Peruvian Adventure with Olivia Junghans!

What inspired you to visit Peru?

Everyone has their bucket list, and Machu Picchu was definitely on there! I had also heard rumblings that this amazing archeological site would one day be only viewable from a distance and I did not want to wait for that day, even if it was years from now. I am also pretty active and love the outdoors and nature, so I knew I wanted to do some sort of trek. After some research, I came across a local company called Salkantay Trekking (shoutout to Carlos the Mountain King!) and instantly knew this was how I wanted to experience Peru. I love to be immersed in a country’s culture, people, and landscapes - there is so much to learn from others. Going on a 5-day trek through the Andes sounded like a great way to experience all of those things.

San Blas Neighborhood

She's a hard working Senior Designer and Illustrator.

I am extremely fortunate to have a wonderful job that provides a stable income as well as unlimited paid time off to travel to Peru. I also have very supportive managers who, when I told them my plans for this trek, were very excited for me and encouraged me to go.

Olivia with local Quechua women. You can find many women like this walking in groups around Cusco. They are easily spotted by their authentic, colorful Andean attire and are usually seen with similarly adorned alpacas and baby lambs. Be sure to have some money on you to give them after a photo, as this is part of how they make their livelihood.

THE EXPERIENCE!

My trip was about 9 days. I took a plane from the U.S. to Lima and then had to get a Redeye to Cusco where I needed to acclimate to the higher altitudes of the region before my trek. So for the first 3 days, I saw the sights, ate good food (even Guinea pig), bought some local artwork, and rested. Once Monday rolled around it was time to set off on a 5-day adventure through the Andes. Our goal was to reach the top of the Salkantay Pass (which was a little over 15,000 feet) by day 2 and gradually descend over the course of 3 days until we reached Machu Picchu, our final destination. Seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu will forever be a memory etched into my mind.

Qorikancha Temple of the Sun

What were your feelings during this trip?

I felt humbled, thankful, empowered, happy, and captivated!

I was immediately humbled by the landscape and the altitude. I had been training for 6 months for this trek and within three days I felt like I had never run a day in my life and succumbed to mild altitude sickness. While initially frustrated, I was quickly encouraged to keep going with the help of my guide and group. For 9 complete strangers to welcome me, and help me without even a hint of resentment, was so beautiful. I was and still am so thankful and happy that I had such an amazing group of people.

Day 1 Salkantay Trek: Sky Camp in Soraypampa

I also felt extremely empowered on this trip through my guide, who constantly told me I inspired him. Although, I secretly think it was because I surprised him with my tenacity and stubbornness in completing the trek. It was enough for him to trust me to forge ahead alone on the fourth day so I could get a head start to the next town. Also, just the act of being able to walk around in a new country and city and connect with people and experience new things was empowering as a solo traveler.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin

The entire experience of this trip left me feeling so happy. I was captivated by this country’s people and culture, and I am so glad I took the leap to do this solo. I got to meet so many new people and formed some new friendships along the way, and now have new stories to share.

Tell us about the Peruvian culture.

Peru’s culture is amazing to me, like much of South America. I can really only describe the Cusco region since that’s where I spent the majority of my time. They like to live loud and fast, but they also know when to take things slow and enjoy the moment. They are steeped in the traditions of their ancestors, yet are leading the world in innovative cuisine. You’re walking on streets that smell of spice and incense in a city that has been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years but if you look to the right there are modern innovations entangled against Incan and colonial stone. Everything had a unique balance that was absolutely intoxicating.

San Blas, Cusco, Peru

Is it safe for women to travel here on their own?

Like I tell my mother when she worries - everywhere and everything can be dangerous or safe depending on the choices that you make. I’d say like most places, the people are very kind in Cusco and I felt extremely safe. There are also a lot of other tourists just like you walking around enjoying the city. Cusco also has its own police department that patrols major areas just like you would see in many large U.S. cities.

The Watchman's Tower with sacrificial rock

As for my wardrobe, well, I was there for a long hike through the Andes so definitely a lot of hiking pants, hiking boots, t-shirts, and tank tops. It was definitely cold at night when I was there in September so be sure to bring a jacket, but they have alpaca sweaters lining every street corner so be sure to buy one while there. They are so comfortable and warm! I’d say if you’re not there for a trek and are there just to take in the sights, wear what you feel most comfortable in. The attire and the people were diverse in style and color. I saw many people dressed very casually and others dressed to the nines.

Llamas in Machu Picchu

Do you feel more confident because of this trip? How will you use that confidence as fuel for your everyday life?

Absolutely. This is actually my second solo trip, my first being in Scotland where I did a road trip starting in Glasgow, circled all the way to the tip of Isle of Skye, and back down to Edinburgh. For the longest time, Scotland was my benchmark that I would constantly remind myself of if I was feeling unsure if I could tackle something. Even while booking this Peru trip, I had to remind myself what I was capable of in Scotland.

Sapantiana Aqueduct

I’d say my trip to Peru, mainly the trek, was the most mentally and physically challenging thing I have ever done. The mental aspect of both trips is something that I use daily in my job, in my relationships, and in my overall life. You have to be mentally prepared for anything and while there are always nice strangers, sometimes you have to learn that you just have to rely on yourself to get things done.

With this trek, I really tested my endurance physically and mentally as well. Day 2 was a lot of risk management and checking in with myself because of the altitude. If I keep going, am I going to put myself at risk for serious altitude sickness? What is my body telling me right now? How will I feel when I complete this trek? As someone who hardly does this at home and always focuses on others before herself, this was a big change in mindset, but one that is so necessary when traveling alone. You have to be your biggest advocate.

Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru

It's also so important to not compare yourself to others. You are doing the best that you can. I had someone tell me before this trip “It’s not like you’re climbing Everest” when I told them I was a little nervous about the altitude. While the intentions were meant to be helpful, I knew to my body, that this was my Everest…and who knows that might be on my bucket list too.

Keep climbing Olivia! We love to see it.

You can find Olivia's Instagram with more adventure photos here.