Traveling Alone as a Woman Inca Trail Backpacker in Peru

Lots of folks, women mostly, question whether going solo as a female backpacker through South America is safe. Some spots in Latin America carry a bad reputation, like Colombia or Mexico.

Online searches pull up scary tales on quick grabs, gun holds, or vehicle thefts when typing “South America safety.” Does Peru work for safe solo trips? Ways to stay protected while backpacking there? Check these notes for women hitting trails alone in Peru. Many travelers start their journey as a Woman Peru Backpacker exploring new cultures and seeking authentic experiences.

Peru draws crowds of backpackers and all sorts of visitors yearly. Safe spot? Good for going it alone? What to watch? Steps to take, especially for women travelers? Pulled from stories of our women hikers, this covers advice for solo female backpacking in Peru, including those joining the Woman Inca Trail experience for empowerment and adventure.

Top 10 Protection Advice for Going Solo in Peru

Team Up with Organized Hikes or Other Backpackers. Join Forces!

“I got to my spot in Arequipa late one night, stomach growling. After dropping bags, I headed out for food. Walking that street, bad vibes built up. Slowed down, stopped, spun back. Realized the area felt off, not secure. The next day, her roommate said her pal got knife-threatened in daylight there, lost stuff, and had her camera taken off her neck. Glad I trusted that inner voice and bailed. (Anne Christine, Switzerland, 27)”

Woman Peru Backpacker

Safer, sometimes more fun, hitting spots in bunches. Solo doesn’t mean total lone wolf; it’s the opposite, really. Extra eyes on gear when hitting the bathroom helps tons. Strolling the city with mates cuts down random chats big time. Some women join Women Only Inca Trail groups for this reason, ensuring safety and connection with fellow travelers.

Note: The Sacsayhuaman spot near Cusco had something to grab once. If chasing sunrises or sets for those views, don’t go solo. Local thieves might lurk then. Stick with the group; daytime is better.

BEST SELLING TOUR

1 Day Inca Trail Hike

📍 Ollantaytambo, Km 104, Wiñaywayna, Inti Punku, Machu Picchu Ruins

1-Day / from: USD 379

📊 Challenging

⛺ Campsite

★★★★★ (300)

Awe-inspiring the 1 Day Inca Trail Hike 1 Day Inca Trail Hike from Ollantaytambo: Enjoy a magnificent whirlwind adventure through the network of Inca trails to Machu Picchu via the ruins…

$ 379.00 USD VIEW TOUR

BEST SELLING TOUR

2 Day Inca Trail Hike

📍 Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Km 104, Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Machu Picchu Ruins

2 Days / from: USD 414

📊 Challenging

⛺ Campsite

★★★★★ (300)

Short Inca Trail 2 Days The 2 Day Inca Trail Hike is an incredible way to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu. On this two-day trek, you will enjoy a…

$ 414.00 USD VIEW TOUR

Visit Machu Picchu on a solo female hike in Peru.

Note: Machu Picchu stays protected. As Peru’s big draw, setup runs tight, thieves can’t just wander in.

Feels chill grouping up. But intense when vibes turn wrong fast.

The Inca Trail Guided as Solo Female experience offers a four-day trek covering 42 kilometers through Andean landscapes to reach Machu Picchu. For solo female travelers, this route provides chances to connect with others while following ancient Inca paths. Groups often include 10 to 15 people, with many women traveling alone.

Kondor Path Tours organizes these trips using its own private transportation from Cusco hotels, driven by highly trained operators.

The agency ensures all participants receive support from local guides who have extensive experience on the trail and speak languages like English and Spanish. I once spoke with a traveler who joined as the only woman initially but formed bonds with the group by the second day—it made the effort feel shared. This sense of sisterhood defines the Woman Inca Trail adventure for many travelers.

Watch in Packed Areas or on Buses in Peru

Keep a cash holder hard to grab or tuck a belt under pants. Snatches happen. Spend extra on reliable rides for long hauls. Don’t stick a bag with stuff up top in buses. Floor between feet smarter.

If Someone Flags You Asking Time and It Feels Off, Keep Moving.

Key advice: don’t feel bad about ignoring if it keeps you okay. These setups often distract. Watch scams like stuff splashed on you, then the “helper” shows up. Pickpockets dream up distractions, an old lady needs aid, trips ahead, drops items. Then slash the bag with the blade or yank the whole thing, left with nothing.

Significant Contact Numbers for Urgent Cases in Peru

Police: 105

Health urgent: 106

COVID health stuff: 113

Hit your embassy for passport mess or a quick home dash.

Trust Your Gut Always.

Pause before forming close ties with locals or other hikers; follow your instincts, and watch for eye drinks in Peru spots. Watch for spiked stuff. Plants that mess with senses are used to knock out before grabs or worse.

Never ditch your drink; skip those that aren’t self-bought or made. This is especially true for any Woman Peru Backpacker exploring nightlife in Cusco or Lima.

Stay protected while hiking in Peru.

Hide Pricey Items and Stay Under Radar.

Light fingers is a big issue in Peru—no need to flash goods out. Hide riches. In some Peruvian zones —mainly Lima, but also crowded Cusco and Arequipa —stash a fancy lens back at the lodge. It’s the same for local gatherings, like Inti Raymi in Cusco.

Folks there know thief crews roll in for those events to score. Women joining Women Only Inca Trail tours often receive special packing tips from guides on this.

Sacsayhuaman in Cusco, Peru

Pick Up Spanish and Get Local Ways.

Biggest tip maybe. Kicked off my haul with intense Spanish lessons in Cusco, worth every bit—cabs, haggling costs, directions, food orders – smoother. Yell “¡Señor, más lento por favor!” at wild drivers sometimes. Prep for guys calling you “guapa” or “bonita” a lot. See it as lovely, ignore it, move on. Speaking some Spanish cuts a vulnerable look and boosts confidence for those taking the Inca Trail Guided as a Solo Female adventure.

Woman Inca trail

Women Porters Breaking Barriers on the Inca Trail in Peru

In 2017, a shift occurred on the Inca Trail when women began working as porters. This development started with Kondor Path Tours, which hired the initial group of female porters in June of that year.

These women handle tasks such as carrying equipment and supporting hikers during the four-day journey to Machu Picchu. For instance, they transport items weighing up to 15 kilograms, which include tents and cooking supplies. This role had been limited to men for many years, but now women participate equally in the work, inspiring many women on the Inca Trail today.

Backgrounds of the Women Involved

Many of these porters come from small communities in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. One example is a woman who grew up in a remote area above the Amazon region. She walked three hours each way to attend school as a child.

At age eight, she moved with her mother to a town closer to Cusco to help sell produce at local markets. Later, she completed high school and studied tourism for three years. In 2016, she joined the program at Kondor Path Tours. Another porter, who also serves as a cook, aims to advance to a guide position and start her own venture. She points out that women possess the necessary strength for these duties. “We have the mental and physical ability to complete those jobs,” she mentioned in an interview.

Daily Tasks and Conditions

Porters start their work by preparing gear at the trailhead. They move ahead of the group to set up camps each evening. During the hike, they carry packs as they navigate a path covering about 42 kilometers over four days.

Women receive the same payment as men, around 915 soles per month for 16 days of work, plus tips averaging 398 soles. Kondor Path Tours ensures that all staff have proper clothing and rest areas, including individual tents. Food during the trek uses ingredients from nearby farms, like fresh vegetables and grains.

Travelers can choose dishes from other cuisines, though this may incur additional fees. For details, contact the reservations team at Kondor Path Tours.

I recall a porter describing her first experience: she felt uncertain the night before starting and faced some health issues on day one, but she finished the route. This built her confidence for future trips and motivated her to join Women’s Inca Trail initiatives supporting empowerment.

Challenges Faced

Women in this position deal with doubts from others. Some men questioned if they could manage the physical demands. “At the beginning, guys judged me for being a woman, thinking I wouldn’t be able to do the trek,” one porter shared. Harassment remains an issue in broader society, where traditions limit opportunities for females. Despite this, they continue to prove their capabilities. The work requires endurance, as they cover varied terrain while supporting the group.

Achievements and Impact

These women have gained financial stability through their roles. One supports her family, including a parent with ongoing health problems. The job pays better than many local options, allowing for personal growth. “Knowing I could tackle the Inca Trail – both physically and mentally – made me feel like I could accomplish anything,” a porter explained. Their presence encourages others to challenge norms. Kondor Path Tours highlights this as part of its promotion of equality, drawing on Andean cultural values in which women historically held significant positions.

In 2021, the agency organized a trek with only female participants, porters, and guides — a landmark Women Only Inca Trail expedition.

Role of Guides and Support

Guides from Kondor Path Tours lead groups along the route. These experts direct travelers from various countries in multiple languages, such as English and Spanish. They share knowledge about Inca constructions and local traditions. With years of experience on this path, they ensure safe navigation. To reach the starting point, the agency provides its own private transportation from hotels in Cusco, driven by highly trained operators. Many guides take pride in helping a Woman Peru Backpacker complete her dream of walking the Inca Trail Guided as a Solo Female.

Careful Flagging Cabs Off Street – Call Ride App or Taxi Line

“Half a year back, first step in South America at Lima airport, mixed thoughts. Thrilled for new spots, cultures, views, and folks. But no Spanish, only solo Japan trips before, wondering if I’m ready for a 5-month backpack trip. Safe in Peru? Cautious type, don’t lump bad stories, trust gut. Felt it’d be fine. Was right. Amazing times, great people, no bad stuff in Peru. (Karin, USA, 34)”

Quick holds in cabs hit some towns. Drivers drag to far spots and hold until cards are drained. Use company cabs with numbers, track rides on apps like maps.me to check directions. In big Lima, fares are kept low too. (Ride apps are not everywhere in Peru.)

BEST SELLING TOUR

1 Day Inca Trail Hike

📍 Ollantaytambo, Km 104, Wiñaywayna, Inti Punku, Machu Picchu Ruins

1-Day / from: USD 379

📊 Challenging

⛺ Campsite

★★★★★ (300)

Awe-inspiring the 1 Day Inca Trail Hike 1 Day Inca Trail Hike from Ollantaytambo: Enjoy a magnificent whirlwind adventure through the network of Inca trails to Machu Picchu via the ruins…

$ 379.00 USD VIEW TOUR

BEST SELLING TOUR

2 Day Inca Trail Hike

📍 Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Km 104, Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Machu Picchu Ruins

2 Days / from: USD 414

📊 Challenging

⛺ Campsite

★★★★★ (300)

Short Inca Trail 2 Days The 2 Day Inca Trail Hike is an incredible way to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu. On this two-day trek, you will enjoy a…

$ 414.00 USD VIEW TOUR

On Check-In, Ask Lodge Front About Dodgy Areas to Skip.

Staff usually flags bad zones quickly, glad to point out.

Solo woman hikes in Peru

Skip Walking Back Alone After Dark

Obvious maybe. But in small Cusco with lodges near the center, lots of walking to save cash (notes on Peru cash). Group okay, but alone in empty dim spots? Easy mark. (Notes on Peru nights).

Cash Notes for Peru (Not Just Solo Trips)

Card scams are common in Peru, and eye cards are used in shops. If swiped away, maybe copying. Watch bank for weird moves.

ATM tricks are widespread; skip night pulls or sketchy areas.

Change cash at banks or change spots. Street swaps risk fakes. Spotters might tail and grab after significant changes. Changers trick hands for short counts.

Extra Protection Notes for Solo Trips and Trips Overall:

Bus rides in Peru, pick solid companies – Cheap is not always best. Budget lines got reckless wheels, breakdowns. Peru traffic crashes rank high globally, especially in ticket prices. Solid ones: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa, Movil Tours.

Copy key papers, passport, ID, and insurance. Digital too, stored on devices or in the cloud. Pricey gear? Snap pics as proof for insurance claims.

Finally, common sense rules; you’ll enjoy your trip to Peru. Peru tops Latin America draws, a fantastic land. Prep, careful steps in Peru, soak it all. Meet folks, enjoy nature, explore ways, try eats, feel safe, and have a great Peru adventure.

Doubt if all spots stay even. Some areas shift quickly.

Safe solo hauls :-)!

Read our Kondor Path TripAdvisor Reviews