Women's Empowerment in Peru

Dive into expedition life, meet the ground team and get to grips with the currency (Peruvian Sol), Lima is bursting with energy and loaded with history. Hit the ground running with a city tour, starting with the Pucllana pyramid, Plaza Mayor (the main square) and the San Francisco Monastery. Time-travel to the 21st century at Lima’s modern mall in the Miraflores district, then visit Parque del Amor (Love Park) and gaze over the Pacific. After two nights in Lima, fly to the historic heartland of Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire. Take a deep breath when you land at the dizzy height of 3,450m, and gather the team to stroll through the cobblestone streets. Today is about taking things easy and acclimatising slowly, you’ll be back to see more of the city later in the trip.

Time to experience the reality of rural life. We’ll spend the next three days living alongside a village community and contributing to an initiative that helps women from remote mountain communities to launch successful small businesses. Travel north to meet your hosts, settle into your new home-from-home and find out what you can do to help out, your tasks will depend on what’s needed most at the time. To make a positive contribution, you’ll need to listen to your hosts and pick up new skills. Seize this unique opportunity to experience Peruvian culture first-hand. Explore the area with an expert local guide, tuck into a traditional earth oven ‘pachamanca’ lunch, join a weaving demo and make your own bracelet. This is a side of Peru that few tourists see, so throw yourself in, stay open-minded and you’ll leave with a rare insight into another way of life.

Spend the day soaking up the charm of Cusco, a vibrant city steeped in Inca and colonial history. Stroll through Plaza de Armas, explore the San Blas art district, or hike up to Sacsayhuamán for panoramic city views, all for free. Visit local markets like San Pedro for a colourful cultural experience. It’s also a great chance to catch up on laundry, grab a snack at a café, and recharge before the next leg of your adventure.

Boots on, daypack loaded, it’s time for the Inca Quarry Trail, a lesser-known trek in the Sacred Valley. Meet your guides and porters, learn all you can from these mountain masters and you’ll ace this trek. Transfer to Choquequilla, where the Incas used to worship the moon, and continue to the start point at Rafq’a. Step forward as team leader and set the pace as you trek beneath the Andes and climb to epic viewpoints, with cameras at the ready! On your first night, you’ll camp at 3,700 metres, near the Inca checkpoint of Q’orimarca. The next day, you’ll push even higher, reaching a whopping 4,450 meters. Then it’s onwards to the Inca sites of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and Kachiqata Quarry. Finish with a train ride through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. Now for the best bit, soothe your weary muscles in the town’s hot springs...bliss!

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for, it’s Machu Picchu time! This jaw-dropping Inca city was built without using any mortar or wheels. Just how they transported those 50-tonne rocks up the mountain is mind-boggling! Take the early morning shuttle to the gates of ‘the lost city’ and listen as your guide uncovers its secrets. Wander around the ruins and let it all sink in, you’re actually standing in Machu Picchu! After an amazing morning, it’s time to drag yourself away and take a stunning train ride to the town of Ollantaytambo before continuing to Cusco. Delve deeper into Cusco culture and discover the Inca temple of Qoricancha and the Casa Concha museum which boasts the world’s largest collection of Machu Picchu artefacts. You could also book a visit to see more of Ollantaytambo or the Chinchero ruins, the Incas believed this was the birthplace of the rainbow.

Fly back to Lima for your final fill of Peruvian culture. You could book onto a cookery class or explore more of the historic centre. Perched above the ocean, the clifftop Parque de la Reserva is another top attraction, it’s best in the evening when there’s a fantastic water and light show. Before your trip wraps up, head to San Pedro market. Taste some Peruvian chocolate, shop for handicrafts and pick out your favourite alpaca poncho to take home.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home, so cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, you’ve just experienced something incredible. Peru has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with the locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.