Women Xplorers is a new option, providing custom made soft-adventure tours for women. Tours are designed by women for women, to enrich the lives of women by exposing them to new and exciting experiences through travel and friendship. Go with a small group of like-minded ladies to soak up the history, mystery, culture and adventure. The small-group size delivers a highly personalized and rewarding travel experience. Plus you can avoid the dreaded single supplement through Xplorers guaranteed room share (though you can always choose your own room if you like). The fully escorted itineraries cater to singles, sisters, friends, mother and daughters - and new friends you'll make along the way.
You must be able to walk longer distances (up to and occasionally exceeding 4 km), which may be over uneven surfaces and steps, or at higher altitudes; climb in and out of zodiacs or small boats without any assistance; walk on docks which may have steep ramps at low tide and handle your own luggage for short distances. This tour is very active, requiring participants to be in good health and physically capable to enjoy all aspects of the tour. This itinerary may have more strenuous activities.
Post Tour Amazon Highlights
*This is a high-altitude tour
We wish we could control the weather, but on the day this tour begins you can expect temperatures (°C) within this range:
Fly from your home city to Lima, Peru.
We’ll take a flight to Arequipa. After checking in to your hotel spend some time exploring the area on your own. This stunning volcano-ringed colonial city in southwest Peru has so much to offer, delicious local dishes, lush well manicured plazas – great for sitting with a coffee and enjoying the beautiful fountain in the center, cobblestone streets, and some of the best sunsets in the area. Make sure to visit the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, home of Juanita, the Incan Ice Mummy. This evening, join your fellow Xplorers for a Welcome Dinner.
Enjoy a relaxing morning to acclimatize to the altitude. This afternoon explore the astonishing old town of Arequipa by foot. Visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina, this convent was built with White volcanic rock called Sillar, at its height, the Monastary housed approximately 450 people. Nowadays, 30 nuns remain living in the convent following the traditions. You will visit one of the most beautiful Main Squares in Peru with its well-preserved Cathedral. The Compania Church dates from 1650, and still has the original stone floor and its beautiful columns are decorated with bas-reliefs.
Leaving Arequipa behind we travel south towards the Colca Canyon, crossing the highest point on our tour as we drive across a mountain crater. During our journey we’ll make stops to enjoy the landscapes, take photos and see the llamas. The Colca Canyon, a river canyon in southern Peru once famed as one of the world’s deepest. The Canyon landscape comprises a green valley and remote traditional villages with terraced agriculture that predates the Incas.
An early departure from the hotel this morning as we head towards the highest part of the Canyon, known as Condors Cross. The Andean Condor has a wingspan of up to 10.5 feet and a weight of up to 33 lbs, hopefully we catch a glimpse of the world’s largest flying bird. You will have some time to explore the area on your own or join your local guide for a short hike to the canyons edge for incredible sweeping views into the valley. As we travel back to Chivay for lunch we’ll stop for some unique photo opportunities and see some of the pre-Inca terraces along the valley. You’ll have a chance to stroll through the Indian Market for souvenirs or visit the hot springs. After a busy morning, sit back and relax during the scenic drive to Puno past lagoons, valleys and mountains.
Today we explore the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Travel by luxury speed boat to one of the most scenic spots of Lake Titicaca where we’ll start our kayak trip. Don’t worry, no previous kayaking experience is necessary, you’ll get a briefing and basic paddling instructions from our experienced guides! As you paddle, observe beautiful sandy beaches and the vastness of the Lake, you can even see the snow-capped mountains of Bolivia on the other side. Once you reach the shores, local families welcome us with hot drinks and lunch. Then its back on the speedboat to visit some of the last authentic Uros reed islands.
Today, a private bus will take you to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Enjoy some Inca and Pre-Inca stops along the way such as “the Sistine Chapel of the Americas” or the Andahuaylillas Church, the mighty Temple of Wiracocha, the Majestic La Raya pass and get a beautiful view of the Chimboya Glacier.
Sleep in, relax at the hotel or explore Cusco’s main square Plaza de Armas. A busy vibrant space that marks the colonial centre of the city, surrounded by museums, shops and restaurants. During an afternoon city tour, you’ll explore some of the most important archaeological sites in Cusco, Cusco Cathedral, Temple of the Sun, Sacsauhuaman, Puca Pucara, Q’enqo and Tambomachay.
On this full day tour to the Sacred Valley you will have the opportunity to visit some important and beautiful sites. Chinchero, a small Andean village, towered over by the Vilcabamba range and the snow-capped peak of Salcantay. Home to the famous Peruvian weaving, you’ll get a demonstration of how they color and weave intricate designs from alpaca wool. A beautiful adobe Church built in 1607 sits on the plaza overlooking the remains of an Incan Palace. Next up is Moray, an incredible archaeological site with unusual ruins, mostly consisting of several circular terraces. You’ll visit the Maras Salt Mines, which have been used for centuries to mine salt in the Sacred Valley.Our last stop of the day, the town of Ollantaytambo. After a guided tour of a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside overlooking the village, check into your hotel for the evening. There are many restaurants to choose from for dinner in this quaint little village.
This morning, we’ll catch the train to KM 104, along the way you will see spectacular views of the farmland, snow-capped mountains and the mighty Urubamba River. Upon reaching KM 104, after a brief orientation, we begin hiking upwards towards the classic Inca Trail. After about 3 hours we reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Trail, Winay Wayna, a great place to rest and each your picnic lunch. From there we walk to the Sun Gate and see the picturesque landscape of Machu Picchu. You made it! Enjoy the awe-inspiring views before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes and our hotel, to freshen up before going for dinner as a group in town.
Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise at Machu Picchu and learn about this ancient settlement during a 2-hour guided tour. You have time to explore Machu Picchu on your own or you may choose to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. When you are ready, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to catch train to Ollantaytambo where we board our bus back to Cusco.
Fly from Cusco back to Lima for your flight home. You have time before your redeye flight to take in a city tour showing off the palaces and castles the city hides, as well as the great Saint Francisco Monastery and the impressive underground Catacombs.
Arrive Home on April 21, 2020
Not ready to say goodbye? Come Xplore the Amazon rainforest with us!
Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado where we will begin our journey into the Amazon. Transfer by boat to our lodge for the next 3 nights. Just a short walk from our lodge, discover spectacular views from the top of the Canopy Tower. Our local guide has a lot of adventures planned for us over the next couple of days.
Today we go searching for the resident family of giant river otters and other wildlife such as caiman, hoatzin and horned screamers. Learn about the different medicinal uses of plants and take a night walk for a chance to see the nocturnal wonders of the Amazon Rainforest. Nighttime is the best time to find beautiful tree frogs, insects and other rainforest creatures that only come out at night.
This morning we’ll walk to see Parrots at the clay lick. You’ll enter a comfortable, well-hidden viewing platform built out of clay and thatch – an ideal spot to spy nearby parrots and parakeets. Later, embark on a 2-hour hike crowned by the giant ceiba trees. After lunch a boat ride down river takes us to a farm, we’ll learn about a diverse variety of popular and unknown Amazon crops. Enjoy your last evening in the Amazon.
Say goodbye to the peaceful Amazon and fly back to the bustling city of Lima and transfer to your hotel.
Make the most of your last day in Peru. Your morning is at leisure, explore the Miraflores area on your own or take an optional walking tour with your Tour Director. In the afternoon we’ll take a city tour showing off the Palaces, and castles of Lima, as well as the great Saint Francisco Monastery and the impressive underground Catacombs.
This evening join your fellow Xplorers and Tour Director for dinner to say farewell before heading to the airport for our flight home. This last evening together is a perfect time to reflect with new friends and wonder where your next Women Xplorers adventure will lead you!
Arrive to your home city
Learn about the history and visit some of the historical landmarks during the city tour of Arequipa, Cusco and Lima!
Colca Canyon, a river canyon in southern Peru famed as one of the world's deepest. It's a habitat for the giant Andean condor. The canyon landscape comprises a green valley and remote traditional villages with terraced agriculture that predates the Incas.
Kayak along the shores of this vast lake and take in all it has to offer!
Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains, is one of South America's largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. Said to be the birthplace of the Incas, it’s home to numerous ruins. Its waters are famously still and brightly reflective.
The Uros Islands are made almost entirely from dried totora reeds which grow naturally and abundantly in the lake. Taking a step onto the islands almost feels like walking on a waterbed!
The Sacred Valley is a region in Peru's Andean highlands. Along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, it formed the heart of the Inca Empire. Stretching roughly 60 kilometers, it’s an area of fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages like Chinchero and Ollantaytambo.
Visit unique ruins, learn about Peruvian weaving and take in the incredible scenery during our drive through the Sacared Valley!
Start the day by taking the train to Km 104 where we'll get off and being the trek upwards towards the classic Inca Trail. After a couple of hours, you reach the site of Chachabamba Then, you continue your hike through a mixture of cacti vegetation and a cloud forest, reaching the spectacular Incan complex - Wiñay Wayna. After our lunch here, we continue on the Incan paths, and soon reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) that overlooks Machu Picchu. There is no need to hurry as we visit Machu Picchu tomorrow. So, we descend to Aguas Calientes Town to enjoy a dinner with the group, celebrating our accomplishment!
Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, it’s renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments and panoramic views. Its exact former use remains a mystery.
Enjoy a guided tour through this interesting Incan citadel. You'll also have time to climb Huayna Picchu if you wish.
Embark on an unforgettable train trip from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo, absorbing majestic Andean landscapes while enjoying excellent service aboard PeruRail Sacred Valley.
Enjoy hiking and nature walks in the Amazon Rainforest! Explore the rainforest at night for a chance to see the noctural wonders of the Amazon. Hike out of the parrot clay lick or through the giant cieba trees.
A short walk from our lodge, discover spectacular views from the top of the Canopy Tower.
Learn about the different medicinal uses of plants in the rainforest.
Travel by boat to our lodge, keep your eyes and ears open scanning the shores and waters for wildlife. Enjoy a boat ride down the river taking us to a farm, or head out searching for the resident family of giant river otters and other wildlife such as caiman, hoatzin and horned screamers.
Keep your eyes and ears open! Peru has over 1,800 species of birds (120 endemic to Peru), and 500 species of mammals and over 300 species of reptiles. Peru has hundreds of mammals including some rare species like the puma, jaguar and spectacled bear, that live in the canopy so jungle lodges usually construct towers to observe life above. Its common to spot caiman, parrots, capybara, turtles and many different kinds of birds and insects while adventuring through the Amazon.
April 8- 20, 2020
Triple $5,764.80
Single $6,515.80
April 19-24, 2020
Triple $1,769
Single $2,149
*All prices are per person and include airfare from Regina or Saskatoon. Other cities are available upon request
Not Included in price:
April 8- 20, 2020
Triple $3,814
Single $4,014
April 19-24, 2020
Triple $1,404
Single $1,709
*All prices are per person
Not Included in price:
