6 Tips On Becoming A Mindful Traveler In Your Trip To Peru

Mindful traveling has gained momentum in recent years. Basically, this approach encourages travelers to be fully present in their surroundings and experiences while traveling.

And so, as a mindful traveler, you’ll find every opportunity to immerse yourself in the moment and make the most of your journey instead of rushing from one attraction to the next.

Peru, with its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, offers an ideal setting for mindful travel. Did you know that this South American gem attracted approximately 465,000 visitors from the U.S. in 2022 alone?

Tourists flock to the country mostly to see attractions like Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, the Sacred Valley, and Ollanta Tambo, among others. (1)

Looking to experience the wonders of Peru mindfully? Check out these practical tips for an unforgettable adventure.

1. Connect With Locals

While on your Peru vacation, it helps to meet the people who make the country what it is. Whether traveling solo or in a group, don’t confine yourself to interacting with people you’re traveling with. Step outside your comfort zone and make an effort to mingle with the locals.

First, learn bits of their language. The official language in Peru is Spanish, spoken by more than 84% of the population. Besides Spanish, Quechua is the most widely spoken indigenous language, and you’d want to master a couple of phrases. For instance, you can learn to say, ‘Where is the bathroom?’ ‘Please’, ‘Thank you’, ‘How are you?’ and other simple sentences that can help you strike conversations. (2)

Find topics to discuss, too. You could start with food, for example. Ask them about their favorite Peruvian cuisine and how they’re prepared. You could also venture into folklore, encompassing the Peruvian culture, traditional beliefs, customs, myths, and stories of the local community.

2. Spend Undisturbed Moments in Nature

Nature has an untold magic that automatically slows you down, letting you savor the moment. So, on your Peru trip, you wouldn’t want to miss a Machu Picchu tour. It’s one of the world’s most incredible vacation spots, nestled some 7,710 feet (2,350 meters) above sea level. (3)

First, know where to buy Machu Picchu tickets. Buying online is the best option to guarantee entry, especially since the number of daily visitors is usually limited to preserve the site. This means you may be disappointed if you decide to buy at the physical sales points. Make sure to pick a tour operator or guide, too, to show you around while narrating stories of the past.

Besides the ruins, explore hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, or the Inca Bridge trail. Take your good time to climb the incredibly steep and terrifying stairs. No need to hurry and get yourself all exhausted; slow down and take each step mindfully.

Feel the ground beneath your feet. Notice the rhythm of your steps. Pause now and then to feel the air around you, too. And lastly, gaze across the mountains and behold the beauty.

3. Put Away Your Phone

Many people have gotten used to their mobile devices to the extent that an hour can’t pass by without glancing at them. Of course, it’s useful for logistics, getting directions, communication, and such stuff. However, all those texts, emails, and app notifications may rob you of the joy of traveling.

Also, staying constantly on your phone takes you away from the present moment and connects you to another world other than that in which you’re physically present.

So, plan for device-less downtime. Set an out-of-office message so your colleagues expect delayed responses. You can also notify your close friends and family of the same.

In the same regard, avoid using headphones all the time. You’d want all your senses, including hearing, invested in the present moment. So, give yourself permission to unplug, immerse in the moment, and appreciate your journey.

4. Pack Light

Carrying just a few essentials sets you up for a mindful trip. It basically makes you worry less about your possessions. If you carry several bags, you’ll always be anxious about securing them. But with just one light bag, the peace of mind allows you to focus on the environment and people around you.

Consider leaving expensive gadgets, jewelry, or sneakers at home. Let go of the need for fashion statements and prioritize comfort and convenience, too. As long as your outfit favors the weather and allows you to move freely, you’re good to go. By streamlining your belongings, you’ll have more freedom to explore and create unforgettable memories.

5. Resist the Urge To Photograph Everything

With camera-enabled phones in our hands and the allure of sharing everything on social media, it’s always tempting to capture every sight. The downside of this is that you’ll be seeing almost everything through your device’s screen and not through your naked eyes.

You’ll also get distracted; you won’t be able to savor the moment as your focus will be on the photos. So, make the unpopular decision of taking fewer photos. Instead, spend the majority of the time simply taking the view with your own eyes. The memories will linger for long.

If you’re traveling with a group, you can assign just one person to do the photography while the rest of you enjoy the moment. YOu can also take turns handling photography duties, so no one individual is burdened with the task throughout the trip.

6. Reflect on Your Experiences

Journaling is an age-old way to keep track of the places you visit, people you meet, and things you learn. Not only these, but it allows you to infuse your thoughts. You get to reflect on your journey, think about the experiences, and transfer these on paper. This way, you can stay present in the moment and appreciate the little aspects of your adventure you could have otherwise overlooked.

While the most popular way of journaling is writing, you can try poems, painting, or sketching using pencils. You can draw the landmarks and attractions you see. It’s a sure way to add meaningfulness to your trip.

Conclusion

Mindful traveling lets you immerse in the moment and truly enjoy the trip rather than being distracted by the outside world. Use these tips to make your Peru travel more meaningful and enjoyable. You’ll surely create lasting memories and cherish the moments forever!

References