A few months ago I turned 39 and with it a fair amount of dread emerged about turning 40. I know it’s just a number, but it’s an important number. It’s (hopefully) mid-life and provides an opportunity to reflect and look back on the previous four decades of one’s life. In an attempt to spur me on to do some things I’ve always wanted to do, from the mundane to the fantastic, I put together a post detailing 40 things I want to do before I turn 40. I’ve already accomplished a great many of them, and will be writing an update next month, but a very special bullet point on that list is about to ticked off – visiting the legendary site of Machu Picchu in Peru.
I’ve always enjoyed reading and learning about ancient cultures and this almost otherworldly site in the mountains of Peru has longed called my name. But for whatever reason, I never managed to make it down there, but thanks to Intrepid Travel that oversight is about to be addressed. This adventure and culturally sensitive tour company reached out to me a few months ago with the kind offer of helping me accomplish my 40 Before 40 list and I immediately knew which item I wanted their help with – Machu Picchu.
Next week I’ll join their Beautiful Machu Picchu tour, a (thankfully) low-impact way to not only see Machu Picchu, but many other sites in Peru. On this tour I’ll experience the colorful cities of Lima and Cuzco, meet locals and learn more about the food and culture and of course tour the relics and ruins of the ancient Incas. It sounds fun, adventurous and educational and frankly I can’t wait. The style of travel isn’t normal for me to be honest, but I thought this tour provided the best way not just to see the sites, but to learn about the local culture on a much more intimate level. I’m really curious what traveling with Intrepid will be like and of course I’ll be sharing all of my very honest impressions immediately after the trip.
So please look out for photos and updates on Twitter, Facebook and of course Instagram as I share my experience traveling around Peru and finally completing this important bucket list item – visiting Machu Picchu.
Have you been to Peru? Let me know anything special I should see or do!
