This past September, I had the opportunity to travel to Peru with the Wyoming LEAD program. It was my first time traveling internationally, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. 

We first landed in Lima, a bustling city of about 11.3 million people. Our tour guide shared that many Peruvians move to Lima in search of opportunity and to pursue their dreams—the Peruvian “City of Dreams.” One of our first stops was the U.S. Embassy, where we met with Foreign Agricultural Service staff to learn about Peruvian agriculture and trade relations. We also visited Agraria La Molina University, a renowned institution dedicated to agriculture, forestry, and biological sciences. The university offers lots of research opportunities—one fellow was studying mineral and forage requirements in alpacas—and is home to both a guinea pig and rabbit farm. We also spent time exploring Lima’s historic center, including the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and the government palace.  

One of the most memorable visits was to Fundo La Querencia, a dairy farm that converted to a feedlot during COVID due to high feed costs. Today, it serves as a learning farm where children and families can experience agriculture firsthand.  

Throughout the week, we toured several farms that produce wine and pisco grapes. In the coastal region, we visited Villacuri Farm, where grapes, citrus, jojoba, and asparagus are grown in sand. It was incredible to see crops thriving in what looked like sand dunes. The sand, rich in minerals, combined with added fertilizer and water, allows for productive farming. Most of Villacuri’s business now comes from jojoba bean production. 

From the coast, we traveled to Cusco and spent time in the Andes Mountains. We visited pre-colonial Inca sites and saw the Basilica, which was built over ancient Inca temples, along with several other cathedrals. In the Sacred Valley, we explored centuries-old farming terraces still in use today—an incredible testament to Incan ingenuity in water management and construction. 

Our trip concluded with a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Experiencing it in person was truly unforgettable. 

There was so much to see, learn, and experience in Peru. I enjoyed every moment with my fellow LEAD classmates, met inspiring people passionate about Peruvian culture, history, and agriculture, and of course, enjoyed some incredible food along the way.