This isn’t your average walk in the Andes; this is Peru with purpose and passion. We’ll take the legendary Salkantay Trek, a more immersive route that carries us from high mountain passes down into lush jungle, finishing at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. What makes this journey truly special is who you experience it with: our women-led guide team, who know these mountains deeply and warmly welcome us into their community at the conclusion of the trek. From early morning coffee on family farms to Pachamama offerings beneath Andean skies, cultural connection is woven into each day. We’ll move through landscapes that feel both ancient and alive together, and you’ll feel your confidence expand with every step. With sustainability and community support built into the experience, this is more than a trek. It’s an adventure that’ll stay with you long after the boots come off.

Our Peru + Machu Picchu Adventure will take you off the beaten path and show you some of the most incredible things in this beautiful part of the world! This is a great trip for anyone with a big sense of adventure (both newer and experienced hikers welcome!) who loves combining their hiking with a side of history and mystery. While the days are long, and the altitude will likely affect you, the legendary views, ever-changing landscape and sense of accomplishment will make it all worth it! Please read the itinerary for the full scoop and what to expect on this once in a lifetime adventure.

We rated our Peru and Machu Picchu trip a 4 out of 5 on the WHOA Adventure difficulty scale because you’ll be at high altitude for the majority of the trip, and there are several long hiking days with lots of elevation gain and loss.

Right out of the gate on this adventure, you’ll be at high altitude (Cusco sits at 11,150 ft), so be prepared to take things slow and drink lots of water from the get go. We even recommend arriving a day early if you can, to start getting acclimatized. On Day 2 of our trek we’ll reach our highest altitude of 15,091 ft and you’ll certainly be feeling the elevation at that point! The good news is, it’s all downhill from there. As we descend towards Machu Picchu, oxygen and energy levels will rise with the temps!

Peru has some of the richest biodiversity in the world, and you’ll see that first hand over the course of this 4 day trek. On the first night of the trek we’ll be sleeping in a mountain valley right at the base of a glacier and temperatures will dip well below freezing (we regularly have snow)! By Day 3, we’ll be in the lush Amazon rainforest and need to be prepared for the rain (and rainbows) that come with it. Bottom line, be ready to embrace what Mother Nature throws our way, put on another layer and dance when the weather throws us a curveball. Remember, the difference between an adventure and an ordeal is your attitude!

As with all WHOA Adventures, the better trained you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be. Stay active, break in your gear (especially those boots!), and start conditioning your legs now for steep and steady uphills AND downhills. Prep yourself as much as possible - your future self will thank you! Looking for guidance? Start with our expert designed 6 step training guide.

Here at WHOA, we’re in the adventure business, but above all, we're in the human business. It’s our adventure family around the world that sets our trips apart. In Peru, the person behind the magic is Elizabeth. We met Elizabeth (who we lovingly nicknamed Mama Sherpa) in 2017 when she was a guide who had the dream of starting her own trekking business that could help lift up and give back to her community of women. It’s been such a joy to grow alongside her and watch her thrive as a guide and entrepreneur in a male-dominated space! From the second you meet Elizabeth, you'll see how her wild, wondrous spirit and extensive knowledge of the region make for a truly unique experience.

One of the highlights of all WHOA treks is when Elizabeth opens her heart to all of our adventurers and invites the WHOA family to her home village of Chinchero. Here we get to hear their stories, share a homegrown meal, and see their traditional weaving techniques. Elizabeth embodies strength and leadership and the magic of Peru! One thing is for sure—the best way to see Peru is with her and her team by your side. Read more about her history with WHOA, and that time she climbed Kilimanjaro with us!

Arrive at the Cusco Airport (CUZ) where we’ll be there to give you a warm WHOA welcome and take you to the hotel. You're coming into a high altitude, 11,150 ft (3,400 m), so it’s important to take it easy to let your body adjust throughout the day. Drink lots of water, coca tea (the locals swear by the stuff), and take the afternoon to rest and roam around the beautiful city that is Cusco. (We recommend hitting up the colorful, bustling San Pedro Market for an authentic taste of the Cusqueña culture.) At night we’ll meet for an authentic Peruvian meal (yum!), meet our guides, and get briefed for our epic trek.

Included Meals: Bienvenida Dinner
Elevation: 11,150 ft
Stay: Muru or Amaru Colonial or similar

All distances are approximate! We highly recommend our adventurers to arrive at least one day early if possible! This will give you time to settle in, get rested, acclimatize in Cusco, and have a buffer in case of flight delays or lost luggage. There will be detailed information on how to book extra nights at our partner hotel in the Adventure HUB that you’ll receive before your adventure.

We'll leave Cusco first thing in the morning and take a scenic drive through the Andes to Soraypampa - where our 4 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins! The Salkantay Trail is a custom-designed, off the beaten path alternative to the classic Inca Trail that provides more spectacular vistas, privacy and authenticity than the traditional route. Oh and, did we mention that National Geographic Adventure named it as the coolest way to trek to Machu Picchu?! After eating a homemade breakfast, we'll begin trekking to our first camp, Soirococha (14,400 ft), where we'll have the evening to enjoy the gigantic glaciers and majestic mountains surrounding us!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Van Time: 4 hours
Elevation: 12,800 - 14,400 ft / 3,900 - 4,400 m
Hike Time: 4+ hours
Hike Distance: ~5.5 mi / 9 km
Stay: Soirococha Camp

This is one of the most humbling and physically challenging days, but it's also one of the most beautiful and rewarding! We'll reach the highest point on our trek, the Salkantay Pass (15,100 ft), as we hike between the Salkantay (20,550 ft) and Humantay (19,650 ft) glaciers. It's a long day, but there'll be plenty of time to stop for photo ops (and dance parties) before traversing the valley to camp.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 14,400 - 15,100 - 9,350 ft / 4,400 - 4,600 - 2,850 m
Hike Time: 9+ hours
Hike Distance: 13.5 mi / 22 km
Stay: Collpapampa Camp

The temperature will start to become warmer and our surroundings more tropical as we follow the trail along the Santa Teresa River. The contrast between the lush forests and mountainous peaks is one of the many reasons this trail will take your breath away! We'll be entering the "Ceja de Selva" (eyebrow of the jungle), which is full of colorful orchids, hummingbirds and flocks of parrots. At the end of the trail we’ll be picked up and take a fun, panoramic drive to camp. At camp we’ll have time to relax and tour a local coffee farm, complete with a tasting, before dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 9,350 - 6,560 ft / 2,850 - 2,000 m
Hike Time: 4+ hours
Hike Distance: ~4 mi / 7 km
Stay: Camp at Lucmabamba Coffee Farm

We'll pass through some avocado, banana and coffee farms on the final leg of our journey to Machu Picchu. We'll start the day hiking up to Llactapata Ruins, one of the most scenic spots on the trail! Once there, we'll have a break and listen to the history of the area while we enjoy a spectacular view, a sneak peak if you will, of the backside of Machu Picchu! We’ll then head to the Hidroelectrica train station for lunch, followed by a short train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes. You'll have the evening to recuperate, take a hot shower and roam around the charming town.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Elevation: 6,560 - 6,690 ft / 2,000 - 2,040 m
Hike Time: 7+ hours
Hike Distance: ~9 mi / 14 km
Train Time: 1 hour
Stay: Jaya or similar

We'll start early, so we can experience Machu Picchu in the magical morning light. You'll have time to get lost in the Lost City of the Incas, and our guide will be on hand to tell you more about the fascinating history of this World Heritage archaeological site, including the Incas' deep, sacred connection to the earth and land. Nearly everything they built and believed honored Pachamama, Mother Earth herself. You'll also learn about Mama Killa, the Inca moon goddess, and the powerful role women held in Inca spiritual life. In the afternoon, we'll head to our beautiful hotel nestled in the foothills of the sacred valley, an18th-century monastery turned guesthouse with gardens that make it feel like stepping straight into another era.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Elevation: 7,975 ft / 2,430 m
Hike Time: 2+ hours
Train Time: 2+ hours
Stay: Sonesta or similar

At WHOA, every adventure is made more special by connecting and sharing adventure experiences with local women. Today, our beloved lead guide, invites the WHOA family to the village she grew up in, Chinchero. Here we’ll share a special meal and connect with her community as they tell you how they have come together to use their skills to improve the lives of those around them. At night, we'll regroup for a celebratory dinner, and toast to the awesome adventure we shared!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Celebration Dinner
Elevation: 12,342 ft / 3,762 m
Van Time: 2.5 hours
Stay: Muru or Amaru Colonial or similar

It's time to say adios…for now anyway! You can depart anytime this day.

Included Meals: Breakfast