ABOUT US
REAL LOCAL EXPERIENCES
With a deep passion for exploration, cultural exchange and responsible tourism, we have decided to embark on this adventure to generate unforgettable experiences that transcend borders and leave a positive impact, as well as beautiful memories that will be shared with your loved ones.
What sets us apart is our deep commitment to creating customised, personalised programs that align with your unique interests and desires. If you are looking for new adventures, if you are passionate about history and art, if you are a culinary lover or simply looking to relax in impressive and unforgettable landscapes, our experts can help you design that dream trip. We focus on local experiences, which is how our name came about. A trip to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil started the idea for this company due to a desire to see the famous night drumming in the streets. For a single female this wasn’t recommended. The need arose to find a “friend” who was local, knew the area and how to spot any potential issues, so an immersive local experience could be had. We were sure there were many other people who, due to concerns of safety or knowledge of the area, had missed out on experiences such as these. We can take you to those experiences, and more. You’ll blend in with the locals as you see how they go about their daily lives and celebrations.
We like to spend more time in each destination, giving you more nights in one place and less packing up and unpacking. Slowing down in this way offers more time for insight into an area, allows time for local interaction and means you are not just visiting fleetingly so are able to experience each destination. Where possible we include comfortable and unique accommodation experiences, giving money back to local communities or the country you are visiting, instead of corporate chains. Our local operators, where used, have been carefully selected as they have ideals which align with those of Real Local Experiences. They are tried and tested and are often similar to us, small businesses giving back to the countries they operate in.
Our local knowledge comes from being born in Peru, living in Peru and travelling extensively to many areas in South America. We have visited these areas over many years of travel, so we know what it’s like to be a single traveller, part of a couple, and with a group of friends or family travelling together.
South America is our passion and we would love to make it yours.
We are a small, two family boutique style company brought together by our passion for travel and cemented together by our similar work ethics, including keen eye for detail and giving our all to those we assist.
As an Australian who has travelled extensively, lived in a few different countries, and worked in Travel and Tourism putting together itineraries and tours for about 20 years, I knew when I arrived in Cusco, Peru, that this would be a place I returned to. After 2 more visits I decided to make it home. I’ve been living in Cusco since 2014, I now have a family here, and this is our home base. Many of the sample itineraries are trips I have personally put together and travelled myself, with the help of our gorgeous local operators. My first trip to South America was to Patagonia, not the usual first trip people go for. But I was in love, the Spanish language, the different cultures and the spectacular sights all had me hooked. I have joked with many different people that Brazil is my 2nd (perhaps 3rd) home, as I have travelled there numerous times. In some ways it reminds me of Australia, in that you can find a great beach for a swim just about anywhere. However I find it has so much depth and every trip you have there is completely different from the last. There are so many adventures and experiences to be had in Brazil, it would have to be my favourite country…. after Peru and Australia, of course!
My favourite travel memories are those that have come up as I was open to them, and really have been the inspiration for Real Local Experiences. They were facilitated by locals who took me to ‘off the beaten path’ sites, restaurants and drumming sessions!
I am passionate about giving you the best and most authentic experience for your time in South America and your arrangements with Real Local Experiences. I look forward to working with you to make your holiday dreams come true.
Melita Mulley
Cofounder
