Journey with a circle of women into the heart of the Peruvian Andes, combining mindful acclimation, Inca cultural exploration in Cusco, encounters with local artisans and impact projects, and a 5D4N Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu with Tina, one of Peru’s pioneering female trekking guides. Over eight days, you will hike beneath glacier peaks, sleep under star-filled skies, connect with Quechua communities, and integrate your experience with guided circles and reflection. This expedition is designed for women who want both physical challenge and deep inner work—held in a supportive group, at a thoughtful pace, and rooted in respect for local people and land.

Girls Be Change is a social business founded by Carmen Chan to empower girls and women to be explorers and changemakers. Carmen created impact‑driven expeditions to turn travel into a lived training ground for courage, solidarity, and systemic change. By 2025, Girls Be Change had gathered 300+ women changemakers in collaboration with 40+ community partners worldwide, including networks such as Impact Hub, Ashoka, and WWF. 

Last year, Girls Be Change led an Amazon expedition in Peru to connect with conservationists in the rainforest, and a retreat in Northern Thailand that wove together self‑care and women’s leadership. This Andes trekking expedition continues that story—not just a journey to Machu Picchu, but a new chapter in a global community of women who travel with purpose and support one another long after the trip ends.

This trip is open only to women/womxn and non-binary.

Connect with Carmen via Instagram / LinkedIn

Learn more about the story behind Girls Be Change and Impact Expeditions

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About Carmen Chan, Expedition Host

Carmen Chan is a social entrepreneur and founder of Girls Be Change, who now pours her business experience of over a decade into empowering girls and women to be explorers and changemakers. After years of solo traveling across continents—visiting grassroots projects and women‑led initiatives in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa—she saw how powerful it is when women step out of their comfort zones with the right support. Girls Be Change grew from this journey as her bridge between adventurous travel and real‑world impact, connecting women travelers with global changemakers so every expedition becomes both an inner journey and a contribution to something larger.

Read more about Carmen: Why sustainability, female empowerment and adventure go hand in hand

About Ernestina “Tina” Valeriano, Trekking Guide

Ernestina “Tina” Valeriano is a native Quechua mountain guide from Cusco and one of Peru’s first female trekking guides, with around 15 years of experience leading groups through the Andes and to Machu Picchu. Raised in the highland village of Paucartambo and later in Cusco, she entered tourism after learning Spanish and English while raising her son, overcoming a male‑dominated industry where women were told they did not belong on the trail. Today, Tina runs her own mission‑driven trekking company that creates jobs for more women in tourism, involves local communities and remote villages, and invites travelers to experience the “true heart of Peru” through homestays, indigenous food, and encounters with women artisans. For Tina, the Inca Trail and Salkantay are her office, and guiding is both a profession and a platform to model what is possible for the next generation of Peruvian girls who dream of leading in the mountains.

Read more about Tina: "The Inca Trail is my office”: Meet one of Peru’s first female trekking guides

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What are the payment methods?

You can:

- pay on this page by direct domestic bank transfer in USD, EUR, GBP, or AUD WITHOUT any transaction fee; or 

- pay on this page by credit card WITH transaction fee; or

- Direct domestic bank transfer in HKD WITHOUT any transaction fee: Girls Be Change Co. Limited (HSBC, bank code: 004, account number: 801-793514-838); or

- WISE to girlsbechange@gmail.com; or

- Paypal to girlsbechange@gmail.com

For more inquiries, please feel free to contact us at girlsbechange@gmail.com.

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Please read the full Terms and Conditions here. 

Photo source & credit: Carmen Chan, Ernestina “Tina” Valeriano

Arrive in Cusco (3,400 m), the former capital of the Inca Empire and a vibrant mountain city where cobblestone streets, Andean markets, and Spanish plazas unfold beneath snow‑capped peaks. Settle into our cozy hotel in the historic center and take some gentle time to land, hydrate, and breathe with the altitude. In the late afternoon we’ll gather for a soft orientation and intention‑setting circle to meet one another and ground into the energy of the Andes. We close the day with a sunset welcome dinner in the artsy San Blas neighborhood, sharing stories, trip intentions, and the first threads of our women’s community.

Cusco Altitude: 3,400 meters (11,200 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Ensuite Room with private bathroom, two persons per room)

Give your body time to adjust to the altitude while exploring the living history of Cusco. In the morning we visit Sacsayhuamán, the monumental Inca ruins overlooking the city, and walk among its massive stone walls and panoramic viewpoints. After lunch we continue to Qorikancha (the Sun Temple), the Plaza de Armas, and the Cathedral to learn how Inca and colonial histories intersect. We end the day with dinner at Cervecería Del Valle Sagrado, an impact‑driven restaurant that supports girls from remote communities in the Andes to receive their high school degree and begin pursuing their dreams—perfect for conversations about conscious travel and women empowerment.

Cusco Altitude: 3,400 meters (11,200 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Ensuite Room with private bathroom, two persons per room)

This day we focus on local life and artisans while continuing to acclimate. In the morning we wander through the vibrant San Pedro Market, tasting local fruits, observing daily commerce, and discussing food systems in the Andes. Then we pause for coffee at Florencia y Fortunata, a women‑led specialty café that uplifts women producers in the Peruvian coffee chain. In the afternoon we visit local ceramic artists Jordy Lizárraga (Tunki Casa Cultural) and Katy (Vulnus Studio) for a hands‑on pottery making workshop —working with clay as a metaphor for shaping our own paths. We dine early and rest, preparing our bodies and minds for the start of the Salkantay trek.

Cusco Altitude: 3,400 meters (11,200 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Ensuite Room with private bathroom, two persons per room)

Our trekking adventure with Tina—one of Peru’s first female trekking guides—begins with a pre‑dawn pick‑up from Cusco (3,450 m above sea level). As the sun begins to rise, we’ll set off on a scenic 3-hour drive to the charming town of Mollepata. During this drive, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Veronica, with vibrant landscapes unfolding before your eyes—valleys below and towering mountains above.

After about 3.5 hours, we’ll reach Soraypampa (4,000 meters), the starting point of your hike. Here, you’ll find restroom facilities and a delicious breakfast prepared by our team, fueling you for the adventure ahead. This is also the moment when you’ll meet your support team, who will help organize the gear, horses, and mules.

At approximately 9:30 AM, we’ll begin our trek to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 meters). The first leg of the trail is a relatively flat walk, gradually ascending toward the sparkling turquoise lake nestled in the mountains. Once we arrive, you’ll have about 30 minutes to explore this awe-inspiring site and take in its serene beauty.

Afterward, we’ll retrace our steps back to Soraypampa for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, our hike continues, bringing us to Salkantaypampa (4,150 meters), a breathtaking spot between two glacier valleys. As night falls, you’ll be surrounded by a sky filled with stars, perfect for stargazing and marveling at the constellations above.

Minimum Altitude: 3,450 meters (11,319 ft)

Campsite Altitude: 4,150 meters (13,615 ft)

Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.21 miles)

Accommodation: Shared Dome/ Tent at Campsite

Rise and shine at 5:00 AM with a warm cup of coca tea brought straight to your tent, setting the tone for another exhilarating day on the trail. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off on our hike to the highest point of the Salkantay trek, reaching an elevation of 4,620 meters. Over the next 3 hours, we’ll hike 5 km through a rocky valley, where the towering Salkantay peak (6,217 meters) will dominate the landscape. Keep an eye out for chinchillas as you make your way through this stunning terrain.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks—this is undoubtedly the most challenging part of the trek, but the breathtaking vistas make every step worthwhile.

After taking in the incredible scenery, we’ll descend for 3 hours along a winding gravel trail to Huayracmachay, where we’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch.

In the afternoon, the landscape transforms as we enter the lush cloud forest. We’ll hike 9 km over the course of 3 hours, making our way to Chaullay (2,900 meters), our campsite for the night. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant vegetation, including orchids and other native flora, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Maximum Altitude: 4,650 meters (15,256 ft)

Minimum Altitude: 2,900 meters (9,515 ft)

Hiking Distance: 21 km (13.04 miles)

Accommodation: Shared Dome/ Tent at Campsite

Start your day with a refreshing cup of coca tea brought to your tent at 5:00 AM, setting you up for another exciting day on the trail. After breakfast, we’ll begin our hike towards La Playa, following the winding path alongside the Salkantay River through the lush jungle. As we trek, we’ll pass through several charming family hamlets, where you can enjoy an array of local fruits such as passion fruit, banana, avocado, mango, orange, and papaya—an unforgettable taste of the region.

Keep your eyes peeled for exotic wildlife, including the stunning Cock-of-the-Rock, colorful hummingbirds, and playful parrots flitting through the trees. Over the next 7 hours, we’ll hike 16 km through this vibrant landscape, eventually reaching Lucmabamba (2,100 meters), a small village nestled among coffee plantations.

Lucmabamba offers a tranquil setting with basic amenities and stunning views, making it the perfect spot to rest for the night. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture with a hands-on experience in the coffee-making process. You’ll have the chance to harvest, peel, roast, grind, and brew your very own espresso—an authentic taste of the region’s rich coffee heritage.

For those seeking extra relaxation, an optional visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs in nearby Santa Teresa (just 30 minutes by bus) offers a rejuvenating dip in natural thermal waters.

Maximum Altitude: 2,900 meters (9,515 ft)

Minimum Altitude: 2,100 meters (6,890 ft)

Hiking Distance: 16 km (9.95 miles)

Accommodation: Shared Dome/ Tent at Campsite

Rise early to experience a new landscape and avoid the midday heat, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead. Our hike begins as we pass through coffee plantations and a local mill, making our way toward Llactapata (2,700 meters). As we follow an original Inca Trail that once connected the highlands to the jungle lowlands, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant butterflies and fragrant citronella plants. From the pass, enjoy stunning views of Machu Picchu, offering a unique perspective of this ancient wonder.

After reaching Llactapata, we’ll explore its fascinating archaeological site, still partially veiled by jungle vegetation, giving you a sense of the mysteries that nature has kept hidden over the centuries.

Next, we’ll descend to the Aobamba River before continuing to Hidroeléctrica, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 meters), a charming town nestled at the base of Machu Picchu.

Tonight, after four days of hiking, we’ll rest in a comfortable hotel instead of camping. You’ll have free time to explore Aguas Calientes, stroll through its lively market, or indulge in local cuisine at one of its inviting restaurants.

Maximum Altitude: 2,700 meters (8,858 ft)

Minimum Altitude: 2,040 meters (6,693 ft)

Hiking Distance: 24 km (15 miles)

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Ensuite Room with private bathroom, two persons per room)

Today, the grand finale of your adventure awaits: the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Built by the ninth Inca emperor, Pachacutec, this awe-inspiring archaeological site remained hidden for centuries, protected by the dense surrounding vegetation.

You’ll begin your day with an expert-guided tour, delving into the history and mystery of this incredible Inca citadel. As you wander through its ancient stone structures, terraces, and temples, you’ll gain insight into the architectural brilliance and spiritual significance of the site.

Please note: Current regulations require all visitors to follow a pre-determined, one-way route through Machu Picchu. Once your guided tour begins, exiting and re-entering the site is not allowed, and personal exploration is not permitted after the tour ends.

After our trekking expedition we will return to Cusco, and share a closing lunch to integrate the journey, celebrate what each woman has accomplished, and name the next steps we want to carry home. Transfers back to Cusco city or directly to the airport are included, depending on your onward plans. 

Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 meters (7,972 ft)

Cusco Altitude: 3,400 meters (11,200 ft)