Take the trip of a lifetime to Peru, guided by author Wendy Dale
Visit the ancient city of Cusco, the famed citadel of Machu Picchu, and the mysterious Amazon jungle.
How Wendy Views Travel
For me, traveling is not about racing through a bunch of famous places that look impressive on Instagram. Rather, it's about feeling part of a foreign place. I like interacting with the locals and learning about different ways of looking at life.
I'm also fascinated with history, whether it's the story of how the coca leaf changed the economy and politics of South America or how the remnants of human sacrifice are still practiced in Peru to this day. I also love interesting trivia, such as the fact that Incan ruler Pachacutec rearranged the city of Cusco in the form of a puma or the fact that Incan nobles spoke to one another in a secret language called Pukina.
Some of the things you'll do in Peru
Travel to the mythical site of Machu Picchu.
Spend time in the the artsy district of San Blas, a picturesque place lined with flagstone streets and narrow alleyways. We'll talk to local artists who tell us about their work.
Visit the nearby town of Chincheros, where you can drink chicha (a traditional beer that was sacred to the Incans), chew on coca leaves with the locals, or simply browse the offers at the textile market.
Spend three nights in the Amazon jungle.
Take an ayahuasca trip guided by a Peruvian shaman or enjoy a traditional Incan religious ceremony without hallucinogens.
Visit open-air markets where vendors sell everything from produce to textiles to herbs with healing properties.
Visit ancient Incan archealogical sites and learn about traditions such as mummification, tributes to Pachamama, and human sacrifice.
Want to meet Wendy over Zoom?
Wendy will be holding a live Zoom meeting to talk about her upcoming trip. To be notified of times and dates, enter your name and email. We promise not to spam you!
A few years ago, Janet Malcolm, writing in the New Yorker, complained that she ‘always found travel writing a little boring’ because ‘travel itself is a low-key emotional experience, a pallid affair in comparison with ordinary life’ … which is absolutely true, unless you travel like Wendy Dale."
"Mix David Sedaris, Lucille Ball, and a fifth of tequila in a blender [and] you get Wendy Dale, who is quite possibly the funniest travel writer since Homer. But strain off the foamy giggles and you’re left with a raw, smart, and passionate woman in search of herself and awestruck at the beauty of even the ugliest corners of the earth."
Want to travel with Wendy?
Enter your email address and Wendy will be in touch very soon with more information on her newest trip. You'll also get notified about how you can join Wendy live in her upcoming Zoom call.
About Wendy Dale
Wendy Dale is the author of Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals. She is also the co-writer of the Emmy-nominated TV special, The New Adventures of Mother Goose. Her essays and articles have appeared in Utne Reader, Mental Floss, Public Radio International, and the Writer's Digest website. She currently lives with her husband and two bunnies in Cusco, Peru.
