Machu Picchu

WOMEN ONLY - SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

Hiking

What you'll do

Experience one of Peru’s most iconic routes on a women-only Salkantay adventure from the Sacred Valley to the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu. Over eight days, you’ll explore Pisac and Ollantaytambo, sleep beneath the stars in stunning glass cabanas, and hike to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon. You’ll cross the dramatic Salkantay Pass, descend into warm cloud forest filled with orchids and waterfalls, and spend a magical night in the unique Hobbit Houses with hot showers and an outdoor jacuzzi. The journey ends with a full guided visit of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, before returning to Cusco with a full heart, strong legs, and new friendships forged on the trail.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco

Arrive in Cusco (we recommend you land by 4 PM), attend the briefing at the Alpaca Expeditions office, and settle into your hotel to rest after the journey. If you get in early, stroll through the city’s cobblestone streets, admire its mix of Inca and colonial architecture, and enjoy the lively plazas. Have an early dinner and a good night’s sleep—your adventure starts tomorrow morning.

Day 2 – Sacred Valley Warm-Up

Your adventure begins bright and early at 8:00 AM, when your guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco. You roll straight into the magic of the Sacred Valley, exploring the Pisac ruins and its iconic handicraft market. Afterward, you continue to Ollantaytambo for a well-deserved lunch and a tour of its impressive Inca fortress. By late afternoon, you make your way up to Soraypampa, where your glass cabanas are waiting. You end your first day lying under the stars, soaking in the sky from your cozy panoramic cabin.

Day 3 – Humantay Lagoon Magic

Fuel up with breakfast, today you chase one of the Andes’ most beautiful sights. The trail to Humantay Lagoon climbs steadily, but the rewards are huge: crisp mountain air, white peaks above you, and finally the lagoon itself glowing turquoise beneath Humantay Mountain. You linger, breathe it all in, and listen to your guide’s stories about its spiritual role in Andean culture. After the descent, you return to the Glass Cabañas for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to rest, stretch, or just stare out at the mountains.

Day 4 – Over the Salkantay Pass

You wake at dawn, meet your full trekking team, and begin the long ascent toward Salkantaypampa. After lunch at Soyroccocha, you climb the final stretch to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) — the highest point of the trek and a moment you’ll never forget. Then you begin a three-hour descent to Wayracmachay campsite, where warm water, hot drinks, and dinner are waiting. If the sky is clear, you’ll fall asleep under a sky full of Inca constellations.

Day 5 – From High Andes to Cloud Forest

Wake up with a hot drink and sunrise over glacier peaks. After breakfast, you begin a long descent toward Ccollpapampa, watching the landscape transform from high-alpine to lush cloud forest. After lunch, you continue to Loreta, making your way to the unique Hobbit Houses, perched above the Salkantay River. Hot showers, a riverside jacuzzi, cold drinks, and an eco-garden make this one of the most memorable nights of the trek.

Day 6 – Coffee, Inca Trail & First View of Machu Picchu

Today may be short in distance, but it’s packed with highlights. You start by visiting a local organic coffee farm, tasting fresh Peruvian coffee and learning how it sustains local families. Then you step onto the Inca Trail for a beautiful 2.5-hour climb toward Llactapata, where you get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu—a moment that feels surreal. You camp nearby, with sunset and sunrise overlooking the citadel.

Day 7 – Hiram Bingham’s Route to Aguas Calientes

After your final camp breakfast, you descend toward Hidroelectrica, passing a massive waterfall and learning how it powers Cusco’s region. After lunch you continue past the Intiwatana sundial rock and walk the same trail Hiram Bingham used when rediscovering Machu Picchu. Keep an eye out for tropical birds and lush vegetation as the valley narrows. By late afternoon you arrive in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, and finish your day with a hot shower, optional hot springs visit, and dinner in town.

Day 8 – Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco

Today is the big day: Machu Picchu is waiting for you! You leave your hotel early (expect a 5:30 AM bus line) with just your essentials and your passport. Once inside, you explore your assigned circuit with your guide, learning about temples, terraces, water channels, and Andean astronomy. After your visit, you return to Aguas Calientes, grab lunch, and board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transport brings you to Cusco, with arrival at your hotel (accommodation not included) around 8:00 PM, marking the official end of your adventure, tired, happy, and completely fulfilled.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

All accommodations

Tent with tables and chairs for meals

Big shared tents for two (spacious for comfort)

Pre-tour briefing held at our office at 6:00 pm the day before your Sacred Valley tour

Entrance tickets to the Sacred Valley, Salkantay, and Machu Picchu included

Guidance by an experienced, English-speaking tour guide

Private transportation provided for each segment of the tour

Personal duffle bag provided for trek belongings (up to 7 kilos)

Porter service to carry duffle bags, accessible only at evening campsites

Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco on the Expedition class

Safety gear including a first aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone for the trek

A morning snack

Trekking poles

Meals during the trek (day 2 to day 7)

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Sleeping bag

Extra food and drinks

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Tips

Tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

Dinner on Day 1

All the meals not mentioned in the what's included section

Inflatable air mattress rental

Accomodations

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3-star hotel in Cusco - Day 1

Your classic 3-star hotel in Cusco offers comfort and charm double rooms. You can enjoy friendly services, and warm décor with local touches. Perfect for resting before setting off on the adventure.

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Glass Cabanas - Day 2-3

Situated in Soraypampa at an elevation of 3,800 meters, these cabanas provide us with stunning views of glacier peaks, offering an unmatched setting for photography. We enjoy the luxurious ambiance and have the privilege to witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets from this unique vantage point.

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Dome Accommodation, Wayracmachay Campsite - Day 4

Enjoy a unique night surrounded by nature, resting in cozy domes specially prepared for you. Upon arrival at the campsite, you’ll find everything ready, including your belongings and warm water for you to freshen up. After changing into warmer clothes, you can relax during happy hour with a hot drink like chocolate or coffee, followed by a homemade dinner served in the mountain’s warmth. As night falls, don’t miss the clear sky filled with Inca constellations that light up the experience.

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Hobbit House - Day 5

As we head to the Hobbit Houses, we enjoy the sights of lovely plants, animals, waterfalls, and rivers. When we arrive, our rooms feel cozy with sleeping bags, hot showers, and a jacuzzi area. We can also buy drinks. The staff make our stay special with their friendly service. We eat dinner with views of the Salkantay River and stargaze at the beautiful night sky.

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Llactapata Campsite - Day 6

A family-run campsite perched directly across from Machu Picchu, offering an unbeatable sunrise view. You stay in shared tents, with warm drinks at sunset and dinner cooked on-site. The atmosphere is simple, authentic, and deeply connected to the local community.

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Aguas Calientes Hotel - Day 7

This marks our final rest stop before visiting Machu Picchu. Our exceptional hotel is equipped with Wi-Fi, hot showers, and offers a cozy spot to relax after our day's hike. Nearby, we find local hot springs available for an entry fee of ten soles. In the evening, our local partner treats us to our last dinner, preparing us for the next day's adventure

Guides

Raul & Alpaca Expeditions

Raul is the owner and director of Alpaca Expeditions. They are tour guides 100% local. They mastered the craft of leading groups through the most beautiful places and over the highest elevations without losing any bit of information and any tip to make the hiking more enjoyable. All the guides have graduated in Tourism and passed tests to be able to guide along the treks.