqasa (approx. 4370 meters). After enjoying the views of the valley below we walk down for 30min to our lunch spot.

Rested and full of energy again we take on a 2hr hike to the highest pass of the trek: Kuychicassa (4450 meters).

​From here we head down for 2hr to a site the Incas called Inti Punku, (meaning Sun Gate) with imposing views over the valley below and the Veronica Mountain raising over the horizon.

Our campsite is stones throw away at Choquetacarpo (3600 metres). 

Day 13: Quarry Trek
​Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today’s hike will all be downhill.

The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Inca were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday we come to the end of the trek in the cobbled streets of Ollanyatambo village.

We then board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, a modern little town close to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys that visitors can experience in Peru.

Aguas Calientes is where we meet up with any travellers in our group who didn't hike.
In the evening we will visit the hot springs to soak our muscles and gather as a group for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 14: Machu Picchu - Cusco
​Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

After a good night's sleep, we take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6:00am.

The Lost City of the Incas is one of those genuinely magical places, and your first glimpse of these ruins in the mist is something to remember. The site is perched high in the Andes, surrounded by verdant cloud forest, with the river Urubamba running through the gorge far below.

The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. We will take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters and can try to imagine how it would have looked during the height of the Inca empire.

After our tour, it's time to catch the bus back into town and enjoy some spare time to eat lunch and a look around.

In the afternoon, we take the tourist train to Ollantaytambo and make the rest of the journey to Cusco by private vehicle (~2 hours).

In the evening, we will head to our farewell dinner at a beautiful restaurant facing Cusco main square.

Note: According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences, exiting and reentering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

Day 15: Cusco
​Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour comes to an end today and there are no activities planned.
​
If you would like to extend your stay in Cusco, or beyond,  I would be more than be happy to assist in booking extra nights and additional activities. 

Included:

Accommodation: 11 nights 3* Hotel, 1 night homestay, 2 nights camping 
Included Meals:  26 Meals -  Breakfast x14, Lunch x 6, Dinner x 6
Airport transfer on an individual basis: Arrival and departure.
Transport: Air-conditioned private vehicle transfers throughout, local train 
Leader/Guide: Local English Speaking Leader throughout.
Tour host: Dr Angela Clark
Private WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers, share travel tips, ask questions and engage in discussions.
Curated suggested resources, including books, movies and podcasts that will enhance your understanding of the destination.
Personalised Digital Itinerary 
​Tote Bag - unique to this trip

Included Activities: 
  • Welcome dinner
  • Lima city tour including entry to the San Francisco Catacombs and street food snacks
  • Ballestas Island Excursion (shared service)
  • Huacachina Oasis visit with tour leader
  • Coffee tasting at Florencia y Fortunata cafe
  • Cusco walking tour
  • Qoricancha entrance tickets
  • Full day sacred valley tour: Maras salt ponds & Moray terraces
  • Lunch at Unu Maras restaurant
  • Awamaki community visit program
  • Quarry trail hike, including porters and chefs
  • Hot springs visit in Aguas Calientes
  • Machu Picchu guided tour, including entrance ticket
  • Farewell dinner

​Entrance/Admission Fees: Where applicable with included activities
Rooming Requirements: Twin Share

Exclusions:

  • International Flights
  • Airport departure tax
  • ​Any visas required
  • Services not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Late check out at hotels
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Drinks with included lunches and dinners
  • Tips for leaders, guide and driver
  • Expenditure of personal nature
  • Personal Insurance
  • Optional activities
Price per person $4315.00 CAD *
based on two sharing and a minimum of 8 passengers (limited to a maximum of 12).

Single supplement $615.00 CAD (limited availability)

Hold your space with a $400 non-refundable deposit.


* ~US$3,200 / GB£2500 / AUS$4,700 / €2,900
Approximate currency conversion provided for reference only, all payments must be made in CAD$

Travelling Solo? I will match you with a roommate or you can opt for the single supplement

Machu Picchu Special information

​Due to safety reasons the final checkpoint for all trekkers opens at 5 am. The estimated arrival time at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate for Inca Trail trekkers is approximately 7.30 am. For Quarry Trail trekkers and train travellers, the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 6:00am. The estimated arrival time is between 6:30 and 7:00 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, so it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.

Visitors are not permitted to explore Machu Picchu without a Machu Picchu guide and must follow set routes within the site. This trip includes one guided visit of Machu Picchu that lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. 

General information

Picture
  • This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!
  • Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. Certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude, please discuss these options with your doctor.
  • This trip involves a lot of walking to see the sites and on the the Quarry Trail there'll be more strenuous hiking.
  • The trip is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Please bring comfortable footwear suitable for hiking and trekking poles.
  • For those who trek the Quarry Trail, you'll be camping with basic facilities.
  • This tour is a partnership with Intrepid Travel. A certified B Corporation company and all round purveyor of "good trips only"

Optional Nazca Lines Flight (CAD$155 per person, must be pre-booked)

The Nazca Lines, situated in the desert plateau stretching between Nazca and Palpa in southern Peru, are intricate geoglyphs and geometric line drawings etched into the Peruvian desert. These ancient markings have sparked numerous theories, ranging from connections to ancient deities, possible alien visitations, a celestial calendar devised by a past civilization, to being used for ritual purposes linked to astronomy or economic functions within clans. During a flight over the area, you can admire the precise shapes of animals, plants, objects, and gigantic humanoid figures formed by distinct lines.

Flights over the Nazca lines are by light small aircraft and last ~30 minutes.
Flights over the Nazca Lines turn sharply to facilitate optimum viewing and are not recommended for those who experience severe motion sickness.
Additionally, the planes for the over flight of the Nazca Lines are small (4, 6, 8 and max 12 seats) and their weight capacity is limited. Therefore, maximum weight per passenger is 120KG, if a passenger weighs more than 120KG, they are required to pay an additional fee of +50% per person.

​GO TRAVEL WITH ANGELA CLARK
Independent Travel Advisor

[email protected]
+1(877) 987-4770 ext. 1119
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Photographs copyright Angela Clark

​Seller of Travel: Alberta 60747245 - ​Site created by Voyager Websites