Our recent adventure to Peru was nothing short of magical. Our group of 29, including myself (Chris Smith), my husband CK, and our fantastic co-host Manny Dominguez, embarked on an epic journey that took us from bustling city streets to tranquil rainforest hideaways. Along the way, we navigated unexpected twists and turns, moving from hotel to airport to more hotels—all thanks to our attendees’ patience and readiness to embrace the adventure. Here’s a recap of our highlights and unforgettable moments.
Kicking Off in Lima: The Heart of Peru
We kicked off our journey in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital. Diving into the city’s rich history, we began with a visit to the San Francisco Basilica and its fascinating catacombs. Built in the 16th century, the basilica is a stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture. Beneath it, the catacombs once served as a cemetery, holding the remains of around 25,000 people. Walking through those narrow, dimly lit passageways and seeing the organized stacks of bones gave us all a profound sense of Lima’s layered history.
Wildlife Encounters at Ballestas Islands
From Lima, we traveled south to the Ballestas Islands, often called Peru’s “mini Galapagos.” These rocky isles are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including sea lions and thousands of seabirds. But the true highlight was spotting the penguins! These Humboldt penguins, native to the Peruvian and Chilean coasts, were mesmerizing to watch as they moved with both curiosity and purpose—an enchanting encounter for all of us.
Desert Thrills at Huacachina Oasis
Our next stop was Huacachina Oasis, a desert landscape where towering sand dunes surround a picturesque lake. If you know my husband, CK, you can imagine his screams as we tore over the dunes in dune buggies! At times, our buggy felt as if it were airborne, and sometimes it was riding on just two or three tires as we zoomed down the biggest dunes we’d ever seen. CK’s reactions kept us all laughing—it was pure thrill and fun.
Ascending to the Andes: Exploring Cusco
The following morning, our entire group of 29 boarded a plane bound for Cusco, the gateway to the Andes. Sitting at 11,250 feet, Cusco welcomed us with thin air but endless charm, and our anticipation for the days ahead was palpable. Even the flight itself felt like an adventure, with excitement building as we prepared to journey deeper into the highlands.
Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley: A Gateway to Inca History
In the historic town of Ollantaytambo (pronounced oy-yahn-tie-TAM-bo), our group split into two: 15 of us headed for the famous Inca Trail, while the remaining 14 enjoyed a longer stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Those staying in Cusco explored the ancient Incan granaries and the agricultural sites of the Sacred Valley before making their way to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Along the way, they visited a women’s weaving co-op, a project supported by G Adventures and Planeterra, which helps empower local women through traditional weaving practices. They also had the opportunity to meet local pottery makers, gaining insight into the region’s rich artisanal heritage and traditions.
Trekking the Inca Trail: A Life-Changing Journey
For those of us on the Inca Trail, the four-day trek was a life-changing experience. Spanning 27 miles with a 6,000-foot elevation gain, the 15th-century trail, built by the Incas, is a marvel of engineering. Our journey took us through dense cloud forests, alpine tundra, and ancient ruins, all while accompanied by stunning mountain vistas. Along the way, we visited our guide David’s home village, where we met his grandfather and dogs, an experience that added so much humanity and cultural depth to our trip.
Meals along the trail were nothing short of amazing. The culinary team even surprised us with a cake—a true feat at high altitude! Our 22 porters carried much of our gear, making the trek possible and allowing us to focus on the experience itself. Passing through the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu under clear skies was the crowning moment of our trek, a vision that rewarded every step. And yes, a long, hot shower was a priority after days of camping and, well, limited bathroom facilities.
A Special Farewell in Lima
Our farewell dinner back in Lima was held at Panchita, a renowned local restaurant where we gathered in a private room to toast to new friendships and shared memories. Manny, Max, and I each gave heartfelt speeches, celebrating the adventure we had all experienced together. The night was filled with laughter and a sense of accomplishment, perfectly rounding out our time in Peru.
Into the Depths of the Peruvian Amazon
For 12 of us, the adventure continued with a post-trip excursion to the Peruvian Amazon. We flew from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, traveling deep into the rainforest to the Tambopata Eco-Lodge. Here, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle, we stayed in beautiful bungalows powered only a few hours each day. Most of our huts were lit by candlelight, and the meals—three times a day—were packed with locally sourced produce like fresh-picked avocados and bananas. The Amazon was a peaceful retreat that contrasted perfectly with the rugged adventure of the Andes.
This journey was truly a PRIDE adventure, filled with highs, surprises, and camaraderie. Thank you to each and every member who joined us—you made this journey unforgettable. Peru has left an indelible mark on all of us, and we can’t wait to see where our next adventure takes us!
If reading about our incredible journey has sparked your own wanderlust, we invite you to join us on our next big adventure! Whether it’s scaling new peaks, exploring vibrant cultures, or diving into the heart of nature, our trips are crafted to bring people together for meaningful and unforgettable experiences. Visit our website or reach out to learn more—the world is waiting, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
