p1">Sometimes in life, certain moments change who you are, providing a new outlook on what you know and believe. If you’re lucky, those moments can happen while you’re out on a special vacation.

I’m privileged to say that the above has just recently happened to me, on an enchanting trip to Peru with Intrepid Travel and PROMPERU. In just eight days, I was met with so much beauty, kindness, and appreciation that I actually felt it changed me.

From my extremely amazing Intrepid tour guide, Ale, to the many kind moments with locals, and inspiring stories from women across a variety of industries, here’s the highlight reel of my recent trip to the Land of the Andes.

Exploring Lima

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Kicking off this Peruvian adventure was a two-night stay in the country’s beautiful capital of Lima, where my tour group, and I first met our trusted Intrepid leader, Ale, Intrepid host Nour Shell, Fever Pitch Communications host Jessica Napier, and PROMPERU host Yuriko!

Highly praised for her fun-filled, knowledgeable, and authentic tours, we quickly became a lively group with Ale at the helm, who affectionately named us the ‘Hijas del Sol‘ — daughters of the sun.

With Ale’s expert knowledge, we started off the adventure with a tour of downtown Lima and the Barranco District. Our first stop was Oriundas, a local gallery that aims to promote artists, and their works, providing them with gallery space to showcase their craft. Owned by Paulina, the group, and I got an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the works, and the artisans.

Dinner followed next door at the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site, a sacred pre-Incan pyramid, the restaurant offered truly astonishing views. With a hot plate of Lomo Saltado — traditional Peruvian stir-fry with steak, grilled onions, and peppers, on top of golden French fries, and with a side of rice — it doesn’t get better than this!

My other must-mention Lima highlights included a taste test of local street food, where Ale guided us to bustling stands pumping out treats like Picarones, fried donuts made with sweet potatoes, and the vibrantly coloured Mazamorra Morada, a purple corn, and fruit pudding.

The ancient city of Cusco

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As our Peruvian adventure continued, our next stop was the ancient city of Cusco, the capital of the Incas. With Ale in the lead, we explored the cobble-stoned main square and headed to Casa Intrepid — a multifunctional space for travellers, and employees. That night, the group received a masterclass in Pisco.

Peru’s national drink

As the national drink of Peru, only eight varieties of wine grapes are allowed to be used in its production (which grow in five specific regions). Pisco is distilled only once for a clear end product. That spirit is then used in a beloved drink, the Pisco Sour, which, according to the Casa Intrepid bartender, is a simple, and easy recipe everyone will love.

Pisco Sour:

2 ounces Pisco
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 egg white

Combine with ice in a cocktail mixer, and shake vigorously. Once egg whites are frothy, strain over ice, and enjoy. Salut!

Also in Cusco, the Hijas del Sol (that’s us, remember?) found themselves at a triple-impact organization that supports single mothers, and their children, AMA. Not only does AMA provide stable job opportunities for women, but the restaurant also provides childcare services for the kids. With four mothers at the helm of the kitchen, locally-sourced, homemade, and tasty food is the name of the game here.

Not only was the visit to AMA completely moving, but it was filling as well. There truly isn’t anything better than eating with a purpose. Try the Achachau, wood-fired Turkey topped high with grilled mozzarella, local tomatoes, caramelized onions, and Ama’s signature mesclun salad.

Connecting in Ollantaytambo

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As we got closer to the main event of the trip, the Inca hike, and a visit to Machu Picchu, the Hijas del Sol spent a couple of days in Ollantaytambo, a town nestled in the beautiful Sacred Valley, and against the Urubamba River.

Sitting in our inflatable boat with our guide in the back, we traversed over Level 2 and 3 rapids — served up with a side of hysterical screams of fun. Could the thrills get any better? How about two rambunctious river otters playing with each other on the riverbank — talk about super cute!

We also got a special visit to the Wiloq community at nearly 3,000 metres above sea level. Greeting us with big smiles, the Wiloq community members welcomed us with open arms, completely embracing us into their everyday lives and culture.

From a demonstrative lesson on weaving, an impromptu dance lesson, and a bountiful feast, it was a connecting moment, and the Wiloq will tell you having Intrepid tours in their community has afforded them more opportunities, but I will be the first to say that it is us, the travellers, who walk away as change people with their invaluable lessons, and kindness — as corny as that sounds.

Multiple women from the Wiloq community work as porters on the Inca Trail, shuffling packs and equipment up and down the ancient paths. As Ale explains, this wasn’t always the norm, but with Intrepid Travel, women are offered more opportunities.

Machu Picchu

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With the trip coming to a close, the Hijas del Sol faced the final summit: the famed Inca Hike to Machu Picchu. Armed with our daypacks, a quick train ride whisked us to the ancient Incan site of Chachabamba, and the journey began.

I’ll be honest, a one-day 12-km hike into the Andean cloud forest didn’t sound too extreme to me, but it was about two hours in when I felt a fiery pain in my lungs…

Sweating more than profusely, I started to cry, and questioned how I could continue for another six hours, punishing myself for not appreciating the diverse landscape and, incredible opportunity I was complaining about!

That was only a short hissy fit thanks to Ale and my group-mates, who immediately hyped me up and pushed me forward, reminding me that I was going to finish the hike.

One packed lunch, a dozen breaks, uncountable levels of sweat, and countless words of encouragement later, Hijas del Sol arrived at the Sun Gate, a.k.a. Inti Punku, and gazed down at Machu Picchu below. We had almost completed our hike, and the gratitude was contagious. Roughly an hour later, we reached our destination, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Homecoming

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With a jam-packed eight days of travelling the country, I am just beginning to fully understand the magnitude of this trip and how it has impacted me as a writer, traveller, and human being. My trip was filled with real-life moments, where only sisterhood and genuine compassion were available.

It is not lost on me that this Intrepid trip was made possible by the work and dedication of countless women, all of whom strive to represent their country with as much love and respect as possible, while also uplifting themselves, their families, and trying to change the perception of naysayers.

From business owners like Paulina to the giggly young Wiloq women, and the trailblazing women porters on the Inca Hike, Intrepid trips are designed to improve the lives of the locals, and getting to be a part of that for even a single second was a blessing, and privilege. I am forever changed by the generosity, respect, and love that were passed along to me, and I vow to remember, and honour these hardworking women.

Ready for your magical trip to Peru? Check out Intrepid Tours in Peru or visit the PROMPERU website to learn more.

The author of this article was hosted by Intrepid Travel and PROMPERU.