Amy is one of eight women recently returning from eight days in Peru. The women’s group connected through AdventureHer and created a custom Knowmad itinerary journeying through Lima, the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and more.
Muchisimas gracias to Amy for her delightful travel journal. Below are just a couple morsels from the full journal.
“Each of us has different backgrounds, occupations and life experiences but were all brought together by the desire to experience a new culture.”
“At the market our guide Fernando excitedly shared information about spicy peppers, exotic vegetables and succulent fruits, which we tasted, compared and enjoyed immensely. We got caught up in the hustle and bustle of the market, passing piles of octopus, fish and live crab. To experience a market such as this is to truly experience an integral aspect of Peruvian culture – the amazing food.”
“At the restaurant we made fresh ceviche – a tasty and surprisingly simple dish made with fish, spices, lime juice, and red onion slices. Piled atop large lettuce leaves and served with thick slices of sweet potatoes and corn it was almost too pretty to eat – but not quite. “Muy delicioso!” as they say in Español.”
“Next we were off to a local drinking establishment where we learned about the history of the Pisco Sour, the national drink of Peru. We watched as our bartender mixed Quebranta, sugar syrup, egg whites, ice cubes and several drops of bitters while making a Pisco Sour. We then took turns behind the bar mixing our own Pisco Sours and toasted the beginning of our adventure.”
“Flying over the Andes was magnificent and I knew that we were in for a treat. The air in Cuzco was crisp – a significant temperature change from Lima. But the sun was shining and we were ready for another adventure.”
“Our first stop was to see Sacsayhuaman where we were met by a group of Alpaca´s sunning themselves in the grass. These wide-eyed animals seem to love posing for photos!”
“Today we took a bus far off the beaten path, up a winding dirt road and into the village of the Amaru people.”
“The Amaru chief, Gregorio, gave us a lesson in the ways of the Amaru, their planting, farming and the ways in which they live off the land. As he talked, we watched local women quietly weave tapestries as energetic children chased chickens and played in the courtyard.”
“Many of us commented that we had never received such a warm welcome in all our lives.”
“Using flower petals and cocoa leaves we each made an offering, asking the mountains for a blessing – the Amaru version of making a wish, I suppose. It was amazing to imagine that this serene landscape is home to many villagers who are disconnected with internet, cellphones, television and other modern amenities. But happy and content with their community, food, traditions, family and their trust that the land will continue to provide for them.”
“Our friendly biking guide, Daniel led us west along a rugged trail with lots of bumps as we headed to Moray. Along the way we passed cows, farmers and fields, the magnificent Andes mountains running parallel to our course.”
“…the steep uphill climbs made the downhill sections ever so sweet. Enjoying the natural beauty by bike was breathtaking, as were the hills!”
“Located on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley, The Lost City of the Incas provides unbelievable views of the Andes mountains.”
“By the end of our trip I think it’s safe to say that we had all gained a great deal from our adventure including new experiences, insights, lessons, memories, and friends. Along the way we discovered that though our lives may be different, people around the world are not all that different and that experiencing another culture can change your life forever.”
