All-Women Machu Picchu Hike via Salkantay Trek

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 7-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu adventure (4 days of hiking)
    • Accommodation during the tour as in the itinerary (double occupancy):
      • 3 nights at a 3-star hotel in Cusco
      • 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
      • 1 night in domes at the Soraypampa campsite
      • 1 night in rustic cabins/shelters at the Chaullay campsite
      • Tables, chair, and kitchen equipment included at camps
    • Transportation during the tour as in the itinerary:
      • Pick-up from the airport to the hotel on Day 1
      • Drop-off from the hotel to the airport on Day 7
      • Pick-up from the hotel and to the trailhead at the start of the trek
      • Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
      • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition or Voyager service)
      • Return transportation from Ollantaytambo to the hotel in Cusco
    • All meals as in the itinerary — 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, snacks (vegetarian and vegan options available)
    • Boiled water at every campsite
    • Chef, muleteers, horses (to carry belongings, food, and gear)
    • Pre-departure briefing at the hotel before the trek
    • Exclusive cultural exchange activity in Chinchero
    • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, Salkantay, and Humantay Lake
    • Oxygen and first-aid kit
    • Duffel bag

  Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

  • • Single occupancy room (applies to hotel stays only)
    • Sleeping bag rental
    • Trekking poles
    • Vistadome train upgrade
    • Rainbow Mountain extension (with or without one night of accommodation)

  Not included:

  • • Flights to Peru
    • Accommodation on Day 6
    • Accommodation after the tour if you choose the Rainbow Mountain add-on
    • Meals not listed in the itinerary
    • Fee for carrying more than 11 lbs/5 kg ($120) — if applicable
    • Tips for the crew — customary
    • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
• How fit do I need to be?

  This all-women Machu Picchu adventure via the Salkantay Trail requires excellent fitness. The Salkantay Trail is renowned for its challenging terrain, featuring steep inclines and declines, varying altitudes, and unpredictable weather conditions. With an approximate distance of 46 miles (74 km), participants can expect several days of challenging trekking and long days.

  The most you’ll hike within a day is 27 km (16.8 mi) for 8-9 hours. Day-by-day distances and hiking times can be found in the itinerary.

  Generally, you should be a person that hikes regularly, especially in hilly terrain, since you’ll be walking for extended periods at very high altitudes. If you’re not an avid hiker already, we recommend that you start hiking regularly in months leading to the trip. Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and endurance activities is advisable to adequately prepare for the physical demands of the trek.

  Acclimatization to the high altitude is crucial, so the tour includes two days of acclimatization in Cusco advance—enhancing the overall experience. We also advise taking medication that can help you with altitude sickness. In summary, a moderate to high level of fitness is essential for a successful and enjoyable completion of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

• Are Machu Picchu permits included in the price?

  Yes, the permit is included, and your guide takes care of the paperwork.

  Here’s how it works:

  • • Permits are included in the trip price, no separate permit fee to pay.
    • After booking, we’ll reach out for your details (full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and gender). Your guide then applies for the permit on your behalf—you don’t deal with any paperwork or local offices yourself.
    • The permit is issued in your name, it’s personal, non-refundable, and non-transferable.
    • We’ll confirm within 48 hours of receiving your details whether the permit has been granted.
    • Because access to Machu Picchu is limited and permits are first-come, first-served, they can’t be 100% guaranteed—but in the unlikely case one isn’t secured, you’ll receive a full refund.

  We’ll reach out for these details as soon as you book your preferred departure.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack (25-40L)
    • Sleeping bag (can be rented)
    • Hiking poles (can be rented)
    • Hiking boots with good ankle support
    •  Raincoat
    • Thick jumper
    • Hiking down jacket
    • Hiking T-shirts
    • Hiking pants
    • Casual clothes for when you’re not hiking
    • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
    • Other toiletries (hand sanitizer, hand cream, wet wipes etc.)
    • Cap and warm hat
    •  Sunglasses
    • Wool stockings or Sport Socks
    • Water bottle (2L capacity)
    • Flashlight/headlamp
    •  Camera
    • Personal medications

  Bring comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing that can be worn in layers. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list prior to the adventure—changes can be made depending on the season and expected weather conditions.

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• Are the guides and porters on this tour also women?

  This all-women’s Salkantay Trek guided adventure was designed to empower women through the strength of other women, which means that your guides make every effort to outfit the trip with women guides and porters.

  In most cases, guides for these all-women’s trips are women, while porters will often be a mix of men and women. Why? It is exceptionally hard for women in many developing countries to break away from traditional roles; therefore, fewer women guides and porters are available to outfit these trips. Collectively, we have more work to do to continue to elevate the presence of women in the outdoor industry.

• Can I also visit the Rainbow Mountain on this trip?

  Indeed you can! We totally get that you don’t want to miss out on the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, which is why you can add the Rainbow mountain tour (plus the accommodation) at checkout and add it to your trip!

  If you haven’t heard of it yet, the name tells you all about it—it’s this incredible multi-colored mountain that leaves everyone speechless with its rainbow-like appearance. These colors are created by the sediment of minerals, giving the mountain turquoise, lavender, gold, and other hues. Up until several years ago, it was a hidden gem completely covered in snow! Today you’ll find it in National Geographic’s “Top 100 Places To Visit Before You Die”.

  

  So, your guides have prepared a choice between two one-day treks to the Rainbow Mountain as an extension to your trip. You can add it to your booking at checkout (there will also be an option to choose 1 extra night of accommodation after the Rainbow Mountain tour), but here’s what you can expect.

  You can choose between the Vinicunca and the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour.

  • • Vinicunca is the more difficult, steeper, more strenuous, and longer hike to the most famous viewpoint. Depending on the weather, you might even see the highest mountain in the Cusco region in the distance, Ausangate Mountain. Total distance is 2.6 miles (4.2 km) round-trip.
    • Palcoyo tour offers a more gentle climb at a slightly lower altitude, and it’s also a shorter hike, making it significantly more suitable for beginners. With this tour, you’ll get to see three different colorful mountains along the way! It’s also worth noting that it’s less crowded, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse into the Andean culture and their way of life. Total distance is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip.

  What’s included in these tours?

  • • Professional bilingual English-speaking tour guide
    • Pre-departure briefing
    • Pick-up from your hotel and transportation to the trailhead
    • Return transportation
    • Breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant
    • Emergency oxygen bottle & medical kit
    • One trekking pole
    • Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain

  What’s not included?

  • • Personal snacks
    • Accommodation — but there’s an option at checkout to choose 1 night of accommodation as well
    • Guide gratuities — optional
    • Horses — available to hire one if you need them at the beginning of your trek

  This tour typically takes place on the final day of your adventure or the day after. At checkout, you’ll be able to choose the day-long Rainbow Mountain tour of your choice, or opt for the Rainbow Mountain tour + 1 night of accommodation in Cusco.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the maximum group size is 16 women.
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for a tour to operate.
    • Price is based on two-person tents & twin-share rooms. In case you’re joining alone, you’ll be paired with another solo traveller. Single supplement is only available for the hotel stays and can be added at checkout.

  Hiking to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trek can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Is a single occupancy room available?

  The price for this women-only Salkantay Trek is based on twin-share rooms and twin-share tents. If you’re joining alone, you’ll be paired with another solo traveller. Single supplement is only available for the hotel stays and it can be added at checkout.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Cusco, which is the beginning point of your trip, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Upon your arrival, you’ll meet your guide at the airport and get transferred to your hotel.

  Please keep in mind that you’re expected to arrive before noon on Day 1. If arriving the day before or later on Day 1, you’ll likely have to arrange a transfer to the hotel on your own.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

  Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

• Deposit and cancellation policy

  Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.