Empowering and connecting women through adventure is at the heart of everything we do at WHOA. Our special style of giving back is about sharing experiences with local women and their communities - it’s something that makes our adventures more meaningful for everyone! From our guide teams to the hotels we stay at, we go the distance to find amazing local partners and small businesses that share our values, which in turn creates the most authentic, sustainable and mutually beneficial travel experiences.

In Peru, the extraordinary Elizabeth Quillahuaman Manccassa aka Mama Sherpa is our head mountain guide leading our incredible local Peruvian crew. Having the opportunity to share this adventure with Mamma Sherpa, and see her homeland through her eyes, makes this adventure truly unique and unforgettable. Adventures are made by who you share them with, and we’re sure you'll quickly become one big family with our Peru crew!

While we like to dance and have fun on the trail, safety is the #1 priority at WHOA. We ensure that all of our mountain guides are properly licensed and have received training in first aid and wildlife mountain rescue. While adventures are inherently unpredictable, we make strategic decisions to minimize risk and take precautions to keep our team and adventurers out of harms way and as safe as possible.

We’re dedicated to protecting the places we love to explore. In 2019, we launched our sustainability initiatives that strive to lessen our impact and encourage our community to be more responsible travelers and eco warriors!

All in all, we’re committed to being socially responsible and sustainable. We’re dedicated to making sure our adventures have positive impacts on the locations we adventure to and our partners. For that reason, our adventures can and do vary depending on our partners needs, the season, and the abilities and desires of our group. In every case, we do due diligence to seek out local partners that share our values, and we work closely with them to understand their needs and create an experience that will truly be of value to them and you!

The Salkantay Trek is a stunning 74 kilometer trail that runs through the Vilcabamba Mountain Range in the Andes that leads trekkers towards Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. The route, a lesser known Incan Trail, was once used as an Incan Coca and Potato trade passage, and has fewer crowds than the Inca Trail. The views and vistas on the Salkantay trek are unparalleled, and this route was named among the 25 best treks in the world, by National Geographic Adventure. Needless to say, we couldn’t agree more!

We always plan all of our adventures during the dry season. That said, the dry season can be rainy (but rain means rainbows)! We’re firm believers that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear, so be sure to check out our Ultimate Peru + Machu Picchu Packing List before you head out. Whether you’re traveling with us in April, September, or any time in between, Peru is an extraordinary place to adventure!

Trekking in the Andes is a big physical and mental undertaking and training is essential for your safety and enjoyment! The Salkantay is a high altitude trek, and the terrain is full of ups and downs, so you need aerobic fitness to help your body function more efficiently, and strong and conditioned muscles to handle the stress of trekking all day. There’s no such thing as being too prepared – the fitter and stronger you are, the better your experience will be!

One of the best ways to train is to get out there and hike as much as possible. After all, that’s what you will be doing on the trail! Train at least a few days a week walking and/or jogging on inclines and declines to simulate the ups and downs on the Salkantay. If you don’t have trails accessible, practice uphill on a treadmill or stair climber, and downhill on a long staircase. Over the course of your training, gradually increase the time and distance, while maintaining a moderate pace. While you’re training, always wear and break in the boots and daypack you plan on bringing! This will help prevent blisters and get your shoulders, back and hips used to the points of contact and weight.

In addition to aerobic training, incorporate a day or two per week of strength training for your core, upper body and legs. This will increase your stamina and help you feel more comfortable lifting and carrying your pack. Do some stretching after each workout too – bonus points for weekly (or more!) yoga sessions.

Before you leave, you need to be able to hike comfortably for consecutive full days (approx. 8-10 hours), with elevation changes, while carrying a full daypack. If you have the opportunity to hike at high altitude, take advantage of it! It’s the best and only way to get used to the feeling of being active with less oxygen. As with all training, you should taper off and rest the last 2 weeks leading up to the big event, so your body has time to recover.

Investing the time to prepare yourself will make it that much easier to enjoy your time on the trail. If you currently have a not-so-healthy lifestyle, use the hike as your motivation to change! Eat healthier. Drink less. Don’t smoke. Get more sleep. Don’t worry. Be happy! And remember, physical training is just one part of getting in shape. Having a positive attitude will work wonders for you when you get tired and need that extra boost!

If you’d like a personalized training plan and coaching to support your journey, reach out to our partner personal trainer and adventure coach Becki Rupp of Trailblazer Wellness. She’ll help you build strength and stamina for hiking (and dance parties)! Check out her plans at Trailblazer Wellness and email her at becki@trailblazerwellness.com for a free initial consultation.

There is a healthy mix of solo travelers and those who come with a friend, but the greatest thing about a WHOA adventure is that we walk in as strangers and leave as family. If you're traveling solo, we'll pair you up with another solo traveler to room with before the trek and tent buddy with on the trail. You'll be amazed at how quickly bonds are formed between our adventure family!