Heather Dowd

Since I was very young I knew that I wanted to travel. Growing up my family vacations were mostly road trips in New England to places like Cape Cod and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. I enjoyed these trips very much, and knew that I had to visit places farther away from home. I finally got my first chance in college when I participated in a service trip to Nicaragua. I instantly fell in love with the warmth of the people and the lively culture; I’ve been back to Nicaragua three times. This experience motivated me to look toward South America. I learned how to speak Spanish, studied the politics and culture, and traveling, adding Mexico and Colombia to my resumé.

I’ve also lived in Spain twice, first as a student in Seville and then as a teacher in a small town in Andalusia, surrounded by olive trees. Spain was a great base for exploring Europe, and Africa. In Morocco I camped in the Sahara Desert with a Berber tribe. After all these great experiences I am still drawn to Latin America. Working at Andean Treks I am able to share my enthusiasm for Latin America with our passengers, and I get to keep traveling!

Celebrating arrival into Machu Picchu

Climbing the ladders up Putucusi mountain, Aguas Calientes

I have been meaning to write you over the past few weeks, to let you know how incredible our trip to Peru was, and in no small measure due to your help. We had a truly wonderful trip. We felt as though we had the opportunity to delve into the Andean culture that we saw in a deep and serious manner. We learned a lot. Beginning the trip in Olantaytambo was a great suggestion. The Ausangate trek was really spectacular. Jeff had the opportunity to climb his first peak!

J. Katz, New York