Inca Trails Experience to Machu Picchu 2023

INCA TRAILS EXPERIENCE TO MACHU PICCHU 26th August – 10th September 2023

FOREWORD For me Dream It is all about relationships, passion and sharing epic fitness-related experiences by partnering with our guides and travel partners to enable us to deliver the Dream experience for our clients.

Dream It offers ambitious travel and fitness experiences in amazing global locations, providing a truly immersive cultural experience that is well researched, well executed and difficult to replicate.

Our Peru experience took 12 months to pull together and deliver and it is hard to put into words how privileged I feel to have been part of this trip with such an outstanding group of people that are now firm friends.

Kiwis tend to be amazing people to travel with and this group left a wonderful impression on the local people in Peru. A special thank you to Lisa Cameron for her efforts in bringing this group together, arranging our training weekend on the Tongariro Crossing and for her help hosting and the unrelenting enthusiasm and smiles each day.

The pay back for me personally is seeing the personal growth and absolute joy of our clients throughout their experience which we have captured in the following pages.

Michael (Mavis) Davis Dream It Founder

CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVELLING THE GREAT INCA ROAD IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE CHASQUIS For this adventure we immerse in the mystical world of Incan history and travel the Great Inca Road between the ancient sites of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Our journey follows in the footsteps of the legendary Chasqui runners who supported the vast Incan empire delivering communications along the 38,000km Inca Road.

As we trek between these two lost cities we will have opportunity to view impressive landscapes, explore high Andean villages and travel through five climate zones – including Andean Puna and Cloud Forest where endangered condors are common. Along the way we will immerse in the Andean way of life and see the mountains through the eyes of these historic messengers.

OUR CREW Julie Peacock

Glen Campbell

Dan Hawkins

Michael Davis

Helen Bosch

Kirsten McFadden (Dr.Quinn)

Tania Abel

Julio Camacho (Guide)

Neil Hickman

Jodie Campbell

David Herald (Speedy Gonzalez)

Lewis Hickman

Heidi Sycamore

Glenn Abel

Micaela Camacho (Photographer)

Veronica Lane

Shane Austin

Zane Rigden

Anna Douglas

Paul Beazley

Lisa Cameron

Daniel Camacho (Guide) And our horseman, chefs and 30 horses.

OUR HOST & AMBASSADOR LISA CAMERON LISA’S STORY 2023 bought about the exciting decision to re launch Dream It’s next level global adventures. Taking an amazing group of adventurous Kiwis to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Chasqui Runners between the ancient sites of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Along with experiencing the renowned Virgen Nativity Celebration festival in Cusco. Conquering Rainbow Mountain and absorbing the Incan history, culture, food and architecture of Cusco and the surrounding areas. We added the option to continue exploring South America with a three day Amazon Jungle Experience and a three day adventure to the mysterious Lake Titicaca in Bay of Puno.

I first travelled to Peru as a Dream It Ambassador in 2019. Incan history and Andean Culture was bought to life for me and our group by Julio Cesar Camacho, our Head Guide and Greci, Julio’s wife – also a renowned and passionate tour guide. We embarked on a life changing trip and witnessed one of the World’s seven wonders. To have the opportunity to return is an absolute privilege. Dream It’s point of difference is mind blowing. The logistics of the hiking aspect of the trip itself is phenomenal. How the trip is delivered, the support crew with chefs, horsemen, camp staff and 30 horses. This has to be seen to be believed. The trip generates a special group of adventurous, like minded people and it is wonderful to see the journey through their eyes.

our own. Supporting, encouraging and sharing this journey together. Our group banter was also on point with a lot of laughter shared and memories cemented not to mention life friendships gained.

Watching the horsemen not only with their horses but also their compassion with our team, their ability to read our minds and make sure our camp stay is comfortable and flawless at each site. The quiet diligent effort to erect sleeping tents, a dining tent, prepare delicious food in all sorts of conditions from ancient ruins to utility sheds to tents……each dish a picture on a plate highlighting local delicacies.

On day eight of our hike, we descended into Victoria Pass to discover the beautiful village of Yanama. This is the village of most of our horsemen and their children attend the small local school with a roll of 34. Dream It always undertakes a service project, this is a truly special part of the trip for all concerned. This year the project was to gift every child from the school with a puffer jacket. The gifting ceremony was moving and attended not only by the children but also their parents. To everyone’s delight, laughter and amusement we rounded out our gifting ceremony by challenging the school children to a game of soccer. They gathered up some of their parents – our horsemen and crew to help out…needless to say, soccer for us at altitude resulted in a loss. But lifetime memories of the smiling faces and joy of the children will forever be a memory of this trip.

To hike in the magnificence of the Andes……the depth, solitude, splendour.

Venturing into the highlands, passing permanent glaciers, small villages. Our journey taking us through varied climate zones, cloud forest, incredible wild flowers, birds…and to be honoured with the presence of an Andean Condor as we climbed one of our high passes. With only 70 people per day being granted access to our path……we were privileged as a group to see this phenomenal landscape in

Reaching Aquas Caliente, the vibrant base town of Machu Picchu is always incredible. Coming from the solitude of the Andes with just our team and support crew into a buzzing town is always fun and a slight shock to the system. But to visit Machu Picchu itself, to be surrounded in the history of this vast ruin is breathtaking.

Julio, having visited these incredible ruins an amazing 600 plus times - brings to life this symbol of the Incan Empire with its sophisticated stone walls, huge blocks

To choose one highlight is impossible…

The trip generates a special group of adventurous, like minded people and it is wonderful to see the journey through their eyes.

and intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments and panoramic views. Just when we think it can’t possibly get any better – we then embarked on a climb together of Wayna Picchu – the famous postcard mountain at the back of the ruins. Wayna Picchu gave our group not only an unmatched view over the ruins of Machu Picchu but also a sense of achievement to finish this leg of the journey with a challenging but breathtaking climb together.

Witnessing the Virgen Nativity Celebration Festival in Cusco - where literally thousands of dancers fill the street of the city’s historical centre with colour and music was yet another highlight. The food stalls, traditional costumes, vivid colours, vociferous noise, flamboyant dance and fanfare. There is a deeply symbolic meaning to this event and Julio was wide eyed and animated as he explained its relevance to our group.

Rainbow Mountain, new to our itinerary this year was yet another highlight. This has to be seen to be believed. It was our highest elevation at 5200 meters. The buzz around the Mountain with horses, handicraft stalls, alpacas to name a few was lively.

The day was clear and blue. The mountains are formed of colourful sediments which give the site a surreal look. A backdrop of glaciers rounds out the vista….to see the look of achievement on our teams faces and also the share joy of being in this incredible environment is one of the privileges of being an Ambassador for Dream It, sharing in life changing memories is really humbling.

Five of our adventurers returned home while 14 continued on to the Amazon Jungle for an Eco Lodge Experience. We took an overnight bus followed by an hour and a half boat ride to our lodge on the Madre de Dios river. Immersed in the natural surroundings we witnessed tarantulas, caimans, jaguar foot prints, various monkeys, a diverse range of vibrantly coloured birds to name a few. With impressive sunsets, a hammock lined viewing deck, marshes, phenomenal jungle trails and a canoe ride or two plus a 30 foot tower to view the jungle canopy – the experience was surreal. We cooled off in the lodge pool between excursions and delighted in feeding Marcel, the resident Spider Monkey bananas. I absolutely loved the jungle experience and as an Ambassador, witnessed the wonder of our group who were literally beyond belief that they were here. This was an exceptional add on and I look forward to repeat it.

But wait, there is more…Four returned home while the balance of our team flew to Juliaca, Bay of Puno and onto the wonder that is Lake Titicaca. The highest navigable lake and highest in altitude on the planet. This experience was like being transported to another country again. We visited the floating islands of the Uros people – living on floating islands made of reeds. The Uros demonstrated with humour their life of fishing, bartering and handicraft work made for tourists along with their phenomenal traditionally built totora reed boats. From here, the contrast of the Taquile Islands was our next stop for a beautiful hike and lunch

stop, after witnessing the unique crafts made on the island, traditional clothing, terraced farming and horticulture based on potato cultivation. Unique communities straddling the border between Peru and Boliva. This was a very special visit in so many ways for our group. A step back in time and an incredible part of Peru to visit. Lake Titicaca is also somewhere I look forward to return too with Dream It in upcoming adventures.

Returning home, unpacking treasures and gifts plus catching up with our team has bought a smile to my face daily. Watching everyone’s adventures in pictures and stories retold.

It is truly a privilege and pleasure to be an Ambassador for Dream It and Mavis.

His vision for unique travel, unsurpassed memories, global adventure like no other to majestic parts of the world. Taylor made journeys, awesome company, highly qualified crew, expert advice and support. An absolute privilege to share….plus more laughs, banter and fun than should be legal. Keep tuned in for our next epic adventure……Dream It….and we will take you there……

OUR GUIDE JULIO CEASAR CAMACHO Julio was born in Cusco, the great ancient capital of the Incan Civilization and his family came from the small town of Pisaq in the Sacred Valley. He did his entire education in Cusco, and studied Tourism and Business at the local university in Cusco San Antonio Abad. When he was a teenager he was a boy scout, which introduced him with the outdoor world and the Andes Mountains.

JULIO’S STORY I always believed there was something special behind the highest peaks. I always believed the spirits of my ancestors were at the top of the mountains, watching us and taking care of our families.

Choquequirao (Golden Cradle) was always one of the most challenging trails for all hikes and has been considered one of the most mysterious Incan sites in Peru.

We began to organise this trip putting together two impressive Incan sites, being Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, in just eight days.

It was a great challenge for me and my team because logistically there were many details to cover and a lot of organisation. After many months preparing the programme we finally did it in April 2017 and I have to admit it was one of the most challenging tours that I have ever organised but it was really successful because there were many people behind the scenes who were taking care of the camp sites, tents, food etc. This group of Peruvian workers did a great job-their mission was to provide a good service to our visitors and they made it!!

I was inspired all the time, especially when I saw this group of people from New Zealand enjoying the trail, getting excited for all the beauty around them

Mavis and the team at Dream It pulled this all together and enjoyed the experience so much they came back with a group in 2019 and again this year. This years trip was also very special for me to have my brother Daniel and daughter Micaela with us on the trails to share this journey with me.

and doing their best in each step they were making.

I really enjoyed this trip. The scenery is outstanding, the Inca Trail between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu is well preserved and isolated and it was a great way to meet God’s creators of this unique group of mountains (Pachamama). I was inspired all the time, especially when I saw this group from New Zealand enjoying the trail, getting excited for all the beauty around them and doing their best in each step they were making.

The end of every day was special because the energy from this group of Kiwis was enviable and makes me believe that I had been doing the right job in the right place with the right people. My highlight of this journey was meeting this group of people, each individual and hearing every personal story….special thanks to Mavis and Lisa and your trust and of course to all my team for making an exceptional service during this 10 days hiking in Peru.

OUR ITINERARY DAY 1 DAY 2

ARRIVAL

2,606m • 20 km • 5-8 hours

CUSCO TO TEMPLE OF THE MOON CUSCO TO SANTA ROSA

2,240m • 12.8 km • 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we leave the for the mountains on private bus to Cachora where we’ll begin our trek. We will descend a beautiful valley to the Apuimac River Gorge, and then ascend to Santa Rosa, with incredible views of the snow covered Andes mountains above.

DAY 4

SANTA ROSA TO CHOQUEQUIRAO

2,880m • 6.4 km • 3-4 hours

Today you we climb into the cloud forest to the lost city of Choquequirao. Here amongst the clouds you will have the opportunity to explore one of the least visited monolithic ruins in the world, learn about its incredible history and take in the incredible flora and fauna as you camp within its walls.

DAY 5

CHOQUEQUIRAO TO PINCHAUNUYOC

2,408m • 14.4 km • 3-4 hours

Today will be another opportunity to explore Choquequirao, then after lunch we will climb through the forest to a high pass overlooking a spectacular valley which we will descend. Here the micro climate changes and will have the opportunity to see many different plants and animals. We will then camp over night on the ledges of a small ruin with incredible views of the surrounding peaks.

DAY 6

PINCHUNUYOC TO MAIZEL

2,926m • 8 km • 5-6 hrs

This morning we will descend all the way down into a deep river valley fed by glaciers above. After a quick soak in the cool waters we will climb back up through a pretty forest filled with butterfly’s and colorful birds. The climb is steep but rewarding as we reach our camp on the edge of the mountainside overlooking another spectacular valley and snow covered peaks rising above.

DAY 7

MAIZEL TO YANAMA

3,505m • 9.6 km • 5-6 hrs Today we continue to climb up into the Andean Puno, a rare ecosystem found only in Peru. Here we will walk preserved Inca Roads that allowed the Chasqui Runners to traverse these steep mountains. After reaching a high point of 4,267 meters (14,000 feet) on Victoria Pass we will descend into the village of Yanama and participate in our service project benefiting the local children in this high Andean community.

DAY 8

COLLIPAPAMPA TO LUCMA Today we descend the Santa Teresa River Valley along a beautiful trail in an idyllic tropical micro climate with fruit trees and waterfalls. Here we camp in a coffee plantation and have a unique experience making our own coffee and having a traditional Panchamanca meal.

Tour Cusco and Opening Despacho Ceremony with a Q’ero Shaman. Group Dinner.

DAY 3

DAY 9

Arrive in Cusco check into our hotel. Group Dinner.

YANAMA TO COLLIPAPAMPA

2,896m • 24 km • 6-10 hrs

We get an early start this morning climbing up a picturesque valley into the high alpine Cordillera. We reach our high point today crossing Yanama pass at 4,654 meters (15,270 feet), and then descend to our camp at Collipapampa at the foot of Nevado Salkantay 6,271 meters (20,574 feet).

DAY 10 LUCMA TO AGUAS CALIENTE 2,078m • 23 km • 3-6 hours

We depart early this morning climbing back up into cloud forest along a beautiful trial with waterfalls, orchids and flocks of parrots. We then descend to Llactapata, a small ruin that looks directly across the valley to Machu Picchu. We continue descend through lush rainforest till we reach the Urubamba River, then hike through beautiful forest till we reach the bustling village of Aguas Caliente where you are greeted with hot showers and a 5-star meal.

DAY 11 MACHU PICCHU CITADEL 3,078m • 6.4 km • 3-4 hours

Today is the day we visit Machu Picchu getting an early start where we will climb Mt. Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu and then spend the afternoon exploring the vast ruin above the clouds. You will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime feeling the incredible energy and hiking along stone paths.

DAY 12 AGUAS CALIENTE TO CUSCO We make our way back to Cusco today taking the historic train to Ollyentaytambo, then visting Maras Salt mines and Chinchero before returning to our hotel in Cusco for a final celebratory dinner. There will be time for final shopping and some local dance and song before departing the following day.

DAY 13 DEPART CUSCO FOR HOME Today we depart Peru for home, or travel on to the Amazon and beyond…

OUR TRAINING AND PREPARATION Thanks Lisa for organising our pre trip group get together and training weekend on Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park.

OUR ADVENTURE

PAUL’S STORY I have recently returned from a trip of a lifetime through Peru.

The experience of trekking the mountains, exploring the Inca ruins of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, mixing with the locals living in such isolation, and the awe of spending the time in so many different ecosystems has left me full of emotion and incredible memories.

The offer to be part of the Dream It experience was tempting, and one I jumped at. Knowing there were 120 kilometers of trekking through rarified air at altitudes hovering between 3,000 and 4,600 mtrs was daunting but once there we were just propelled in to the magnificence of it all.

We were a small but tight group on a journey supported by outstanding guides, horsemen and porters who treated us like family and went beyond to make it an epic experience.

The Peruvian mountains are inspiring but even more so the life those mountain people live is pure and inspiring.

Beyond the mountain treks we were given the unique opportunity to experience the magnitude of Rainbow Mountain, days in the Amazon jungle, and a few days on the shores Lake Titikaka.

Each experience was exhilarating and worth the effort.

Dream It know how to put a travel experience together that will take you to out of the way places, that inspire and test you, but they are experiences you will always remember.

The people, the guides, and every one associated with making the journeys a unique experience are good quality people. They take you to unique destinations and introduce you to completely new environments and experiences.

And the bonus is that with each journey the Dream It foundation plan and implement, with the assistance of the travelling team, a charity program around local schools and communities. It was an epic day when we arrived at the village of Yanama and were able to give all the kids in the school a new winter jacket. The appreciation from the kids and families was immense.

I’ve trekked the trails around Mt Blanc through France Italy and Switzerland with Dream It, Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and been to the Gorilla’s in the mountains of Uganda with Dream It, and now the trek through the Inca Trails exploring Choquequirao, Machu Picchu , Rainbow Mountain, The Amazon, and Titikaka with Dream It.

They have all been different experiences but have left me craving more. The opportunities to travel to the out reaches on different continents excites me and I look forward to more intrepid journeys.

Thanks Mavis, Lisa, Julio, Daniel, Greci, Miceala, and Broes for a fantastic time in Peru.

Paul Beazley

NEIL AND LEWIS HICKMAN’S STORY Dear Mavis & Lisa Just wanted to write to thank you both for organising a trip of a lifetime and making a dream come true. I’ve travelled extensively and this trip was very special.

To make a trip of this quality happen and run so smoothly the way you did I can only imagine the amount of hard work and hours planning, the food was just simply incredible from breakfast in the morning, pack lunch, afternoon tea on arrival at camp and then a three course meal of amazing flavours so fresh and the taste incredible, simply 5 Star, thank you both again.

To Julio Camacho, his family, the horseman, and chefs, you were above and beyond, your knowledge, passion and friendship was unforgettable without this the trip would never have been the same and can understand why Dream It only use you and your team, the hard work of everyone to organise all the food, tents, water for all of the days and the Mules 30 of them just mind blowing Thank you again.

The Trail to Choquequaro was the highlight of the trip for me, walking in the footsteps of the Incas, experiencing the Andes for all its beauty and not seeing the mass of tourists really made this such a special few days, we were told this is a very limited trek and when we arrived at the ruins to be the only party there and have lunch was beyond words, something that not many tour operators can offer.

Personally, I will never forget sitting on the terraces with my son just taking it all in is something I will cherish forever it was Father’s Day and Lewis had just turned twenty-one the week before so very special times.

There are so many other highlights of the trip like the visit to the Yanama school and meeting the children and parents was incredible and amazing to be part of giving back which Dream It does, seeing the children’s faces with all the gifts and the fun we had playing a game of soccer.

The Trail to Choquequaro was the highlight of the trip for me, walking in the footsteps of the Inca’s, experiencing the Andes for all its beauty.

Every campsite was spectacular with views to die for and always a pleasant sight to see after a good day’s hike.

Aguas Caliente is a stunning town, like a little Disneyland to be honest and knowing that we are going up Machu Picchu the next day extremely exciting. To see Machu Picchu after planning all these years was amazing very surreal, spiritual, and mystical. Climbing Wayna Picchu and taking photographs looking down on MP outstanding.

I cannot finish without mentioning my fellow hikers on the trip who were all so different and very cool people who helped each other out and always had each other’s back, this was my first time ever travelling as a group and I must admit I had reservations but it was just so much fun and I have made many new friends and hope to see them again on other adventures.

We learnt so much about this beautiful country and cannot wait to return someday to anyone thinking of travelling to Peru I cannot recommend using Dream It highly enough, it was an experience that you must try and if like me and travelling with your son or daughter a life changing holiday.

I am still smiling while writing this and thinking where next….?

Regards Neil & Lewis Hickman

VERONICA’S STORY Peru! Well what can i say there almost are no words to describe most of the trip as it totally exceeded my expectations.

I love to see the path less travelled when I venture abroad, and hate to just get stuck in tourist trap spots. To me this never feels like you really get to see the country or experience the people and culture.

I 100% got to experience the path less travelled on this trip, the 8 day hike through the Andes to Choquequirao then through to Machu Picchu was phenomenal!!!!

Remote, picturesque and just an incredible experience. I felt incredibly blessed to have been able to experience this remote section of trails & camping in some of the most unique and beautiful spots. These are memories I will look back on in years to come and think back to how lucky I was.

Machu Picchu was a dream come to reality as it’s been on my life goals list since i was about 14 or 15 years old so to finally get to visit this beautiful Inca city was a surreal and very special part of the trip for me. Getting the opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu as part of the day was a true cherry on the top moment.

Rainbow mountain - wow just wow this place was just magical!!

Amazon - What an incredible experience totally out of my comfort zone hot humid bugs spiders snakes so incredibly amazing!! And I made it out alive hahaha.

Titicaca - blew my mind, Uros people, the floating islands, the way of life of the island people, such an interesting cultural experience.

The food was out of this world on the whole trip, every restaurant we ate at, to the meals prepared on trail by the cooks, the freshness of the produce and flavour was incredible - notable eats definitely the guinea pig and alpaca and the 1000 of the 3000 different types of potatoes we managed to eat our way through as guided by potato expert Lisa.

Just as a finisher, what an incredible package and experience you’ve put together here Mavis. ……Really gives a beautiful insight to the real Peru and let us experience the path less traveled. Julio is an amazing guide, his knowledge, passion, cracking humor and banter make him a great fit to the team and he does an amazing job putting together his team of horsemen and kitchen crew for the hike. These guys were just amazing!!

So much respect and admiration for everything they did.

Veronica Lane

I 100% got to experience the path less travelled on this trip, the 8 day hike through the Andes to Choquequirao then through to Machu Picchu was phenomenal!!!!

KIRSTEN AND DAVE’S STORY

Originally destined to embark on the trip of a lifetime in 2020 adventuring in the Andes, the Amazon and finally to the Galapagos however like everywhere in the world at that time, Covid rolled into town and firmly put the brakes on those plans.

So, it was brilliant when the Dream It crew returned in 2023 with gusto, and once again we were off. This time it was even better as we were going together as part of some pretty cool birthday celebrations.

We’ve both done a lot of adventuring in our lives, and this was my third Dream It adventure (China Great Wall 2015; Amalfi Coast 2017) while for Dave it was his maiden voyage. He was a little apprehensive about the group travel side of things but he had nothing to worry about. The carefully curated itinerary, and the need to be fit enough to hike good distance each day, meant people were like-minded, physically capable and fun to be around. This was our first trip away together overseas, and we had been excited for weeks in the lead up.

So what did we love? Heaps, and heaps and heaps.

The best part was that the hike was remote, 130km at high altitude (3300 – 4650 masl) and we saw very few people outside of the villages along the way. The scenery was breathtaking – and we lost track of the WOW moments, the quiet soaking it all in moments, and the OMG pinch me we feel really insignificant in this landscape moments. The photos simply don’t do the landscape justice. It was a privilege to be walking on trails that had so much rich history, and our local guide Julio was incredibly generous with his knowledge and storytelling of both local legends and historic figures, the significance of the engineering of pre Inca sites, and the advanced knowledge of local people and cultures going back hundreds of years.

The hills were immense, and the sense of achievement conquering the elevation was pretty overwhelming at times. I loved that Dave and I were comfortable walking on some days together, and a few days at our own paces – me much slower, and old Speedy Gonzales zooming up the hills at breakneck speed.

The support of the horsemen and chefs was flawless. These men worked so hard to ensure camp was set up and well organised, food beautifully and thoughtfully prepared for every meal, and kept us in good spirits as the uphill trekking proved challenging at times. It was also amazing to spend time in their village Yanama, and see their faces light up when they saw their families, kids, grandkids, and wives.

The best part was that the hike was remote, 130km at high altitude (3300 – 4650 masl) and we saw very few people outside of the villages along the

Regarding food: as a diagnosed Coeliac needing a strict gluten free diet, I was a little nervous about the food side of things but as luck would have it, I didn’t need to be at all. The Chefs had bought food and studied our requirements prior to starting the hike and created meals that met our dietary needs. On many days I felt my meals were the superior option – especially the day packs and the GF corn snacks that were popped in my bag. The food was outstanding, more soups than you could ever dream of (to be fair you might not want soup for a while when you return either). The entire trip I never had any reactions to any food served.

The Dick of the Day award was well earned for each of us, and I also loved the MVP recognition too – our group connected really well despite having very different backgrounds. Lots of common ground and shared interests, and the ability to come together at the end of each day to reflect on the wins, challenges, and camaraderie made this trip one that will be remembered for a very long time.

THE HIGHLIGHTS A great bunch of people to hike with; Julio and Greci, Mavis and Lisa, variety of cities and locations, the Shaman ceremony, experiencing high altitude, the landscape, Rainbow Mountain, Choquequaro, Machu Picchu citadel, seeing condors, trying guinea pig, playing football against the village kids, the festival in Cusco with incredible costume, music and dancing, Stuart the friendly Alpaca, Julios stories, Coffee Plantation, beers and drinking with the horsemen (clearly this was Dave), learning our Spanish phrases. And ultimately coming away feeling that the experience changed our perspective on so much.

way. The scenery was breathtaking – and we lost track of the WOW moments.

Would we recommend it? Absolutely.

Cheers, Kirsten & Dave (Dr Quinn and Speedy Gozales)

HELEN’S STORY Machu Picchu and Inca Trails with Dream It…..just WOW! I first went to Peru on the 2019 trip. On reflection of that trip I felt I had taken the easy way out by not partaking in all the options. I just wasn’t done with Peru.

So when Lisa mentioned Mavis was putting the trip together again for 2023 I was instantly interested. This time I was determined to do everything, including one of my goals, to climb the 3000 stone steps (yes 3000!) of Wayna Picchu Mountain.

I was determined to be fitter and stronger and spent the year leading up “training”.

I worked my butt off in the gym, building strength and alleviating a lot of the injury risk I had been hindered with the trip before.

I climbed hills (after being in the Andes, I promise you, our mountains are only “hills” now), tramped, mountain biked and ran my wee heart out. By the time we left, I felt ready to go.

This trip was like no other. We packed in so much, seeing so many places. And this time I got to share it with my sister Julie. I mentioned to her about the trip and she was also an instant sign up. With us living in different countries, we don’t often get to spend time together so this was an opportunity to reconnect and share a common interest and have fun in a way only a Sutherland girl knows how! I was slightly concerned we would get on each other’s nerves but this never happened.

Unless Julie was gracious enough not to mention how annoying I was!! Although she did mention my snoring repeatedly! Honestly, if you get the chance to share such an experience like this with a family member you should grab it with both hands. The memories you create are forever.

As I said earlier, we packed a whole lot into this trip. What I didn’t mention was that Dream it is in the business of making dreams come true and when I asked if we could include Rainbow Mountain and Lake Titicaca into the itinerary, Boom!

Rainbow mountain was so incredibly beautiful. People busy, but that didn’t seem to matter. I was just in awe of my surroundings. I had to keep stopping to admire the views….honest Mavis, that’s what I was doing. It had nothing to do with stopping to breathe !!

Lake Titicaca and the floating islands of Uros was totally amazing. The women were dressed in the brightest of colours (women after my own heart) and made the most beautiful handicrafts. The whole concept of how to create their islands and the history surrounding their practices was mind blowing. Even though I was under the weather, this was a real highlight.

I come away from Machu Picchu Inca trails trip with a new outlook on life, a bigger appreciation for family and a totally different view on whats important, to me.

I was also looking forward to revisiting Choquequirao which seems like a little known ruins site but oh so special. I just love to tell people about this spiritual place and watch as their eyes get bigger and bigger and their jaw drop lower and lower.

Being able to spend time amongst the walls feels like a privilege and is quite close to my heart. I don’t mind admitting I had a wee tear in my eye and butterflies in my tummy as we descended towards the gate into the once humming village. I found a quiet spot to reflect on my surroundings, the almighty mountains around us and on the views of the trail we had hiked to get there…..somehow seeing where we had come and what we had achieved so far seemed like a metaphor for life.

The village of Yanama, where a lot of our horsemen were from, is another absolute highlight. I was super excited to return to Yanama. Seeing the campsite from up above as we traversed down the pass to the village, it just seemed to be calling us, welcoming us in.

It was a joy to see our guys (horsemen) all dressed up and with their families.

These guys are so giving to us during our trek that it felt good to be able to give back to them via their kids. Last time we donated school supplies and this time we handed out nice warm jackets to all the kids. Our kids have it easy, some of these kids walk two hours to school!!!!! Those jackets will come in super handy on the cold mornings. Thanks Yanama for welcoming us once again……A note for future trips….. Work on those soccer skills, these kids are good!

This year our chief guide Julio, who is a real class act, had his brother Daniel and daughter Sunrise as part of the team to make it a real family affair. Dream It brings together people from all walks of life. With so many personalities, it was amazing how we all seemed to gel. There was a real camaraderie and team spirit. We supported each other, respected each other and actually just had the funnest time ever. I felt like we were one big family. Thanks team. This trip wouldn’t have been the same without you.

I come away from Machu Picchu Inca trails trip with a new outlook on life, a bigger appreciation for family and a totally different view on whats important, to me. I am humbled by the beautiful people of Peru and one thing they have taught me is to appreciate and be happy with what you have. To live simply, not necessarily possession wise but a state of mind.

Mavis, Dream It has the recipe just right. I’m definitely going to be that annoying recurring nightmare…oops, client.

TANIA AND GLENN’S STORY From the moment we set foot in the majestic Andes mountains we were captivated by the snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and picture-perfect backdrops.

We traversed through narrow paths carved into the mountainside and climbed steep slopes that tested our endurance. Each step brought us closer to hidden treasures such as ancient ruins, and vibrant micro-climates with beautiful mountain orchids and soaring Condor.

One of the highlights of the trip for me was reaching the summit of a towering peak where we were privileged to witness a mighty Condor gliding on the wind currents in front of us.

It wasn’t just the physical challenges and stunning landscapes that made this trip unforgettable. The camaraderie and bonds formed with fellow hikers added an extra layer of joy to the experience. We shared laughter, stories, and moments of exhaustion as we supported and encouraged each other throughout this epic adventure.

Moreover, the local culture and hospitality of the people we encountered along the way enriched our journey. We had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the traditions, taste the delicious local cuisine, and learn about the history and customs of the Andean communities. It was a truly humbling experience.

As I reflect on this incredible adventure, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for having had this opportunity.

We will cherish the memories of this hiking trip in the Andes as a true adventure of a lifetime.

Thanks Dream It for organising and recruiting the best guide in the Andes Julio.

Your stories, knowledge and humour will always be remembered. We had the finest horsemen and kitchen crew whose efforts will not be forgotten, first up in the morning and last to bed. Our fabulous kitchen crew even managed to turn a vegan into a meat eater…. That good!!! Muchos Gracias to Daniel and Micaela for joining us on this journey and last but certainly not least Greci for all your work behind the scenes to ensure this trip was a success.

Tania & Glenn

We will cherish the memories of this hiking trip in the Andes as a true adventure of a lifetime.

DREAM IT FOUNDATION YANAMA SCHOOL SERVICE PROJECT A very special part of our Dream It experience is giving back to locals. Our service project with a local school in Yanama high up in the Andes in the remote trails. This part of our adventure is always a favourite with the group meeting and playing with the kids. In our previous trips we have donated school supplies, books and sports equipment. This year we provided all the kids warm jackets for winter thanks to the generosity of our group.

We also play a game of football NZ v PERU which is hard work at an altitude of 3,500 m above sea level.

THANK YOU Thanks for coming on this journey and adventure with us. It was an absolute pleasure and thrill hosting you on this adventure and sharing this experience with you.

Mavis & Lisa

FOR MORE EPIC ADVENTURES CHECK OUT WWW.DREAMIT.CO.NZ