Trip of a Lifetime in Peru with Exceptional Guide Jimmy

Our Peru Odyssey 2026 was truly unforgettable, as six not-so-young Irish ladies enjoyed the journey of a lifetime with our personal guide, Jimmy Jhon Alvarez Huillac from IncaFootsteps. From being picked up at the airport to exploring Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Arequipa, and all the adventures in between, Jimmy went above and beyond to care for us, especially when altitude sickness hit each of us (no one warned us about the diarrhea!). Throughout the trip, Jimmy ensured we had unlimited access to water on his bus, and all hotels kindly provided water in our rooms and free muna tea in the lobby. As an archaeologist and Incan descendant, Jimmy's passion for Peru's history, sacred sites, and traditions brought unique energy to every experience. One of the standout moments was a private traditional ceremony Jimmy organized, where we dressed in local outfits and participated in vibrant dances. Peru's diversity amazed us. We only scratched the surface, from canoe trips in the Amazon Jungle to exploring the Inca civilization at Machu Picchu, riding halfway up Rainbow Mountain to 4,000 meters on a mule, and trekking to sacred sites on half-bred Mysotis ponies. We marveled at modern metropolitan cities like Lima (14 million people!), Cusco, and Arequipa, admired Titicaca Lake and its floating islands, rode Peruvian Pasos horses, and reveled in the charm of ubiquitous llamas and alpacas. Seeing Juanita, the mummy of a sacrificed Inca virgin, was a powerful experience—she appears so peaceful. We also encountered protected vicuñas in a reserve, witnessed caimans and condors, played with monkeys, and celebrated through traditional rituals and dances dressed as locals. To top it off, we savored the iconic Pisco Sours. Truly, it was the trip of a lifetime!