Machu Picchu at sunrise, ceviche by the Pacific, markets full of color high in the Andes. Peru is on almost every woman’s list. And almost every woman asks the same question before she books. Is it safe?
The Short Answer
Yes. Peru is one of South America’s most rewarding destinations for women traveling solo, and the route from Lima to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco is one of the most traveled on the continent. As anywhere, a well-planned trip makes the biggest difference: how you move, where you stay, and who is beside you.
What Actually Makes the Difference
Arranged transportation. Use pre-booked transfers or registered taxis instead of hailing cars on the street, especially when you land in Lima at night.
Local guides. In Cusco, the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu, someone who knows the history, the language and the customs turns busy places into a pleasure.
Well-chosen neighborhoods and hotels. In Lima, Miraflores and Barranco are calm, walkable areas by the ocean. In Cusco, staying close to the historic center makes evenings easy.
An eye on your belongings. Busy markets, buses and crowded plazas are where pickpockets work, so carry only what you need for the day.
A group. Exploring with other women makes evenings out, markets and long lunches feel easy and natural.
The One Thing Most Women Underestimate: Altitude
In Peru, the biggest challenge is usually not people but altitude. Cusco sits at around 11,150 ft (3,400 m), high enough to leave you breathless on the first days. The gentlest way to adjust is to begin lower, in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu, and only then move up to Cusco. Take it slowly, drink plenty of water, and talk to your doctor before you travel. Read more in Machu Picchu Altitude: How to Prepare.
How We Travel Peru at Her Getaway Club
A Landscape of Wonder (October 11 - 20, 2027) is our women-only small-group journey through Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco, for 6 to 14 women. It includes a private airport transfer for every traveler, all private transportation, domestic flights between Lima and Cusco, experienced local English-speaking guides, and Her Getaway Club accompaniment throughout the entire journey. The route climbs gently, from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and then Cusco, so your body has time to adjust. You arrive on your own, but you are never alone.
Along the way, we taste ceviche and Pisco Sour in Barranco, take the panoramic train to Machu Picchu and walk to the Sun Gate, share a Pachamanca cooked in the earth, cook together after a visit to San Pedro Market, and sit with the women weavers of Misminay. On Day 9, you choose between Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain and a slow wellness day in Cusco.
Quick Answers
Is Peru a good choice for a first solo trip?
Yes, especially with a small group and local guides. Transfers, logistics and the altitude plan are taken care of, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
What should women wear in Peru?
Comfortable layers. Days in the Andes can be warm in the sun and cold at night, so bring a warm jacket, a hat, sunscreen, and good walking shoes for stone steps and uneven ground. Casual, practical clothing is perfect everywhere.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The Andean dry season, roughly May to October, brings the clearest skies for Machu Picchu. October, at the end of the dry season, pairs spring in the Sacred Valley with fewer visitors than June to August.
Do I need to be very fit?
No. A Landscape of Wonder is a cultural journey, not a trekking expedition. We reach Machu Picchu by train, and the only demanding altitude is the optional Rainbow Mountain day.
See the full Peru itinerary, read Before You Go: Peru, or book a free call and ask us anything.