Franny's Solo Trip To Peru!

Peru is unlike any other country I’ve visited and has so much biodiversity. You can visit for three weeks and still only scratch the surface of what the country has to offer. On top of that, the people are amazing. Incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, they invite visitors with open arms. Every time we have people travel to Peru, they are blown away by their hospitable guides and people they meet. The guides all have personal connections making the experience even more special and genuine. My guide in Cusco, Alfredo, pointed to ancient Incan steps carved in a boulder and said he ran up and down them as a small boy.  Carla, my guide on the Salktantay trek, grew up in Mollepata which is small town at the base of the mountain. She called Salkantay her apu (her mountain protector) and we were even able to meet her parents. Having that connection with the history of the land made it even sweeter to learn about all Peru had to offer – past and present.
 

Not only are the people incredible, but the food is mind-blowing. One of my favorite ways to immerse myself when traveling is by food. I want to try it all, no matter how weird or odd. Land and sea is a common combination and they cover all of the important senses in a dish. Ceviche was by far my favorite. The fresh fish, bathed in tigre de leche (tiger’s milk) along with fresh, and crunchy corn made for an excellent and light meal. I couldn’t get enough. I also loved the coca tea offered everywhere. My hotel in Cusco, Andean Wings, had whole coca leaves you could add to hot water. The drink was like a delicious green tea that gave you the boost you needed and hydration to battle any altitude sickness.
 

This was also my first trip ever traveling solo internationally. It was a perfect place to dip my toes in figuring out how to navigate things on my own. And of course Adventure Life uses local offices that take care of you from when you land to when you leave. I hardly had to lift a finger! It was fun to write these posts and relive such a special experience. I hope you enjoy!