Wild Women Expeditions is bringing women to the forefront of the tourism industry as it becomes more socially acceptable for Peruvian women to serve as porters and guides on mountain treks on the Inca Trail. Previous culturally held stereotypes assumed the strenuous work was too difficult for female professionals.

“It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it, that at one point on the Inca Trail is a pass called Dead Woman’s Pass, where it was believed women could not survive. But now they are breaking barriers in their mountains and taking up their place as leaders in adventure travel,” said Jennifer Haddow, owner and guiding director, Wild Women Expeditions.

“It isn’t easy for women to find work on the Inca Trail as guides or porters. Our approach is to recognize the strength and talents of Peruvian women to forge their own future; we walk in solidarity with them. We hope that there will be more opportunities for women to benefit from tourism on the Inca Trail. We are committed to bringing travelers to Peru who want to see women empowered and who respect local culture,” she said.

Travelers interested in supporting Wild Women Expeditions’ female empowerment cause in Peru can book an Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu expedition. There are seven expedition departures in 2020, starting at $2,895 per person.