Explore Peru
The Wanderlust Women
Join us, as we trek the unexplored paths of the Inca Trail and experience Peru’s ancient beauty and rich culture together.
The Wanderlust Women
The Wanderlust Women is an initiative born out of the need to normalise Muslim women exploring and being visible in the great outdoors.
As a group of adventurous and intrepid women, we founded The Wanderlust Women to inspire and empower others to explore the world. We believe in the transformative power of travel, and our goal is to help women discover new cultures, connect with local communities, and create unforgettable memories.
Our Peru Adventure is the perfect opportunity to journey to the heart of this ancient civilization, explore the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, and connect with a vibrant and welcoming community.
This expedition, inspired by the legendary Machu Picchu, combines my passion for travel, from ancient culture exploration to wild landscape adventures. We’ll traverse breathtaking ruins and mountain passes, delving into Peru’s rich history and its iconic Inca ruins, including the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Our journey includes culinary explorations with local restaurants, showcasing Peru’s gastronomic history. For high-altitude hikes, we offer options catering to different fitness levels. Additionally, we’ll spend a day with local communities, supporting their traditional crafts.
What truly makes this journey special is our community. Together, we’ll explore, support, and experience unforgettable moments.
Trip details
Dates
4th-13th May 2024
Accommodation
9 days and 8 nights at multiple locations
Places available
14
Price
£2,495 GBP. Deposit of £500, followed by monthly instalments.
Highlights
- Once in a lifetime hiking experience on the Inca Trail.
- Exploring ancient cultures and magnificent ruins such as Machu Picchu.
- Experience the spellbinding beauty of Rainbow Mountain.
- Delicious culinary experiences in local restaurants.
- Visit local communities and support traditional crafts.
- Spend time with our beautiful and supportive community, creating lasting memories together.
What’s included
- All accommodation (twin/double rooms)
- Transportation throughout the itinerary
- English-speaking driver/guide or driver and guide
- Excursions and visits as detailed in the itinerary
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Visit to the historic city of Arequipa
- Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu
- Culinary experiences in selected local restaurants
- Trekking lesser-known paths of the Inca Trail
- A boat trip on the stunning Lake Titicaca
- A trip to the amazing Colca Canyon
- Day trip to the Rainbow Mountain!
Day 10-12 Optional Extra:
3 DAY AMAZON EXPERIENCE £495
Peru’s Amazon rainforest covers two-thirds of the national territory, and encircles the large city of Iquitos, which can only be reached by airplane or boat. Tourists usually pass through frontier towns such as Puerto Maldonado, which leads to high-biodiversity jungle bordering Bolivia, but Peru’s northern rainforest is also very popular. Whether in low or high water season (beginning June and December respectively) hiking and kayaking are both on the menu, with little difference in rainfall. Anteaters, monkeys, jaguars, anacondas and indigenous tribes are just some of the sights on offer with experienced local guidance. The less adventurous can enjoy superb birdwatching, butterflies and plant life from the comfort of luxury lodges, without travelling deep into the jungle.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Our Peruvian adventure begins!
We fly into Lima and catch your connecting flight to Arequipa, the charming “White City” framed by three majestic volcanoes (Note: international and connecting flights are not part of this package).
Upon landing, you’ll be warmly greeted by our English-speaking guide, holding a sign with the Wanderlust Women logo.
Sit back and relax as we whisk you away in a private transfer from Arequipa’s airport, located approximately 8.3 km from the city’s main square. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at your home-away-from-home for the night.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Casona Plaza Arequipa Hotel
Day 2 :
A walk through time in Arequipa
Experience the magic of Peru starting in historic Arequipa, known as the ‘White City’ for its stunning white colonial buildings. Your adventure begins with a guided three-hour tour, exploring Arequipa’s panoramic views from Yanahuara and Carmen Alto and visiting significant landmarks like the 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery.
After breakfast, the tour heads to the Colca Valley, rich in wildlife and scenic vistas. At Chinitos restaurant, 4,000 meters high, enjoy ‘Mate de Coca’ to acclimatize.
We’ll see llamas and alpacas at Toccra Pampa and end the day at the Los Andes viewpoint in Patapampa, 4,910 meters above sea level, with breathtaking views of surrounding volcanoes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina, Colca
Day 3 :
The Colca Canyon and journey to Puno
Today we rise early for a momentous visit to Cruz del Condor, a renowned viewpoint where you’ll have the opportunity to view condors gliding over the canyon. These magnificent birds, teetering on the edge of extinction and celebrated as symbols of the Andes, soar above the captivating backdrop of the Colca Canyon—a sight you’ll treasure forever.
After a satisfying lunch we embark on a 4-5 hour journey high into the Andes along stunning mountain roads with extraordinary mountain scenary to Puno, perched on the shores of the mystical Lake Titicaca.
We’ll arrive in the late afternoon and settle into our room at the Hotel La Hacienda Puno, before heading to explore the folklore capital of the country at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel La Hacienda Puno
Day 4 :
Lake Titicaca and Puno
We begin our day with a hearty Peruvian breakfast, then head to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Be enchanted by its stunning scenery and Andean geography.
Our journey includes a visit to the Uros Floating Islands, remarkable for their ‘totora’ reed construction and the Uros people’s traditional way of life. In the afternoon, we explore Taquile Island, known for its indigenous community and vibrant handwoven textiles.
The day concludes with a return sail to Puno, offering the chance to discover this charming local town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel La Hacienda, Puno
Day 5:
Puno to Cusco and free time to explore Cusco
Today starts early in Puno, leading to the Pukara Museum with its array of Andean artifacts, including stone sculptures and ceramics. The journey progresses through the Andes to La Raya, a high-altitude point offering stunning Andean vistas, located between Puno and Cusco.
We then arrive in Cusco, preparing for further adventures and spending the afternoon and evening in the historic city that will be our base for the next four days.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Los Portales, Cusco
Day 6:
Cusco and the surroundings with afternoon to explore.
Explore Cusco’s enchanting blend of Inca and colonial history in a half-day tour. Starting at the city’s main square, formerly the Inca’s Huacaypata (Warriors Square), the tour then visits Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo, an iconic site where a sun-worshipping Inca temple once stood.
The journey continues through Cusco’s historic streets, leading to the nearby Sacsayhuaman Fortress, known for its massive zigzag stone walls.
You’ll also see Puca Pucara (the red fort), the Qenko Amphitheater, and Tambomachay, known as the Inca baths.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain huts close to the start of the trek
Day 7:
Machu Picchu!
Today’s highlight is the whole day trek to the magnificent Machu Picchu! This ancient Inca citadel, a marvel of landscape architecture, is nestled between tropical forests and overlooks the Urubamba River canyon. You’ll explore its agricultural terraces and urban areas, including sacred temples and intricate stone constructions.
We will take an early train to the start of the trek to Machu Picchu, which spans about 11.7 km (7.3 miles), with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet, and takes between 5 and 8 hours.
After taking in the history and incredible views, our bus takes us to the town of Aguas Calientes in the valley below, before a train ride back to Ollantaytambo on the Voyager train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Wiracocha Inn, Aguas Calientes
Day 8:
Maras and Moray
After a leisurely start, we travel to the heart of the Andes. Our first stop is Moray, known for its intriguing terraced circles that descend into the earth, suggesting an Inca agricultural experiment site.
The adventure then leads to Maras, a picturesque town famous for its ancient salt mines. These mines, operational since Inca times, feature thousands of small pools that harvest salt through evaporation, maintained by local families for generations. This area offers a stunning visual experience, blending historical practices with natural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Los Portales, Cusco
Day 9:
Rainbow Mountain
On Day 9 we set out on an early morning journey from Cusco to experience the spellbinding beauty of Rainbow Mountain. After a two-hour drive to the community of Pitumarca for a quick breakfast, we’ll proceed to the trek’s starting point near the Ausangate glacier.
The 2.5-hour uphill hike offers you glimpses of South American camelids and native flora. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have time to marvel at the multi-colored mountain and capture the moment with photographs.
Following this, a two-hour descent takes you back to your starting point. A well-deserved lunch awaits in Pitumarca before we make our way back to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Los Portales Cusco
OPTIONAL EXTRA – Day 10:
Departure day or venture to the Amazon
Today our Andes adventure comes to an end. Our team will take you to the airport in Cusco for your return flight to Lima.
For those wishing to join Amira in the Amazon we will take a flight to Puerto Maldonado in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon!
After a short flight and a 25-minute boat journey on the Madre de Dios River, we’ll arrive at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion, where we stay in an elevated wooden cabaña within an eco-reserve. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Casa Grande, then explore the jungle starting from the Eco Centre.
As evening falls, experience the jungle’s nocturnal transformation on a Twilight River boat ride, looking out for caimans and stars. Your day concludes with Amazonian à la carte dining, followed by a night in your cabaña, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hacienda Concepcion lodge
OPTIONAL EXTRA – Day 11:
The Amazon Rainforest
Today we start the morning with a visit to Lake Sandoval, a tranquil ox-bow lake within the biodiverse Tambopata National Reserve. Accessible only by a jungle trail, it offers chances to see poison frogs and camouflaged wildlife. Here we paddle a wooden canoe through mangroves and onto the lake, where you can spot a diverse array of birds, giant river otters, and even anacondas.
In the afternoon, experience the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a 344-meter-long network of hanging bridges and platforms. Elevated above the forest floor, it offers a unique perspective of the rainforest and its denizens like toucans and sloths. As night falls, take a guided night walk to explore the rainforest’s nightlife before heading back to the lodge for an à la carte dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hacienda Concepcion lodge
OPTIONAL EXTRA – Day 12: Farewell
On our final day, wake up to the sounds of the jungle, including parakeets and monkeys. Breakfast is included at Casa Grande, with check-out by 10:00 AM.
We then embark on a 25-minute motorized boat trip back along the Madre de Dios River, before a flight on to Lima, where our epic Peruvian journey ends.
Note that your return flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima is not included in this package, but recommended flight details will be provided upon booking.
Meals: Breakfast
Book your place now
Main trip: £2495 GBP. Deposit of £500, followed by monthly instalments.