Traveler Interview Trip To Peru

Hi Laura! Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your general travel style? What are you looking for when you plan a trip?

Absolutely! One of my greatest passions in life is travel, without a doubt. It’s more than just a vacation for me; it’s a fundamental part of how I learn and grow. Aside from the pure enjoyment and relaxation that travel brings, I feel strongly that opening myself to the perspectives of others – whether that’s through experiencing different landscapes and immersing myself in nature, connecting with local communities, or engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds – is incredibly important and deeply enriching. I sincerely hope that this passion and openness will reflect in my future endeavors as a physician in humanitarian field work someday, allowing me to better understand and serve the people I encounter.

That’s a wonderful perspective, Laura. So, with all your travels, what are some of your favorite destinations? Perhaps a few places that have truly stood out to you?

That’s always a tough question! So many places have captured my imagination. Japan definitely has a special place in my heart, as it’s my mother’s country of birth. It’s a place filled with wonderful childhood memories, from the vibrant festivals to the peaceful temples. I grew up as an Army brat, which meant we traveled around the United States quite often. I have fond memories of those cross-country road trips, seeing so many different parts of America. Beyond that, I’ve also been fortunate enough to travel to Israel, with its rich history and diverse cultures. I’ve experienced the incredible wildlife of Tanzania and Kenya. The bustling city of Cairo, with its ancient wonders, also left a lasting impression. I’ve also explored the beauty of Cambodia, the modernity of Singapore, the vibrant energy of Hong Kong, the stunning beaches of Thailand, the lush landscapes of Indonesia, and the colorful culture of India. And of course, I can’t forget trips to Belize, Jamaica, Mexico, and now, most recently, my incredible journey through parts of Peru!

Naturally, it is difficult to choose absolute favorites because each place possesses its own unique charm and offers something special. However, I have to say that I was absolutely blown away by my time in Peru. I haven’t felt so refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired in many years as I did after this visit. The entire experience was truly transformative.

That’s fantastic! Peru sounds like it had a profound impact on you. What made you decide to seek local expertise for your Peru trip, rather than planning it entirely on your own?

Seeking local expertise always seems to be the best route for a safe, authentic, and fulfilling trip, in my opinion. When you’re traveling to a place as culturally rich and geographically diverse as Peru, tapping into the knowledge of people who live there is invaluable. We did a lot of research for a long time—both by word of mouth, asking friends and family for recommendations, and browsing extensively online—before ultimately deciding to book our trip. We wanted to ensure we were working with someone who truly understood the region and could provide us with the best possible experience.

After a couple of years of diligently saving up for our dream adventure in Peru, my fiancé and I were finally able to plan our trip for the end of the rainy season in early April. We’re so incredibly glad we landed on a guided trek through the local experts. This turned out to be an experience of a lifetime, a journey so profound that it cannot be fully captured and shared with others in mere words and photos. You simply had to be there, breathing in the air, feeling the earth beneath your feet, and experiencing the magic of Peru firsthand.

From the very start, our local specialist, James, was always readily available to answer our countless questions and patiently helped us get set up with the travel plan and trek that perfectly suited our desires and interests. He was in constant touch with us from beginning to end, ensuring that we were able to seamlessly coordinate with the trekking company for everything we needed, from essential contact information to specific prices and even accommodating our dietary restrictions! His support made the entire process so much smoother and less stressful.

That sounds like exceptional service! Do you have any particularly memorable moments from your time in Peru that you’d be willing to share with us? Moments that really stand out in your mind?

Oh, absolutely! The sights were truly unforgettable. We experienced incredible microclimates with an astonishing array of flora and fauna, from vibrant butterflies flitting through the air to cascading waterfalls and the delightful discovery of wild strawberries growing along the trail. We watched racing clouds dance across the sky and marveled at the lush tree canopies that enveloped us. We walked alongside aqueducts that were thousands of years old and explored ancient Incan ruins, imagining the lives of those who came before us. And, perhaps most importantly, we had the opportunity to meet and connect with local people along the way, sharing stories and laughter.

On our very first night at camp, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the milky-way galaxy, a sight so clear and brilliant that it felt almost surreal. We loved touring the coffee plantation, learning about the process from bean to cup, and we also had a thrilling time zip-lining through the jungle canopy. We very much enjoyed the relaxing and rejuvenating hot springs on our third day of the trek. Our camping tents were surprisingly comfortable and well-equipped, providing a cozy refuge after a long day of hiking. The train ride on Peru Rail was a scenic delight, and the accommodations in Cola de Mono and Aguas Calientes were also very nice, providing a comfortable and welcoming respite.

And of course, Machu Picchu was simply unreal. Standing in the presence of such an iconic and historically significant site was an experience I will never forget. Climbing Huayna Picchu, with its steep inclines and breathtaking views, was totally worth it! The panoramic vistas from the top were absolutely stunning.

After this extraordinary trek, I felt genuinely changed, refreshed, and encouraged in so many profound ways. I returned home feeling better about myself, having overcome the extreme physical challenges that I faced along the way. I left Peru with a new perspective on life and new friends that I felt genuinely sorry to part with. The connections we made with the local people were truly special.

It sounds like a truly enriching experience. Tell us more about how these cultural experiences enhanced your trip and made it even more special.

We absolutely loved having Peruvian crew members along with us for the trek. Despite some language barriers between us, that never prevented us all from genuinely enjoying each other’s company. We were constantly laughing, gesturing, translating for each other, cracking jokes, and learning from one another. It felt like everyone became family, and I will never forget the warmth and genuine hospitality they showed us. They took such good care of us, ensuring that we were comfortable, safe, and well-fed throughout the entire journey. Their presence truly elevated the experience.

The Peruvian food was also absolutely amazing. Prepared with love and skill by our incredible chefs, Edgar and his assistant Donato, everything was incredibly fresh, filling, and healthy. We enjoyed hot drinks to warm us up on chilly mornings, an abundance of fresh produce, delicious quinoa and bean bread, and an impressive selection of gluten-free foods and snacks to accommodate our dietary restrictions. We were treated to flavorful salads, hearty potatoes (of course, given Peru’s reputation!), succulent chicken dishes, and comforting soups. And, incredibly, Edgar even baked a cupcake for my birthday at the last minute, a truly thoughtful and unforgettable gesture! We all agreed that we enjoyed our meals on the trek even more than what we tried in Lima, which is widely regarded as THE food capital of Peru. That really says something!

That’s quite the culinary endorsement! Did anything about the trip particularly surprise you, whether it was something unexpected or a pleasant discovery?

Definitely our guide, Rolfi! He was truly the heart and soul of the entire group, bringing everyone together with his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering positivity. He never stopped cracking jokes, always had insightful answers to our million questions, and always had the best stories to share, weaving together history, culture, and personal anecdotes. He was unendingly patient with us, especially as we were perpetually stopping to take photos of the incredible beauty that surrounded us (and as we huffed and puffed during our ascents!).

Rolfi was there with us from start to finish, ensuring that each of us was feeling well, both physically and emotionally, and genuinely enjoying ourselves. He was extremely astute to each of our individual interests and preferences, tailoring his guidance and insights to suit our needs. We all learned so much from one another, sharing knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. We loved him and could not have asked for a better guide! It was incredibly hard for us all to say farewell to everyone in our crew at the end of the trek. They had become like family.

He sounds like an amazing guide! Do you have any advice for travelers who might be interested in doing a similar trip? Any tips or recommendations you’d like to share?

Absolutely! One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the weather can vary significantly depending on the time of year you travel. But even within a single trek, you’ll likely experience many different microclimates. Weather can change even from minute to minute, ranging from rainy and windy conditions to bright sunny skies, freezing temperatures to temperate climates, and even humid and hot spells. Pack accordingly, and be prepared for anything!

And bring an umbrella! This is another brilliant tip from our genius guide, Rolfi. I did not have one, as I was being a bit of a Seattle snob about umbrellas (thinking I could handle the rain!), but I sincerely wish I had. There is a lot of stopping on the trek to un-layer and re-layer jackets, hats, hoods, rain covers, etc. Having an umbrella would have significantly reduced some of that hassle and kept me drier in the process.

My trekking pants dried very quickly from body heat even after getting soaked several times, and while moving, I was not cold. Others in my group brought outer rain pants, and that was incredibly helpful to them as well. So, consider packing a pair of those too!

Would you recommend this trip to others? And is there anything you would change if you had the opportunity to do it all again?

I would without hesitation recommend this trip to anyone seeking an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, rich cultural immersion, and personal growth. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you return home. The only thing I would change for this particular trip would be to plan more time to see more of the fascinating museums in Cusco, delving deeper into the region’s history and art. I would also love to explore the stunning salt mines and visit Rainbow Mountain, adding even more diversity to the itinerary. And—even as a self-proclaimed Seattleite who often scoffs at umbrellas—I would definitely have brought an umbrella!

Laura’s trip was planned by James L. Mackender, a kimkim local specialist in Peru. We are incredibly grateful to James for his expertise and dedication in creating such a memorable experience for Laura.