Peru with OWR: Kyle’s Journey of Adventure, Connection, and Unexpected Magic

Kyle wasn’t looking for a typical holiday. He wanted something deeper—an experience that combined adventure, culture, and connection in a way that felt real.

So he booked our OWR Peru trip. What he found was a journey that took him from the coastal streets of Lima to the depths of the Amazon, through the sacred landscapes of the Andes, and along the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Here’s how it all played out.

When I booked my trip to Peru with Other Way Round, I was looking for more than just a vacation.

I wanted to see the world differently—through experiences that felt real, with people who were open to connection, and a little adventure thrown in for good measure.

What I got was all of that… and so much more.

Before the Adventure

Leading up to the trip, I had that mix of nervous excitement that comes with diving into something unknown. I’d never traveled with a group like this before—wasn’t sure if I’d click with everyone, or how I’d handle the pace.

But from the moment I landed in Lima and met the group over our welcome dinner, I felt at ease. The vibe was friendly, open, and effortless.

Everyone was there for the right reasons: to explore, connect, and say yes to the experience.

Lima: Seaside Breezes and Flavors That Stole the Show

We kicked things off in Lima, and I have to say—it surprised me. Biking through the coastal neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco gave me a whole new perspective on the city. The ocean views, the colonial architecture, the art tucked into every corner… it was a perfect introduction.

And the food? Next level.

We learned to make ceviche and pisco sours from a local chef, starting with a visit to one of Lima’s colorful fresh markets.

There’s something about getting your hands into a recipe, hearing the stories behind the ingredients, and then tasting the final product—it stays with you.

The Jungle: Wild, Lush, and Completely Alive

From Lima, we flew into the Amazon and took a boat down the Madre de Dios River toward our jungle lodge. That moment—gliding over the water, the canopy rising up around us, the city behind us—was when it really hit me: I was in the Amazon. 

Our home for the next two nights was Hotel Enai, tucked away in the trees with a serene, luxurious feel that somehow blended perfectly with the wild around it.

Waking up to the sound of howler monkeys, walking through the rainforest at night, canoeing across Lake Sandoval—it felt like stepping into another world. Pure magic.

One especially unforgettable moment: the team surprised us with a sunset boat ride out to a sandbar in the middle of the river.

When we arrived, they’d set up an impromptu bar just for us, complete with cocktails and a front-row view of the sun dipping below the horizon over the Amazon.

It was thoughtful, surreal, and honestly kind of emotional—the kind of moment that catches you off guard in the best way.

That same day, we also had the chance to make our own chocolate using cacao sourced straight from the surrounding jungle.

The process—from grinding the beans to tasting the finished product—felt like the perfect (and delicious) connection between culture, environment, and experience.

Sacred Valley: Salt Mines, Stars, and Stillness

From the jungle, we jumped into the Andes—literally and emotionally. The Sacred Valley was all mountain air and ancient energy.

We explored Ollantaytambo and Moray, wandered the incredible Salt Mines of Maras, and spent the night under the stars at Lizzy Wasi, a charming and peaceful hotel with the kind of views that stop you in your tracks.

This part of the trip gave me a deeper sense of the culture—the way the past lives on in daily life, how the traditions still breathe in the towns and terraces. It grounded the experience in a beautiful way.

The Inca Trail: Sweat, Steps, and That View

The one-day Inca Trail hike was both the hardest and most rewarding part of the trip.

We started early, caught the train to kilometer 104, and then climbed. And climbed.

Through forests, across stone paths, past ancient ruins. Every time I thought the view couldn’t get better—it did.

Reaching the Sun Gate at the end of the hike and seeing Machu Picchu appear in the distance, bathed in golden light, felt surreal.

It’s one of those moments that locks into your memory and refuses to fade.

Machu Picchu Up Close: Awe and Wonder

The next day, we returned to Machu Picchu for a proper visit, this time entering through the main gate and wandering the ancient citadel with our guide, Juan Carlos—who, by the way, was absolutely incredible throughout the entire trip.

He brought so much heart, humor, and knowledge to everything we did. Machu Picchu felt more alive because of the stories he told, the details he noticed, and the respect he clearly held for the place.

Cusco: Cobblestones and Celebration

Our final days were spent in Cusco, based at the stylish and peaceful Tariq Boutique, where we had panoramic views of the city and a quiet retreat just steps from the action.

Cusco is one of those places you want to wander without a plan—just follow the cobbled streets, sip coca tea, and let it unfold. After so much adventure, it felt good to slow down, reflect, and soak in the final days of the journey.

Final Thoughts: Why This Trip Mattered

It’s hard to sum up a trip like this. Yes, the landscapes were stunning. The food was unforgettable. The itinerary was perfectly curated, striking a balance between active adventure and meaningful downtime. But what really made it was the people.

The group dynamic was easy and natural, and it didn’t take long for strangers to start feeling like friends.

And Juan Carlos—our guide, leader, and now friend—was a huge part of that magic. He made the experience feel personal and powerful from start to finish.

Advice for Anyone Considering This Trip

Don’t overthink it. If you’re on the fence—just go. Be open. Be curious. Say yes to the things that feel a little intimidating. Pack layers (seriously), good shoes, and a journal. You’re going to want to remember the way it all made you feel.

And most importantly—trust the process. Other Way Round has something special going on, and Peru is a place that will change you if you let it.