Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 7-day all-women hiking adventure to Machu Picchu All transportation listed in the itinerary All activities listed in the itinerary Transfer from the airport to the hotel and vice versa Breakfast, snack, lunch, tea, dinner Accommodation for 6 nights (twin-share) 2 nights in hotel in Cusco 1 night in hotel in Ollantaytambo 3 nights in camping tents (tents and camping equipment included) Porters Entrance ticket to Inca Trail Oxygen, first-aid kit Duffel bag, foam mattress Add-ons: Sleeping bag and inflatable mattress — possible to rent, note at checkout Rainbow Mountain extension — possible to add to your booking at checkout Entrance to Huayna Picchu ($70 per person) Single supplement — possible to add to your booking at checkout Not included: Flights to Peru Food not mentioned in the itinerary Accommodation prior to and after the tour Accommodation after the tour if you choose the Rainbow Mountain add-on Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide and porter gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

While previous multi-day hiking experience is not necessary for this all-women hiking adventure to Machu Picchu, great fitness is essential . Keep in mind that you’ll mostly be ascending or descending steep trails , and that you’ll be hiking for periods of several hours per day. Prior to your trip, you can prepare by exercising on steep inclines or even stairs. Don’t forget about a big change in the altitude—you can take some personal medication if needed.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Battery charger Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Are the guides and porters on this tour also women?

This all-women’s 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! It would be a sin to go hiking in Peru without paying a visit to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain . 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”. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-66548" src="https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg" alt="Rainbow Mountain Hike" width="1335" height="785" srcset="https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg 1335w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688-784x461.jpg 784w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688-768x452.jpg 768w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688-888x522.jpg 888w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg 1568w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg 1536w, https://57hours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1095321688.jpg 1776w" sizes="(max-width: 1335px) 100vw, 1335px" /> 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 upon checkout, 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. The price for Vinicunca is $100, while for Palcoyo it’s $120. 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 prior to or after the tour 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. Although accommodation is not included in the price of the tour, your guides can help you arrange accommodation for the night—just ask!

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventures, the usual 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 occupancy room at hotels is available at checkout. Hiking in Machu Picchu can be arranged for larger 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 Machu Picchu tour is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

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. Airport transfers to your hotel (and from the hotel to the airport at the end of the trip) are included in the adventure.

Is Peru safe to visit?

Generally, Peru is safe to visit. Like all countries, it has some bad neighborhoods, crime and political instability. However, there is no need to be concerned about political unrest. We had a chance to catch up with our local guide Roland Llave, co-founder of CrossoverPeru Tours, who shared a few thoughts on the current political climate in Peru: “At the core, these protests are a way for the people in South America to express themselves and fight for what they believe in. We recognize this might be unnerving for travelers, but this is part of our culture.” Roland let us know that the protests have stopped for now. Roads, airports, and lives are back to normal. As always, there is potential for more unrest because, as he mentioned, protesting is part of their culture and how they honor their beliefs and rights. If you have any concerns about traveling to Peru or South America, please reach out and we will help you navigate the best option for your travels.

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.

Machu Picchu | Peru

Women’s Machu Picchu Hiking Tour

Top Choice Women-Only

7 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $1,590 ()

Book a call

Somewhere between heaven and earth rests Machu Picchu, the sacred Incan citadel perched among the clouds. On this all-women, 7-day journey, trek deep into the world’s longest mountain range, and to the remains of what was once the largest empire of the Americas. After mingling with Quechua people and learning about their traditions, take on the Inca Trail’s stairway to heaven, following the same steep mountain paths used by the Inca in the 15th century. This 26-mile path will challenge, and reward, you with ancient ruins, lush cloud forest and finally, the Lost City of the Incas. They say only the sky’s the limit, but this all-women hiking tour to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World will make you question that.

Adventure Highlights

Celestial heights: Walk among the clouds on this pilgrimage to the Sacred Valley
Culture & customs: Learn about Indigenous traditions by the Quechua people
All-women pilgrimage: Reach the sacred site of Machu Picchu alongside like-minded women

Duration

7 days

Season

May through September

Group size

Up to 16 people

Accommodation

Hotels & campsites on the trail

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Discover the lost empire of Inca civilization with your all-women group on this epic journey to ancient Peru! Following a stroll through Cusco, the imperial city of Incas, visit an indigenous village up in the mountains and let the Quechua people themselves tell you about their way of life. Having acclimated to the altitude, start your guided hiking tour to Machu Picchu via the worldly-renowned Inca Trail. Expect a challenging hike, at times strenuous, but keep in mind what’s waiting for you at the top! Along with your fellow women hikers, porters, cooks and guides, reach the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu 8,000 feet up in the air.

Day 1: Cusco Explore

Your guide will pick you up from the airport and take you to Cusco, the historic capital of Peru which the Incas once considered to be the navel of Earth. After settling in your hotel in the heart of the city, take a warm-up hike through the San Cristobal neighborhood. Get a great view of the imperial city of Incas founded 11 000 feet (3,400 m) up in the Andes. Wander through the colonial center of the city, Plaza de Armas, and visit 500-year-old cathedrals. Meet your expert guide and your fellow hikers.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion in the Sacred Valley

On your second day, you’ll do a lot more than hiking and sightseeing. Drive up the Sacred Valley to a small indigenous village outside of Chinchero, also known as the birthplace of the rainbow. As part of a community outreach project, you’ll have an opportunity to learn from Quechua people, indigenous people who’ll tell you about their sustainable way of life, spirituality and connection to Mother Earth. You’ll also learn how they support themselves by farming and weaving, both of them being important parts of Peruvian culture. Hear their native tongues, see how they traditionally dance and let them flaunt you their traditional Andean clothing!

Day 3: Start the Inca Trail

Portion of the Inca trail along the river

The time has come for your four-day, three-night, 26-miles-long (42 km) Inca Trail. Together with your group you’ll arrive at Ollantaytambo where you’ll meet your team of local porters, cooks, and expert guides—you can expect three gourmet meals cooked for you along the trail, and they’ll even set up your tent every night! The kilometer 82 marker indicates the beginning of the most famous hiking route of South America, the Inca Trail. Enter the microcosm for the 4 days ahead of you, climb up steep Andrean mountain paths surrounded by an array of Incan ruins and Andean environments, and end your pilgrimage at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

Hiking: 6 hours, 6 miles (10 km)
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 4: Challenging Dead Woman’s Pass

Continue your hiking tour with views of the Veronica Mountain towering over the Sacred Valley. There’s a challenge awaiting you on your second day of hiking the Inca Trail, and it’s the Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the trail at 13,879 feet (4,215 m). After successfully conquering this peak, nothing can stop you—only lower altitudes and less physically exerting hiking lie ahead. After a delicious Peruvian meal, fall into the comfort of your already set-up tent.

Hiking: 10 hours, 10 miles (16 km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Inca sites and Cloud Forest

On your third day of hiking the Inca Trail, you’ll pass snow-white glaciers of the Vilcabamba mountain range and see the ruins of an ancient city among clouds, Phuyuptamarca. Descend to a forever young Inca site, which is the literal translation of Wiñay Wayna overlooking the Urubamba River where you’ll find your final campsite of the trip.

Hiking: 8 hours, 10 miles (16 km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Machu Picchu arrival

Llamas watch the morning mist rise over the ancient Inca fortress and sloping stone terraces of Machu Picchu with Huana Picchu in background.

Depart the campsite before daybreak to be one of the first hikers through Inti Punku, the so-called Sun Gate which was once a fortress to the sacred city. You’ve made it—you’re now floating among the clouds in the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu! Wind through the paths of the archeological site while hearing from your expert guide about the citadel’s history and cultural significance. After you’ve taken in the views, take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Spend your last night of the trip back in Cusco.

Hiking: 3 hours, 4 miles (7 km)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Departure

After a challenging and tiring couple of days, enjoy your final breakfast and say goodbye to your fellow female hiking friends. You’ll be taken to the airport during the day.

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Adventure, packed to go

Women’s Machu Picchu Hiking Tour

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Yaritza Frisancho

Yaritza is a trip leader and a guide working in the Peruvian mountains. She is very passionate about the outdoors and is proud to be one of the few female adventure tour guides in the Cusco Region. Yaritza’s goal is to climb the highest mountains in Cusco, and she’s close to achieving the goal! Not only does she love being an outdoor guide, but she also enjoys sharing the traditions and the rich culture of Peru with her clients.

5.00

Luz Mabel

Luz has been a mountain guide for over 5 years now and she’s very proud to be a female tour guide in the Cusco Region. Born and raised in Cusco, Luz lives and breathes the Peruvian mountains and the jungle. Luz is passionate about sharing the knowledge about her culture, traditions, and heritage with other people.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (21 reviews)

Nancy Z.

|November 2025

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a wonderful experience. It was a difficult hike for me personally, but a great triumph in the end. The beauty of the Peruvian mountains is quite breathtaking. Highly recommend seeing it for yourself.

Amy G.

|October 2025

Exceeded all expectations

Julie S.

|October 2025

A really challenging trek made possible by the great support team we had with us from Crossover Peru.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7-day all-women hiking adventure to Machu Picchu
  - All transportation listed in the itinerary
  - All activities listed in the itinerary
  - Transfer from the airport to the hotel and vice versa
  - Breakfast, snack, lunch, tea, dinner
  - Accommodation for 6 nights (twin-share)
    
    2 nights in hotel in Cusco
    
    1 night in hotel in Ollantaytambo
    
    3 nights in camping tents (tents and camping equipment included)
  - Porters
  - Entrance ticket to Inca Trail
  - Oxygen, first-aid kit
  - Duffel bag, foam mattress
Add-ons:
- - Sleeping bag and inflatable mattress — possible to rent, note at checkout
  - Rainbow Mountain extension — possible to add to your booking at checkout
  - Entrance to Huayna Picchu ($70 per person)
  - Single supplement — possible to add to your booking at checkout
Not included:
- - Flights to Peru
  - Food not mentioned in the itinerary
  - Accommodation prior to and after the tour
  - Accommodation after the tour if you choose the Rainbow Mountain add-on
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide and porter gratuities — optional
While previous multi-day hiking experience is not necessary for this all-women hiking adventure to Machu Picchu, great fitness is essential. Keep in mind that you’ll mostly be ascending or descending steep trails, and that you’ll be hiking for periods of several hours per day. Prior to your trip, you can prepare by exercising on steep inclines or even stairs. Don’t forget about a big change in the altitude—you can take some personal medication if needed.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
  - Battery charger
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
This all-women’s 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.
Indeed you can! It would be a sin to go hiking in Peru without paying a visit to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain. 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 upon checkout, 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.
  - The price for Vinicunca is $100, while for Palcoyo it’s $120.
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 prior to or after the tour
  - 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. Although accommodation is not included in the price of the tour, your guides can help you arrange accommodation for the night—just ask!
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group adventures, the usual 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 occupancy room at hotels is available at checkout.
Hiking in Machu Picchu can be arranged for larger 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.
The price for this women-only Machu Picchu tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
To get to Cusco, which is the beginning point of your trip, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Airport transfers to your hotel (and from the hotel to the airport at the end of the trip) are included in the adventure.
Generally, Peru is safe to visit. Like all countries, it has some bad neighborhoods, crime and political instability. However, there is no need to be concerned about political unrest.

We had a chance to catch up with our local guide Roland Llave, co-founder of CrossoverPeru Tours, who shared a few thoughts on the current political climate in Peru: “At the core, these protests are a way for the people in South America to express themselves and fight for what they believe in. We recognize this might be unnerving for travelers, but this is part of our culture.”

Roland let us know that the protests have stopped for now. Roads, airports, and lives are back to normal. As always, there is potential for more unrest because, as he mentioned, protesting is part of their culture and how they honor their beliefs and rights. If you have any concerns about traveling to Peru or South America, please reach out and we will help you navigate the best option for your travels.
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.
Deposits

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.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.