Mayra

South America Guide 

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

Mayra was born in Lima, a big city in comparison to where she lives now. When she was 15 years old she left home hitchhiking to the south of Peru, and fell in love with what she was discovering. Coming from a big city she had no idea of the mountains, of the Andes, and didn’t know there were people living so far in the middle of nowhere. Mayra just fell in love with traveling and even more of Peru and the Andes. After 5 years she moved to Cusco, where she lived for several years and now lives in the Sacred Valley.

What's your favorite destination?

I would love to travel to Asia. And I loved New Zealand, Norway, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, the Cordillera Blanca in Peru! The beaches of Peru! Oufff —so many places!

What's your favorite adventure activity?

I love climbing!

What has been your most inspiring adventure?

Climbing with my girlfriends on a glacier in Cusco, we hit some of the roughest weather. But hanging out together in our big tent, we shared laughs, cheered each other on to stay warm, and felt grateful for the experience despite the cold. A great few days waking up on a glacier, best sunrises and best company. 

What's your favorite Active Adventures trip?

The Lares Trek on Classic Machu Picchu Adventure and the Ultimate Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure.

When did you first get the travel bug?

At my 15 years old when i went for the best time to Cusco! 

What destination would you most like to travel to (that you haven't been to yet)?

Asia, Africa

What are your hobbies?

I'm a huge fan of camping, I really love it. Whether it's after a hike or a road trip, there's nothing better than setting up camp with family and friends. I'm all about organizing the logistics to make sure we have the best adventure possible. I'm quite organized, and I am very good with logistics for making things happen smoothly. I also love travelling with my kids, I think my hobby now is to spend time with them outdoors, rock climbing, hiking, or just camping in the most desolate beach. 

Do you have any special talents?

I think i am good at being relaxed no matter what, I could say I am a good hiker, or very good working at high altitude but I think what I do better is being relaxed in the most difficult situations.

What has been your greatest outdoor adventure?

Climbing 2 picks with more than 20 climbing women. We have climbed Pisco and Vayunaraju glaciers, it was just a dream to be so high up surrounded by just glaciers. It was hard to wake up at night and walk for more than 14 hours in the freezing cold. But I think the adventure here was to be only with women. 

What did you do before you became a guide?

I travelled and I didn’t loose time I went straight to guiding at 20 years old in Manu National Park, the jungle of Cusco. Then I started hiking for work, I could hike 3 weeks nonstop. Now I have 15 years guiding and I still love travelling and being the one who takes care of my folks. 

Describe a life experience that has shaped you today?

Again, my kids, I know it doesn’t sound that exiting, but teaching them what I love and watching how much they have learnt transforms my life. I am proud of their skills in the woods and as good humans, and I think we have learnt a lot from travelling and spending time outside.