I’m a proud North Carolinian who was raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, but these days I call Peru home. Among my favorite pastimes are attending Lima’s endless festivals and events, playing volleyball, and seeking out spots to enjoy jungle food. After finishing degrees in International Studies and Spanish, I first came to Peru in 2015 to work for an NGO that provides low-income families with access to healthcare. Today I enjoy sharing my knowledge of Latin America by helping others find life changing experiences to Peru and beyond.
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” -- Anthony Bourdain
It is always worth a hotel upgrade to the 4-star or 5-star level in certain destinations like the Sacred Valley and Colca Canyon. There are some incredible hotel properties in Peru with unique styles and amazing views that make the additional cost well worth it.
Considering the Amazon for your trip? Don’t be afraid to explore some of the more unique locations of Northern Peru. The northern Amazon of Peru is so diverse and offers a more temperate climate. Take an awesome hike to a waterfall, try some exotic fruits and even stumble upon some pre-Incan ruins.
Slow down the pace of your trip a bit with a free day or two. An itinerary to Peru can often include a lot of early mornings and full days, so having a nice free day in a city like Cusco, Lima and Arequipa is a great way to relax a bit.