Trip Overview

Journey with AdventureWomen into the unknown on an adventure that brings you face-to-face with the ancient and modern cultures of the Amazonian Basin and Peru, and to the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu!

Arrive in Peru and its legendary Land of the Inca! Exhilarating, awesome, breathtaking, and unforgettable, Peru is an adventure destination like no other. Meet your fellow AdventureWomen in the capital city of Lima to begin your exciting adventure. Get to know your Peruvian guide who will showcase the area’s art, history, and architecture.

Lima, Cusco & the Sacred Valley

Lima’s Larco Museum houses an unrivaled collection of pre-Columbian art, which will deepen your understanding of Ancient Peruvian history. Put a face to that history with a visit to Casa de Aliaga, the oldest continuously inhabited home in the Americas. In Cusco, meet with Nilda, the founder of the Center for Traditional Textiles, an NGO preserving Andean heritage and supporting women in need. You and your fellow travelers will marvel at the traditional “Mother Earth ceremony” performed by a Pacco, or Andean priest.

In the breathtaking Sacred Valley, you’ll visit the native Cuyuni, accompanying them to a potato harvest. You’ll feel at one with the earth and the women sharing this experience as you dig your hands into the soil. Spend time asking the women about their lives and sharing about your life at home with them. A guided tour of the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu will leave you awestruck, and a second sunrise visit offers incredible photo opportunities. The majestic Cathedral of Cusco, filled with stunning examples of Mestizo art, gives a glimpse of Peru’s colonial legacy.

Amazon & Madre de Dios River

Next, you’ll fly south to the Amazon! From Puerto Maldonado, a boat ride down the Madre de Dios River brings you to the lush eaves of the rainforest. Spot dozens of fascinating species on a guided trail walk through the Reserva Amazonica. Look for rare nocturnal species on a twilight river excursion; close your eyes and take in the sounds along the river: the calls of owls, capybaras, and nightjars ring out through the darkness. A wooden canoe trip across Lake Sandoval offers chances to spot howler monkeys, macaws, anacondas, and endangered giant river otters.

The suspension bridges joining the treetops in the remarkable Inkaterra Canopy Walkway give a literal bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy (ask one of your new friends to join you for stunning photo ops… and to keep your nerve up)! Tour the Gamitana Farm to get a glimpse into local farming methods, and visit the Hacienda Concepcion, where you’ll learn about the remarkable uses of over 200 local plant species. A visit to the Butterfly House caps off your journey.

Experience a land like no other on this journey to Machu Picchu and into the heart of the Amazon!

Main Attractions

  • Explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
  • Discover the local market and the Temple of the Sun in Cusco
  • Meet the founder of an NGO that preserves Andean heritage through weaving while supporting women in need
  • Spot wildlife on guided trail walks and boat rides through a natural reserve in the Amazon
  • Walk suspension bridges through the Amazon canopy for a literal birds-eye view of this unique ecosystem

What You'll See and Do

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Canoeing
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Historical Sites
  • Natural History
  • Photography
  • Sightseeing
  • Train
  • Walking
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Trip Itinerary

The AdventureWomen itineraries are subject to change depending on the chosen departure date. To view a specific departure itinerary, simply click on the "Browse Detailed Itinerary" button above and select your date.

Day 1

Arrive in Lima
Welcome to Peru and its legendary Land of the Inca! Sheltered by the soaring peaks of Los Andes, forgotten ruins lie in wait of discovery. Ancient whitewashed villages give a glimpse into mountain life as it has been lived for centuries. Exhilarating, awesome, breathtaking, and unforgettable, Peru is an adventure destination like no other.

During your adventure, you’ll get to know your Peruvian guide, who will help you discover the local art, history, architecture, and landscapes. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

Upon arrival into Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel. There will be one group transfer provided (time TBD). Transfers will be available for other arrival times at an additional cost. If you plan to arrive early in Lima and you are interested in additional guided excursions, please reach out to us about options. Also, make sure you get a good night’s sleep before your exciting adventure begins tomorrow.

Meals on Your Own

Overnight: Manto Hotel Lima – MGallery

Day 2

Lima
Rest up and relax after your flights into Peru. Meet your guide, Ambassador, and group late this morning for introductions and a trip orientation.

Visit the Larco Herrera Museum with the museum curator. Founded in 1926, the museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries that provide an excellent overview on 3,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. A special museum curator will guide you on this visit to help you understand Pre-Inca Peru, and begin giving the group a perspective on what you will see in Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Enjoy lunch at the museum.

Casa de Aliaga was built in 1536 on a plot of land given by Francisco Pizarro, leader of the Spanish expedition in Peru, to Geronimo de Aliaga, his main lieutenant. The de Aliaga family members still live in the house to this day, making it the oldest continuously inhabited house in the Americas. Your hostess knows most of the secrets of the house, and she will take you on a journey back 500 years, intertwining Peruvian history with her family’s own history.

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman in your trip is excited to explore Peru!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Manto Hotel Lima – MGallery

Day 3

Lima to the Sacred Valley
Enjoy magnificent views of the rugged Andes Mountains during your one-hour flight.

Have a special gourmet picnic lunch in front of the beautiful Huaypo Lagoon.

Take a hands-on weaving class with a master weaver. Textile production has profound historic and cultural significance in the Andes, and this project is part of a highly successful National Geographic Society-supported initiative to rescue and revive this way of life. Women are the owners and drivers of this activity, and you will see how their gregarious processes of spinning, gathering and use of natural dyes, setting up of looms, and the creation of designs, are fundamental to the family and social bonds of these highland communities.

A Pacco (Andean priest), the link between the spiritual and earthly words will conduct the Tribute to the Mother Earth ceremony. This is an act of reciprocity towards Pachamama (Mother Earth), a deity associated with fertility. Dinner is on your own tonight at your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hacienda Urubamba

Day 4

Sacred Valley
To visit the native community of Cuyuni is to literally travel back in time. Here, natives are, in many ways, still living as they’ve been for centuries. The proud villagers will show you how they have managed to survive in such extremely adverse conditions: over 13,000 feet above sea level, where only wild grass grows naturally. Spend some time harvesting potatoes with the locals, surrounded by Guinea pigs and llamas.

On this very special day, the community leaders will accompany the group as you learn not only about their daily lives and activities but also about their ancestral traditions that date to pre-Inca times. Enjoy lunch in the community.

Have dinner at your leisure and relax at your hotel this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hacienda Urubamba

Day 5

Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
This morning is the beginning of a fantastic journey by train to Machu Picchu, “Lost City of the Incas.” Travel by the narrow-gauge switchback train through the fertile valleys of the Andes and along the sacred Urubamba River.

Luggage Note for the Train: There are no large suitcases allowed on the train, so you will have to take your small, collapsible overnight bag or your daypack with you on the train for the two overnights at Machu Picchu. You can leave your large suitcase at the hotel, and all suitcases will be transported to your hotel in Cusco for when you return from Machu Picchu.

Enjoy a guided tour of the famous ruins. Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. While the Inca people certainly used the Andean mountaintop, erecting many stone structures from the early 1400s, legends and myths indicate that Machu Picchu was revered as a sacred place far earlier than the Inca times.

Enjoy lunch at a delicious restaurant in town.

Your hotel has many optional activities, including walking tours, bird watching, and a spa, as well as lovely places to relax this afternoon.

Enjoy dinner as a group this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Day 6

Machu Picchu to Cusco
For those with advance permits (an additional $25), hike up the steep peek of Huayna Picchu for a view of the ruins from above. Let us know if you’d like to book the permit for this hike – they sell out quickly, so the sooner the better!

For those who choose not to hike Huayna Picchu, wander around the citadel of Machu Picchu, exploring and admiring every corner of this incredible site.

Have lunch in Aguas Calientes on your own. Meet back at the Pueblo Hotel this afternoon before boarding the train for return to Cusco.

Head out to one of Cusco’s excellent restaurants for dinner on your own this evening.

Breakfast

Overnight: Palacio del Inka

Day 7

Cusco
Head out for a tour of Cusco today. Start with the best view of the city from atop Cerro Pukamoqo, a natural scenic overlook from which the outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco, a massive white statue of Christ, embrace the city. Stop at the Fortress of Sacsayhuamán, a structure of enormous stones which are carved and fit together with incredible precision. Return to the lower part of the city, stopping at the Mercado de San Pedro. As the main street market, this will give you an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco. Wander through and admire the sights, aromas, tastes, and colors of the region – try a juice made from local fruit, the typical local bread, Andean cheese, and the best Peruvian chocolate.

Just a few blocks away, discover the Korikancha, or the Golden Temple, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. Finish your exploration with a stroll through the Plaza de Armas, the main square, where you will visit the Cathedral, famous for its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Enjoy lunch and the afternoon on your own.

Enjoy tonight’s dinner where you will enjoy delicious food, an interesting wine menu, a cozy non-pretentious setting, and the warm attention of their smiling all-Peruvian staff!

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Palacio del Inka

Day 8

Cusco to the Amazon
Head to the airport after breakfast to connect with your flight to Puerto Maldonado. When you arrive, transfer by boat along the Madre de Dios River. It is about a 45-minute ride to your lodge. Settle into your beautiful cabaña and enjoy lunch in the dining room.

Take a guided walk along the Trail system, into the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica natural area, where you will discover the Amazon Basin. This trail offers an excellent introduction to the forest environment, winding past impressive trees such as the Shihuahuaco, and the strangely beautiful strangler fig, offering excellent opportunities for bird watching and observing exotic insects.

Enjoy a boat ride on the Madre de Dios river. Witness the transformation from a diurnal to a nocturnal world: animals and birds of the daytime give way to species specially adapted to the night. As you enjoy their paradise, you will learn about their habits, while you search for nightjars, owls, capybaras, and up to three different caiman species.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

Day 9

The Amazon
Visit the Lake Sandoval excursion into the Tambopata National Reserve. Glide in a wooden canoe across a beautiful, mirror-like oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter, as well as red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans.

Walk along the Canopy Walkway. Ascending the first tower, 29 meters above the forest ground, you begin your encounter with the treetop realm. For more than a quarter of a mile, you will literally walk through the rainforest canopy on a suspension bridge network linking eight observation platforms. During this hour-and-a-half expedition, be on the lookout for colorful toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys, and sloths. If you wish you may extend your excursion and watch the sunset from one of the towers.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

Day 10

The Amazon
Enjoy a trip to Gamitana Creek, located 25 minutes by boat from the lodge. For one and a half hours, explore the rainforest along the banks of a winding, dark-water creek that is home to many piranhas, caimans, turtles, and birds, until the Sanipanga landing point. Navigate your way back downstream, observing the abundant flora and fauna along the way. You will return to Gamitana Farm to take a short tour to learn how local farmers grow fruits and vegetables.

Enjoy the Hacienda Concepcion excursion, with over 200 different plant species, and learn about the uses and benefits of local flora. This is followed by a 30-minute canoe trip to look for turtles, sun grebes, nightjars, and exotic herons.

Head out for a two-hour night excursion. Venture into the forest and experience the mystery of the animal activity that awakens in the rainforest after dark, enhancing animal resources to create new adaptation mechanisms. Listen to nocturnal forest sounds and spot species that only emerge at night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

Day 11

Depart Peru
Take a boat transfer back to the airport in Puerto Maldonado. Enjoy a visit to the Butterfly House in Puerto Maldonado. Peru boasts the greatest variety of butterflies in the world – 3,700 known species. Many of these can be seen at the Butterfly House.

Take your early afternoon flight to Lima.

Take advantage of having a hotel room just across the street from the airport. Shower, repack, and grab dinner on your own at the hotel restaurant.

When you’re ready for your flight home, say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends and walk across the street to check in at the Lima airport.

Breakfast

Day Room: Costa del Sol Wyndham Airport

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Traveling to Peru



Arrival and Departure Information

June 4, 2025 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive in Lima, Peru (LIM) on June 4, 2025 anytime after 3:00pm (there will be one group transfer, timing TBD based on arrival flights. Private transfers available at an additional cost)

Depart: Depart Lima, Peru (LIM) on June 14, 2025 anytime after 6pm.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible in booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $55-$110 (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates with at least two blank-facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Active. Our Active adventures get you on your feet. You should be in good physical condition and be prepared to hike for up to five hours, multiple days in a row, on uneven surfaces with some steep ascents and descents. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Peru.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800. You can transfer your deposit to another trip with no additional fee if you notify us within 120 days of the original trip departure date. We can hold your deposit for up to six months as a credit. Failure to book a new trip within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplement Health and Safety Form

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

June 4, 2025 Departure Final Payment Due Date: March 6, 2025

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Group transfer on arrival day
  • Domestic flights (priced separately from the main trip)
  • Fully-guided sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees
  • Professional, English-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • English-speaking local guides in each location
  • Drinking water in large jugs to refill personal bottles
  • Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, wait staff, and luggage porters

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Peru
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Accommodations

Manto Hotel Lima - MGallery

The Manto Hotel – MGallery is in the heart of one of the commercial and entertainment centers of Lima. It is just a short walk to the best restaurants in the area and is a comfortable place to start your Peru adventure.

Amenities:
Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer; electricity; Wifi

Hacienda Urubamba

Hacienda Urubamba is a contemporary hacienda-style hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Immersed in the countryside in a gorgeous area, Hacienda Urubamba spans approximately 100 acres surrounded by imposing green mountains. All the rooms feature breathtaking views of the valley, immersing you in open space, serenity, and relaxing solitude.

Amenities:
Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer; electricity; Wifi

Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Located in the heart of Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, Inkaterra’s boutique Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an Andean Garden of Eden - one of the world’s most appealing boutique hotels. A fusion of calmness, comfort, Andean style and architecture, its natural beauty spreads over 12 acres of low-rise cottages, plantations, and wild forest interspersed by stone pathways. Hummingbirds frolic in a private cloud-forest paradise, while you experience an authentic barefoot luxury hotel at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Amenities:
Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer; electricity; Wifi

Palacio del Inka

A storied mansion dating back nearly five centuries, the Libertador Palacio del Inka stands in the historic center of Cuzco. Directly across from the Koricancha, it is a five-minute walk from the main square and less than a mile from an array of museums, markets, and restaurants. Uniting the past and present, Palacio del Inka Spa presents indigenous treatments and an indoor therapy pool. The exquisitely appointed guest rooms combine Peruvian art and handcrafted furnishings with contemporary amenities.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

An eco-luxury lodge in front of Madre de Dios River, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica has 35 wooden cabanas inspired in the Ese’Eja culture. 540 bird species have been inventoried in hotel grounds, deep in the rainforest. There is no internet here, so enjoy your time off the grid.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer; electricity

Costa del Sol Wyndham Airport

Linked directly to Jorge Chavéz International Airport and offering upscale amenities for discerning travelers, this hotel offers the ultimate in convenience and comfort, whether you’re exploring Peru’s capital or just passing through.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer; electricity; Wifi

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686