G ADVENTURES -
“Every step was a story — and my camera carried them all.”
G TREK FOR GOOD - PERU
In June 2025, I joined the G Trek for Good — a charity expedition through the Andes, raising money for ABTA Lifeline and Planeterra. Over four days, we hiked to Choquequirao, one of Peru’s hidden Incan cities, before finishing at the breathtaking Machu Picchu.
I was there not just as a trekker, but as a storyteller — capturing the landscapes, the community spirit, and the people who made the journey unforgettable. My camera became a bridge between exhaustion and triumph, between quiet reflections on the trail and the joy of reaching new heights together.
The trek wasn’t just about reaching a destination; it was about purpose. Every step carried meaning, raising funds to support vulnerable communities and proving how adventure and compassion can walk hand in hand. These images are a testament to resilience, connection, and the beauty of Peru — a reminder that journeys change us most when we walk them together.
Pre-Trek - Cusco .
“Cusco gave us colour, culture, and much-needed altitude adjustment before the trek began.”
Before the trek began, we spent two nights in Cusco to acclimatise to the altitude — a crucial step, as even simple movements felt heavier at 3,400m. Our hotel was right in the heart of the city, giving us the perfect chance to experience its colours, history, and vibrant energy.
With our guides, we explored the streets of Cusco, learning about Peru’s rich culture and traditions. We also visited the G Adventures office, where the team gave us a detailed day-to-day overview of the trek — what to expect, what to prepare for, and the challenges that lay ahead.
One of the most memorable moments was meeting representatives from the charities we were raising money for. Through their case studies, we heard firsthand how the funds would directly impact communities, making the trek feel even more purposeful.
Between briefings and preparation, we shared meals together, began forming bonds as a group, and adjusted (slowly!) to the thin mountain air. Those two days grounded us, both physically and emotionally, and set the stage for the adventure to come.
“From case studies at the G Adventures office to wandering the streets of Cusco, these two days prepared us for the journey ahead.”
Cusco Market – A Feast for the Senses
One morning in Cusco, we wandered into the legendary Mercado Central de San Pedro, the city’s most famous market—an explosion of colour, noise, taste, and smell that thrust us straight into the heartbeat of Andean life.
The air was thick with aromas: sweet, spicy, earthy, and, nearer the meat section, something raw and unfiltered. Stalls overflowed with vivid produce—towers of bread in every hue, exotic fruits I’d never heard of, shelves of cheeses, herbs, and woven textiles. Yet what stopped me in my tracks were the meat stalls at the back: raw pork faces, snouts, and noses laid out in plain sight, the smell so intense it forced me to breathe shallowly. Local women—unfazed—worked calmly behind their counters, negotiating prices, cutting meat, and chatting quietly as if nothing was unusual.
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Day 1 – Into the Clouds
The alarm rang at 3:30am. Sleep still heavy in our eyes, we climbed into the darkened minivans — nervous, excited, and full of anticipation. The road wound higher and higher, headlights carving through the mist as the night slowly gave way to dawn. Somewhere along the way, we stopped to collect warm loaves of bread from one of our guide’s families — a small, homely gesture before the days ahead.
Our first real stop brought an unforgettable welcome. Four members of the G Adventures Trek for Good team greeted us, dressed in traditional Peruvian clothing. Three men strummed guitars, while a woman sang a hauntingly beautiful song to mark the beginning of our journey. We gathered around, dancing, sharing breakfast, stretching our legs, and taking photos in front of towering Condor paintings — their wings spread life-size before us. It was our first taste of the scale and symbolism this trek would carry.
Back on the road, the minivans climbed higher still. Clouds spilled over the mountains like drifting veils, hiding and revealing glimpses of glaciers that teased us from afar. At the trailhead in Chukka Corral, the excitement shifted into focus. Boots tightened, packs hoisted — it was time to walk.
Relive map of Day 1: misty mountains, the Apurímac River crossing, and the relentless climb to camp.
The trail began gently, winding through thick mist. Soon the incline steepened, and we found ourselves hiking in the clouds, breaths quickening with the altitude. At the crest, we were met once again by the team who had welcomed us earlier, this time with a blessing ceremony. Coca leaves were passed around to smell and taste, prayers whispered into the wind, and a shared sip offered to wish us a safe journey. It was grounding, humbling, and filled with gratitude.
Then the trek truly began. The clouds broke just enough to reveal the Apurímac River glinting far below — and, as if on cue, a condor soared overhead, its vast wings stretching across the sky. A moment of awe, and a ripple of nervous laughter.
From there, the descent was long and punishing. Rocks shifted beneath our feet, every step demanding focus. The path wound steeply downward until, hours later, we crossed the bridge spanning the river — 1,500 metres above sea level, half the height of where we’d begun.
But the hardest part was still ahead. The climb to camp was relentless — uneven ground, rubbery stone, and a trail that seemed to stretch forever upward. Tired legs and quiet determination carried us through until, at last, the first base camp came into view. Relief washed over us. Day One was done.
G ADVENTURES
G ADVENTURES
“The trek tested our bodies — the photographs captured our spirit.”
Personal Reflection
This project was unlike anything I’d done before. I wasn’t just documenting an event; I was living it — carrying the same pack, feeling the same blisters, pushing through the same climbs as everyone else. That made the photographs more personal, more honest.
What I love most about photographing adventures like this is the way the camera makes me notice things others might miss: the quiet pride in someone’s face after a tough ascent, the laughter shared in thin mountain air, the stillness of sunrise over the Andes. Those small moments are just as powerful as the epic views.
For me, the trek was a reminder of why I do this work — because photography has the power to connect us, to celebrate humanity, and to give purpose to every step of the journey.