I've been lucky to know so many great men in my life—kind hearts with strong wills and steady support. My grandfather and great-uncles were my first heroes, pillars of wisdom who taught me the importance of perseverance. They shared quiet strength through their long tales of tough times, such as hiding in the Amazon rainforest during the war with Peru, blending in like Rambo while serving in the military. I'd munch on snacks nonstop, hooked on their stories that went on for hours. My brothers are amazing too: hardworking pros who put their all into jobs that help society and motivate others with honesty and energy. And my cousins—plenty of them, as you'd expect in a Hispanic family like mine—brought friendship and wild fun that built my character. 

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Once upon a time

Growing up with these guys, I discovered the excitement of competing, like racing bikes on dirt paths until our chests heaved and our cheeks glowed from the thrill of winning. They showed me genuine, easygoing joy —the type that creates lifelong bonds, where just a glance brings back laughs from our mischievous adventures. I still have a scar on my left hand from a dumb move: racing my cousin to jump into a moving car. It was risky, but full of thrills and giggles until we hit the ground. In high school, my guy friends watched over me, barricading mean jokes from others with their fun, shielding words like a cozy shield. They called me flaca, a sweet name for my slim, light build and young-looking face, turning possible bullying into something loving. All this energy and the sense of fearlessness led me to embark on a travel business endeavor that lasted 14 years. A fruitful adventure that, in a blink, came to a stop, with nothing left to cultivate, only the lessons to learn from. Just as I was racing my bike with my cousins, I had to start again, clean the mud from my hands, put a bandaid, and just keep riding. 

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A new beginning

But now, I'm creating my adventure my own way, skipping the shallow bucket-list trips—if that's the word for those quick, check-in vacations. To me, travel isn't just something to grab; it's a deep journey that lights up your spirit. Pulling from my strong roots-stories of Andean family who crossed tough lands with only grit and hope, I recall my own bold step: showing up alone at my aunt's door in the Andean highlands at 6 a.m., after an 8-hour bus ride by myself. She was shocked, peeking around the house and bushes to see if my mom or another aunt hid nearby. I laughed and said, It's just me! From then on, she nicknamed me andariega, meaning wanderer. 

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An invitation for you

In that same spirit, I'm using my ideas and fire to plan profound experiences. These aren't ordinary trips; they're sparks for growth, made for people born to explore and awaken their hidden strengths. Imagine this, for dreamers craving fresh ideas, tired of the endless daily loop of computer screens, apps, and rushed meetings that stay stuck in front of a flat monitor, ready to dive into a secret spot on Earth and come back with clear eyes, new views shaped like soft clay, and a calm mind. 

For those feeling lost, thinking about their next move, and for the truly brave—or the scared ones who get courage from video games and Marvel heroes. These trips draw in those who push boundaries: yell your real feelings from foggy mountain tops, strip off the mask of a perfectly planned life that seems unreal, and uncover your true, raw self hidden under the fancy rug in your living room. Breathe in deep, let go of the usual, and start a road that sharpens your gut feelings, pushing you to be braver, live bigger, and build your own fresh start. 

These trips welcome experienced explorers too, those with gray hair full of life lessons that beat any title someone claims—like young folks on missions called elders, no offense; it just doesn't match the real depth for me. Real understanding grows with years, my respect to the gray hair. I believe God lives in every heart, but what's a heart without the spark of its soul? And you—the endless cook at home, where the kitchen feels like a puzzle, veggies looking lost while recipe books pile up fast, ending in more takeout from Not Your Average Joe's, and Starbucks draining your wallet like a sneaky friend. That same old chicken piccata on the dinner table, with capers brighter green than your forgotten yard, says it's time for change. Ditch the apron, mute the food apps, and picture yourself walking through the green, wild lands of the South—maybe the bright hills at the base of the Andes, where old trails twist past clouds touching the sky. Come back not just rested, but changed: loaded with fun recipes from street stalls, full of power to care for your family in new ways. Bring home exciting flavors for the kids' big eyes, turning into the best mom or dad, the one who shows wonder and kindness. Come back ready to grab the bull by the horns, to tackle that life project, to inspire others to follow their dreams. But I understand, adventure doesn't call to everyone; I shake at high places myself. But does it matter? The Andes don't ask for no-fear; they reward that quick flash of courage we all have, with views that stick in your mind forever. 

This invite is also for those folks stuck at home right now—dreamers held back by life, but with minds that wander free, waiting for the day to step out, build real ties, cut loose from screens, taste hot fresh meals, hear the smooth flow of romantic Spanish words, and feel how much they miss loved ones, seeing their true spot in the world. Time flies, and we're all getting older, so dust off that backpack from the closet, wash it clean, and gear up for the path. Must-haves? A pen for writing big insights, a notebook for raw ideas, a knife for handy fixes, a rain poncho for quick storms—but the real must? You, with all your messes and passion. Throw in a compass for real and inner guidance; a water bottle marked with old memories; and maybe a lucky charm from home to keep you steady in new spots. Nothing starts until you make it happen: book the flights, set the plan, mark a date on your calendar like a vow. That heart-pounding day when the unknown calls, exciting like a first date or meeting your love's parents—pulse fast, hands sweaty. Easy now; no one shuts you out. Warm welcomes wait. Get your group together, take the lead, and like we say in Spanish, ¿Quién dijo miedo?—Who said fear? Dare to head South, where change shines in every dawn. Experience the Andean Adventure!

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