When talking about Peru, many people fail to grasp the wealth of experiences it offers beyond the conventional tourist destinations. In addition to ancient ruins and exquisite cuisine, this country is a treasure box of adventure waiting to be discovered. From the majestic Andes Mountains to the lush Amazon jungle, Peru is steeped in a rich history and vibrant culture waiting to be explored at every turn.
For Austin, Gokul and Bobby, a group of friends from the United States, traveling is more than just visiting famous places; it's about immersing themselves in the authenticity of each destination and capturing its essence through the lens of their cameras. Their passion for adventure has led them to explore remote corners of the world, but Peru has always been a pending destination on their list. From the beginning, they knew that their trip to Peru would be unique and personal, tailored to their interests and pace. After planning and brainstorming to define what they wanted out of this trip, they decided to seek the help of local experts to ensure they made the most of their time in the country. That's why they contacted LimaTours, so that the Peruvian experts could help them create a tailor-made trip.
For two full weeks, they intensively explored different corners of the country, from the streets of Lima to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and the depths of the Amazon jungle. Thanks to LimaTours' meticulous planning, each experience was carefully curated to give them the best of Peru. From exhilarating treks to meeting local communities to witnessing the majesty of Machu Picchu at sunrise, each day offered new adventures and discoveries.
Perhaps one of the most precious moments of the trip was the experience they had riding ATVs through Maras and Moray in Cusco.
"It was one of those moments where you feel more alive and you're just chasing the adventure. You're living life in the most authentic way, you're living in the moment",
Austin tells us with nostalgia and joy. "We went to the Maras salt mines on ATVs. We met our guides, got a quick briefing on the ATVs, and then spent an incredible four hours on dirt roads through the beautiful mountains and valleys that surrounded us. We followed each other all the way to the salt mines. One thing I will never forget is that everything in Peru is so much bigger than you think. We were driving through these little hills and suddenly we came to a huge green grassy field with blue flowers everywhere. Then we keep going and I'm following Gokul and I know Bobby is right behind me and all we're looking at are the most gigantic, beautiful mountains I've ever seen in my life, like nowhere else." Austin, a photographer and videographer, tells us that he likes to have very clear mental images of the most amazing places he sees. This practice helps him keep those memories in his mind forever.
This is what it is like to travel in Peru, full of unexpected surprises, wild landscapes, anecdotes to remember and, above all, very warm and friendly people who are proud of their culture, customs and heritage. They are eager to show it and share it with those who receive it with respect, like Hans, the guide who accompanied them during another emblematic moment of their journey: the Inca Trail, which for two days and one night took them along the route to Machu Picchu.
It was a challenging hike with all their audiovisual equipment in their backpacks, but the excitement and desire to continue never faded. On the contrary, it increased as they progressed, surrounded by a lush jungle of trees and plants so beautiful that they did not know where to look. Nevertheless, they continued ascending until, suddenly, they looked down and found a drop of about four thousand feet that gave way to the most impressive landscape they had ever seen: the beautiful and imposing Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
"I've always heard people who've hiked the Inca Trail say it's something that photos, videos, stories, or words can't describe. You'll never understand its beauty until you see it," said Austin.
"We hiked about 7 miles and at the end we climbed the biggest hill of the trip to the top and reached the Sun Gate: the Inti Punku. Bobby, Gokul and I knew it would be something really incredible, so we prepared the GoPros and started recording to capture our reactions when we reached the top. However, left speechless by the wonder our eyes were seeing, the video was not very interesting because, for the first time after hours walking through the jungle, the valley opened up and we finally saw Machu Picchu embedded in the mountains,” describes Austin about the magnificent landscape they found there, all so green and beautiful on a scale they had never experienced before.
The variety and offer of experiences you can find in Peru is wide and diverse. Our diversified geography makes us a favorite destination for travelers, who can enjoy a wide range of activities, from trekking in the Andes mountains to sailing the rivers of the Amazon jungle and surfing lessons on the beaches lapped by the Pacific Ocean. At the same time, Peru has a rich and diverse cultural history dating back thousands of years. From the ancient pre-Inca civilizations to the splendor of the Inca Empire and the Spanish colonial influence, we are steeped in a unique cultural heritage. This is reflected not only in archaeological sites, but also in contemporary cultural life, which manifests itself in festivals, folkloric dances, art and gastronomy. This last one has gained worldwide recognition in recent years, making Peru a culinary destination par excellence.
Another type of experience that is gaining popularity among travelers is experiential tourism. In Peru, with its countless opportunities for adventure and nature lovers, you can meet places and people you never imagined. This was the case for Austin and his friends when they discovered that during their tour Titicaca lake in Puno, they would have the opportunity to visit the Taquile island.
Taquile is known for its unique society and its ability to preserve its ancestral traditions over time. Its political system is run by a council of elders chosen for their experience and wisdom. Economically, the island is mainly sustained by the production of high quality textiles woven by the local people, which are an important source of income for the community. This social and economic model has allowed Taquile to maintain its independence and prosperity over the years, as community life is governed by deeply rooted principles of reciprocity, solidarity and teamwork.
By the end of their trip, Austin, Gokul and Bobby realized that Peru was more than just a tourist destination; it was a universe of possibilities and discoveries that exceeded their expectations. With each experience, they found a new reason to fall in love with the country and treasure the indelible memories of a truly unforgettable adventure. This trip was not just a vacation, but a life-changing experience that allowed them to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the world around us. Through their travel videos, they hope to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and discover all that the world has to offer, knowing that the essence of Peru lies not only in its tourist destinations, but also in the authenticity and warmth of its people, as well as the hospitality with which they welcome travelers who explore its most mysterious and magical corners.
Peru defies and exceeds the expectations of any traveler, holding unexpected surprises around every corner. Those who dare to explore it discover, like Austin, Bobby and Gokul, that its true beauty lies in its diversity and its endless capacity to amaze and surprise at every turn, witnessing a unique history that precedes us in every region of the country.
Discover Peru and marvel at its inexhaustible capacity to surprise you at every step!
