A: (Jeff) Does backpacking count? If so, it began when I was a Boy Scout on my first overnight adventure in sleeting weather climbing Holston Mountain. I just love the aspect of being able to visit a special place and hang out with not much more than a tent and sleeping bag. So we’ve spent a lot of time exploring the USA.
(Patricia) And I became interested when I met Jeff!
A: (P & J) I’m not gonna count the all-inclusive Jamaica trip as adventure travel lol. It was certainly fun, but it was too controlled and there wasn’t much chance to understand the culture. So that would be Costa Rica. Eight of our family rented a couple of cars and stayed on the west side somewhere near Playa Matapalo in a fabulous old house complete with scorpions. It had its challenges but we had so much fun! Waterfalls, amazing forests, whitewater rafting, great food and friendly ticos kinda got us hooked. We’ve taken several out-of-country trips with the family since then.
A: (Jeff) So that’s tough! In the way this trip played out, each day seemed to eclipse the one before, it just kept going and was pretty intense at times. In fact, I wrote a pretty detailed blog that I think gives the feel of the adventure. It was the trip of a lifetime for me. Especially since we were able to do this together.
With that said, what kinda sunk in after we got home was how well we were cared for. This was really the first time we’ve taken a trip with a travel company, and the focus on traveling or trekking over touring really appealed to us. So, against both of our detail-oriented natures, we did very little logistical prep before the trip. We chose to rely on Hobnail and focus instead on getting in good physical shape.
And there were soooo many little things that needed to fall in place to keep the odyssey flowing smoothly. And the team just nailed it.
And just being immersed in the cultures. Whether it being blown away by the Inca stoneworks, or the joy of sneaking up on Machu Picchu on the multi-day trek, or just trying to get my head around the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.
(Patricia) For me, there were a couple of very special moments. Seeing the incredible winter sky at Rainbow Mountain was breathtaking. And walking into the Llactapata ruins and seeing Machu Picchu. And just being with the beautiful, simple-living, loving people.
A: Well, our initial expectations for this odyssey were for an adventurous and challenging trip. I had planned to catch some time each evening to jot down some notes and post a few pics. But our first guide, Reuben, played his magic flute and pretty much directed us towards a different odyssey, one a little more spiritual in nature. He surrounded us in his culture, introduced us to family and friends, and just really re-oriented us on what this was about. And with that re-orientation, the entire trip just became a much more immersive experience.
And Hobnail went the extra mile by trying to maintain a small group size and adding unexpected touches. Like including optional passes for Huayna Picchu, upgraded train tickets, and extra-thick sleeping pads.
A: (Jeff) Of course! The language barrier, safety, money exchange, degree of difficulty, healthcare… all the things.
Again a surprise. We never felt in the dark about what was happening next and they were always where they said they would be, when they said they would be there.. The team was always very open, friendly, and adaptable. The guides were exceptional. Whether it was Sergio shouting, “Family! Slowly! Slowly!” to our small group of trekkers as we struggled to breathe on a climb, or Ricardo (who was actually born on one of the floating islands) helping us settle in with the a village leader’s family on Amantini for the night, they made our experience truly magical.
(Patricia) I was nervous about how strenuous it would be. And it was hard! The altitude and climbing were very difficult! And we did train, but not enough. But hiking 110 miles in the Andes Mountains is something I love to ‘brag’ about! Pretty good for a 70-yr-old woman.
Our Peruvian Odyssey is a thrilling journey through the heart of the Andes, blending high-altitude adventure with deep cultural immersion. Hike to iconic sites like Machu Picchu, Salkantay Mountain, and Rainbow Mountain, then journey to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca for a meaningful overnight homestay with a local family on Amantani Island. Along the way, you’ll experience vibrant Quechua culture, breathtaking alpine scenery, and some of the most celebrated trails in South America — all with the comfort and guidance that Hobnail is known for. This trek is the ultimate way to experience the real Peru.
See the details HERE.
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