Q&A with client Rosemary Morlin

We got together with client Rosemary Morlin to find out what it is about Peru that keeps her going back for more!

Q: You’ve recently just returned from your 11th trip to Peru, what makes you so passionate about the country?
A: My first trip to Peru was in 2004 and since then I’ve been going back every year. I’m so captivated by its rich and varied history, culture and archaeology that can be found in every corner of the country.

Q: In your latest trip you visited the Huarez region, what attracted you to that area of Peru?
A: I like to discover places which are isolated with relative remoteness such as the Ancash and Huánuco regions.

Q: What inspired you to take the two treks?
A: Jorge Martel who was my guide on the Olleros-Chavin trek last year told me about Capac Ñan. It made me want to know more about the history behind it so I delved into the book Capac Ñan: el gran camino Inca by Borja Cardelús and Tomoteo Guijarro which then encouraged me to do it this year. The trek over the Salkantay pass to Vitcos was inspired by the television programme “Lost Kingdoms of South America” presented by Dr Jago Cooper of the British Museum earlier this year.

Q: How did these treks compare to previous ones you have done in Peru?
A: Capac Ñan was by far the longest trek I have ever done and the intervals between campsites were large (20-24km per day rather than the average 10-12km). Fortunate for me both the guide Jorge Martel and llamero Calixto are both very well informed about trekking, the countryside we were in and spoke Quechua. They helped me to develop my equine confidence which was practically non-existent at the beginning of the trek.

Q: What was the highlight of your latest trip?
A: I think there are several highlights which are worth mentioning. The kindness of the campesinos who lent me a sheepskin and blankets at San Cristóbal de Tambo, the setting sun shining through the series of Inca doorways at Huánuco Pampa, attending a primary school football tournament in Caraz. There are simply too many to state!

Q: Which trek from your past 11 visits to Peru would you repeat?
A: That’s a difficult question! I would like to do something in the Ausangate area taking in elements of Hatun Queros which I did in 2011 and Andean Lodges which I did in 2014.

Q: Where do you want to go next and why?
A: I would like to do the Choquequirao with Javier Mendoza who was my Salkantay guide and Tornado the horse I rode on the trek. I attempted it in 2013 but had to abandon the trek, so would like to return and cross the new footbridge which goes over the river. I would also like to do either the Cordillera Huayhuash or Capac Ñan from Jesús to Junín with the Jorge Martel.

If you wish to follow Rosemary’s path and visit remote regions in Peru, contact our Bespoke team who will assist you into creating that ultimate off-the-beaten track holiday.