Katy Finding a Piece of Her Soul in Peru

Katy had always dreamed of seeing the world, but this time, she chose to do it for herself.

Her journey to Peru with Other Way Round Travel became more than a bucket-list trip; it became the moment she discovered a piece of her soul she didn’t even know was missing.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep desire to explore the world. I’ve been happily married for 26 years, and while my husband has always supported me, travel in this way has never quite been his dream. For a couple of years I quietly researched how I might fulfill this part of myself, how I could see the world, safely and meaningfully, on my own. When I discovered Other Way Round (OWR) and their Peru itinerary, everything seemed to fall into place.  Visiting one of the wonders of the world had always been on my bucket list, and this felt like the perfect way to do it; within a group, with structure, and with support.

After discussing it with my husband, we both agreed this was the right opportunity. Knowing I would be travelling with a group and guided throughout gave us both confidence, and from the moment I booked, the process was seamless and reassuring.

I had around eight months between booking and departure, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel nervous at times. This was completely new territory for me, and naturally, I found myself overthinking the small details. But every time a worry crept in, OWR were there.  They were easy to contact, always quick to respond, and incredibly reassuring. That support made a huge difference, it turned nerves into excitement and helped me feel safe in my decision.

“THE TRIP EXCEEDED EVERY EXPECTATION I HAD”

By the time the day came to travel, those nerves had melted away.  I felt nothing but pure happiness and excitement for what lay ahead.

When I arrived in Peru, I was actually the last person in the group to get there.  Everyone else had already had a couple of hours to meet and get to know each other, so I did wonder briefly how I’d slot in. I needn’t have worried. From the moment I landed, everything was taken care of.  I was collected promptly by a driver and taken to our first hotel, where our guide, Manny, was waiting for me.

Manny was exceptional from the very start. He stayed in contact with me as I arrived in the country and made sure I felt welcomed straight away.  He introduced me to the group so naturally, got conversations flowing, and within no time at all, I felt like I belonged.  That first evening, we all went out for a welcome meal together, and it was the perfect beginning.

From that moment on, the trip exceeded every expectation I had.

There were 13 of us in total, from the UK, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, and Switzerland. What started as a group of strangers quickly became something incredibly special. The way the itinerary was designed, combined with Manny’s guidance, gave us so many opportunities to connect, share experiences, and genuinely bond. I can honestly say I’ve made friends for life. In fact, we’re already planning future trips together, I’m even booking another OWR adventure to India with one of them.

“EXPLORING MACHU PICCHU WITH MANNY AS OUR GUIDE ADDED EVEN MORE DEPTH TO THE EXPERIENCE”

Manny deserves special mention.  His passion for Peru was absolutely infectious. Every day, he brought history to life in such an engaging and heartfelt way. You could tell how much he loved his country, and that energy carried through everything we did.

There were so many highlights, but completing the Inca Trail hike with my new friends was something truly unforgettable.  Walking through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was breathtaking, one of those moments that almost doesn’t feel real. It’s hard to put into words the emotion of that experience. It will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

The following day, exploring Machu Picchu with Manny as our guide added even more depth to the experience. Hearing the stories, understanding the history, and taking in every detail made it even more meaningful.  It genuinely felt like a part of my soul I didn’t even realise was missing had been filled.

What made the trip even more incredible was the contrast in the itinerary. One moment, we were immersed in the raw beauty and nature of the Amazon, surrounded by wildlife and completely disconnected from the outside world. The next, we were exploring the rich culture and history of Cusco and Lima, both vibrant cities full of life, colour, and energy.

“THIS TRIP HAS BEEN SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A HOLIDAY”

Those quieter moments, sitting on a balcony with a glass of wine, reflecting on the day with friends, were just as special as the big experiences.  They gave us time to pause, to connect, and to truly appreciate everything we were living through.

And then there was the food… absolutely incredible!  Every meal felt like an experience in itself.  The itinerary struck the perfect balance between meals that were organised for us and free time to explore local restaurants. 

Manny always had the best recommendations, and the meals included in the trip were in high-quality restaurants with a wide variety of options, often three courses and always delicious.

But more than the food itself, it was what those meals represented. They were moments of laughter, storytelling, and connection.  They brought us together time and time again, allowing us to reflect on what we’d seen and experienced that day, all while enjoying authentic Peruvian culture.

Looking back, this trip has been so much more than just a holiday. It has been a truly life-changing experience.  It gave me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone, the opportunity to see some of the most incredible places on earth, and the gift of friendships I know I’ll carry with me forever.

“IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING A SOLO TRIP BUT FEEL UNSURE, I CANNOT RECOMMEND OTHER WAY ROUND TRAVEL ENOUGH”

If you’re considering a solo trip but feel unsure, I cannot recommend Other Way Round Travel enough. Whether it’s your first time travelling this way or you’ve done it before, there is something truly unique about how they design their experiences. Every detail is thoughtfully planned to ensure you not only see the country but truly feel it—its culture, its people, and its spirit.

More importantly, they create an environment where strangers become a family. Where shared experiences turn into lifelong memories. And where you leave not just with photographs, but with connections and a renewed sense of yourself.

For me, this trip wasn’t just about ticking off a destination. It was about fulfilling something deep within me, and it did exactly that.

And the best part? This is only the beginning.