Orange Nation gives full validation and recognition to all our female staff members within the organization. For us, empowering women is to allow them access to equal opportunities for advancement and participation within the company. Women hold positions in the office, are part of our team of porters, as well as tour guides that lead successful multiple day expeditions. We run an effective system that ensures equal pay and “team” is the hierarchy. Our social projects are geared towards facilitating the economic, educational and leadership growth of women in isolated tribal communities, so that they are equipped with the necessary tools needed to take charge of their own futures.
Women in tourism are an essential component in ensuring that the needs and safety of female travelers, particularly female solo travelers, are taken care of. Our female office staff exemplify the phrase, “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”- Diana Mariechild. They play an important role in making sure all tours are organized to perfection. They are committed and dedicated to providing a seamless vacation to all our clients wanting a comprehensive and professionally planned exploration of Peru.
Sales And Operations Manager
Sales And Operations Manager
These women are trendsetters, breaking social barriers that many wouldn’t dare to even try. Porters generally come from the small indigenous villages close to Machu Picchu. These villages still have a mindset that’s strongly entrenched in their beliefs of the male hierarchy. When these women get the opportunity to work in an environment that’s saturated by males, they not only get a bit of financial independence, they also gain a tremendous amount of mental and emotional growth. With some families, you find both the husband and wife working as porters, which gives them more financial stability and creates a more promising future for their children. Being a porter is a difficult job, it takes a lot of physical strength and stamina. These women are truly the living embodiment of modern-day superwomen.
It may come as a surprise to most western cultures, that for a long-time women tour guides were a rarity in Peru, especially on multiple day treks. This was due to many reasons, most notably the challenges associated with hiking in the rigorous Andean terrain. To be a tour guide you need to be educated, and to also have an extensive knowledge of Inca culture, history and heritage. But that´s not all, being athlete is imperative. You need to be physically fit to trek at high altitudes, have good leadership skills and judgement in order to lead a team of trekkers off the beaten trek. Now, if you´ve ever met Peruvian women, you would know that it was just a matter of time before they dominated this field. Our female tour guides are skilled in using their strengths and weaknesses to their advantage. They are knowledgeable, educated, athletic and great leaders.
Orange Nation actively engages in community development programs. Our community outreach programs focus on the many different facets associated with the empowerment of women. We try to not only improve the lives of the women, but also the quality of life of their families as a whole. The family´s welfare so often falls on the feet of the women and our aim is to lighten this load a bit.
Just to put the life of a typical Peruvian women in these isolated villages into perspective, life in the villages is impoverished and old school. Unfortunately, Peru has fallen short when it comes to empowering women leaving in these disadvantaged mountainous villages. The way of life is still traditional and follows ancient customs. Sadly, this means the treatment of women has not improved much at all. Women are generally not educated, marry young, expected to just raise the children and to be completely submissive and subservient. Because they have culturally been expected to stay quiet, they never speak up for themselves. They also don’t have much confidence in going out to find financial or social freedom. This is why these initiatives are so close and dear to our hearts.
Without you, our clients, none of our social projects would be possible. Its thanks to each and every one of you for your continued support. This is why we are able to do more outreach programs and uplift even more women.
As a team we share the same overall goals and values. We understand the value of each and every female team member. We are committed to continuously learning and improving the women within our labor force, so they can reach their full potential. Our aim is to not fall prey to any societal pressures and not promote any gender-based inequalities.
It was perfect! On the first day we had a great time exploring the Sacred Valley and see the main attractions and learn about the history of this beautiful place.
I would definitely recommend the short Inka trail, I think it was the best way to get to know Machu Picchu and the surrounding area. We arrived at Machu Picchu when most of the crowd was gone and it felt really special.
You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru
Best mix of adventure, history and nature: Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
4-day trekking option seemed too intense for us, but we still wanted to experience the entrance to Machu Picchu through the ancient Inka trail, so we opted for Orange Nation’s combination of Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I couldn’t be more happy about our decision.
We booked and paid the deposit to Orange Nation / Sam travel for the 4 day Inca Trail and Machu Pichu trip back in 2019. But we couldn't travel in 2020 and 2021 - but the company honoured our agreement and so we came back in 2022.
You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru. This tour had so many incredible things and places packed into 4 days.
My girl and i did the Machu Pichu trek tour with Orange Nation. It was seriously the most amazing experience that we'll never forget. Gorgeous views! The long trek was worth the amazing view. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. We considered other tours but chose Orange Nation because we liked the idea of smaller groups and this was definitely worth it. I will be using Orange Nation again next year when I come back to Peru!
Wow, what a wonderful trekking experience! My trip to Peru was amazing thanks to this awesome tour that i took with Orange Nation. I did multiple tours with this company. I'm a solo traveler and everyone in my group was always still friendly and did not make me feel left out. I loved going off the beaten track with this company. It's much better to pay extra to go off the path for the quality experience of this amazing guided tour They definitely helped guide us and gave us a quality experience with a small group and paid special attention to each one of us. I highly recommend using Orange Nation for your next tour in Peru!
Has one of the most outstanding meal services. Our chefs have been highly trained to prepare the best peruavian and International food our treks. You should be prepared to not only have a superb trekking experience, but also a culinary one. "The food has been the highlight for all our hikers"
Christian B
10/10 Amazing experience
If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.
Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!
Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.
Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!
Matt A
Awesome experience!!
Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.
Rius
Short Inca Trial (2-Day)
This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!