• home
  • about me
  • latest
  • brooke beyond

  • destinations
    • WORLD MAP
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Morocco
      • Namibia
      • South Africa
      • Zambia
      • Zimbabwe
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Indonesia
      • Laos
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Aus + NZ
      • Adelaide & South Australia
      • Brisbane & Queensland
      • Hobart & Tasmania
      • Melbourne & Victoria
      • Perth & Western Australia
      • Sydney & New South Wales
      • New Zealand
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Netherlands
      • Poland
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • UK
    • Latin America
      • Mexico
        • all Mexico
        • Baja Peninsula
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Panama
      • Peru
    • USA
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Montana
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
      • Utah
      • Washington
      • Wyoming
  • hiking guides
    • Alta Via 2
    • Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain
    • Grampians Peak Trail
    • Great Ocean Walk
    • Huayhuash Circuit
    • Inca Trail
    • Overland Track
    • Royal Coast Track
    • Salkantay Trek
    • Six Foot Track
    • Three Capes Track
    • Tour du Mont Blanc

brooke beyond

Latin America / Peru

Hiking to Machu Picchu: comparing the classic Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek

November 6, 2019

As mysterious as it is breathtaking, Machu Picchu is quite possibly the best preserved Incan archaeological site in all of South America, but certainly the most beloved, drawing millions of eager travellers from around the world to its remote location in the Peruvian Andes. There are a number of ways to explore Machu Picchu, the most popular of which is via train from nearby Ollantaytambo— for those seeking more adventure, however, there is truly no better way to discover the “Lost” City of the Incas than on your own two feet, approaching the ruins along the classic Inca Trail or the stunning Salkantay Trek. 

Wondering how you’ll ever choose between these two incredible treks? Peru enthusiast that I am, I’ve hiked both the Inca Trail (December 2014) and the Salkantay Trek (August 2019) to Machu Picchu and experienced the good, the bad, and the beautiful of each. It’s absolutely impossible for me to pick a favourite (and I suspect you’ll soon see why), but I wanted to compile a comprehensive, in-depth comparison of the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek, written by someone who has actually completed BOTH hikes, for those planning an adventurous visit to Machu Picchu. 

What's in this travel guide

  • Inca Trail
    • Distances & difficulty
    • Route & scenery
    • Booking & cost
  • Salkantay Trek
    • Distances & difficulty
    • Route & scenery
    • Booking & cost
  • Trekking tips for Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek
    • Weather & seasons in Peru
    • High-altitude trekking in Peru
  • Packing list for trekking in Peru
    • To wear on the first day
    • To keep in your daypack (~25L)
    • To pack in the duffel (6-7kg, carried by porters or horses)
  • *So…Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek?

Original Inca steps along the historic Inca Trail


Dead Woman’s Pass, the high point of the Inca Trail

Inca Trail

“Re-discovered” by archaeologist Hiram Bingham on his famous 1911 expedition, the Inca Trail is only a small section of some 20,000km of trails that were created and traversed by the ancient Incas in the 15th century. This particular trail is thought to have been a pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu, along which walkers performed religious ceremonies and spiritual rituals to honour the towering Apus (mountain gods). Today, it’s still the most popular trekking route to Machu Picchu.

Distances & difficulty

The 43km Inca Trail is traditionally completed in 4 days, although several companies now offer a slow-paced 5-day option that follows an identical route. Regardless of the trekking company you are with, the Inca Trail starts from the same point (KM 82) and ascends/descends over two brutally steep, high altitude passes to reach Machu Picchu on the morning of the 4th day, where you have several hours to explore before the journey back to Cusco.

The hike itself is incredibly steep at points, but not overly challenging otherwise— coupled with the altitude, however, it can feel extremely difficult if you’re not properly acclimatised. The highest point on the trail, Warmiwañusqa (very aptly referred to as Dead Woman’s Pass), sits at 4,215m and requires a fair bit of huffing and puffing, but you’ll probably only notice the altitude for a day or a day and a half before you descend under 3,000m again. If you have difficulty with a lot of steep downhill hiking, I strongly recommend investing in a good knee brace and a pair of trekking poles, which can be bought for around $20 in Cusco or hired from your trekking company for slightly less (these quite literally saved my life, particularly considering the heavy rain that made all the steps slippery). The descents on this trek are no joke.

Read more: HIGH-ALTITUDE TREKKING: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PREVENTING & TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Elevation profile of the Inca Trail [photo courtesy of New Peruvian]

Route & scenery

The Inca Trail ascends and descends through lush rainforest, offering views of misty mountaintops and mysterious ruins. In fact, that’s one of the best things about this trek— you visit a number of fascinating ancient Incan sites before you even reach Machu Picchu.

But Machu Picchu, of course, is the absolute best part of the Inca Trail. No trek, not Salkantay or Lares or any other trek, leads directly to Machu Picchu except for the Inca Trail. On the final morning of this trek, you’ll wake up dark and early to reach the Sun Gate and its expansive view of the Incan citadel for sunrise, then descend directly down to the ruins themselves to explore further (read this post for info about Machu Picchu). The views of Machu Picchu that you’ll see on this trail are undoubtedly the best of any trek, which makes up for the rainforest scenery on the earlier days that, although beautiful, isn’t quite as spectacular as the alpine scenery on Salkantay.

It’s also worth commenting that hiking directly to Machu Picchu, while impressive, means you will be dead-tired as you explore the ruins. I hardly felt like I had the energy to walk around after hiking in torrential rain at altitude for the last several days, which was a bit sad considering how much there is to explore at the site. People in our group who had paid for tickets to climb Huayna Picchu even skipped the experience due to exhaustion. Some of this was definitely due to a lack of hiking experience at the time, but this is something that strongly encouraged me to revisit Machu Picchu on the Salkantay Trek— and I’m so glad I did!

Read more: ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING MACHU PICCHU (& NEW 2019 REGULATIONS)

Amazing Inca stonework along the Inca Trail

Booking & cost

The government only allows 200 hikers to depart on the Inca Trail each day, all of whom must be accompanied by a tour guide, and these passes consistently sell out months in advance. Due to the popularity of the trek, it’s therefore necessary to book a tour at least 6 months before your preferred dates. It’s worth noting that you’ll also need to provide passport details to secure your Machu Picchu tickets at this time, so plan ahead if you need to renew your passport before travelling!

As a result of the high demand, Inca Trail tours run anywhere from $500 to $1,000USD, but typically provide a very high standard of food, equipment, and guiding (all camping equipment supplied and assembled for you each afternoon), as well as porters who will carry the bulk of your gear and clothes. In 2014, I hiked the Inca Trail with Wayki Trek, a local company who also offers a free community immersion experience the night prior to the trek where we visited a school to sing with the children, helped out on a farm, and spent the evening dancing and laughing in our lead porter’s home. Not only was Wayki Trek’s commitment to giving back to this rural community thoroughly inspiring, but the quality of the trek itself was worth every penny of the $780USD I paid. I’d highly recommend this company!

Read more: MODERN ADVENTURES ON THE ANCIENT INCA TRAIL

Spending time with the local community prior to the Inca Trail

Salkantay Pass


Approaching Salkantay Pass

Salkantay Trek

Meaning “Savage Mountain” in Quechua, the Salkantay Trek takes its name from an imposing 6,271m peak that absolutely dominates the landscape during the first half of the hike. This stunning mountain is the highest in the region (the 12th highest in all of Peru), but also held great spiritual significant for the ancient Incas. According to Incan mythology, mountain spirits (Apu) inhabit sacred peaks in the Andes, providing protection to the people below. Mountains were also seen as a link between Kay Pacha (the human realm) and Hanan Pacha (the upper realm), and therefore towering Salkantay is highly revered as a sacred Apu, often credited with controlling the weather of the region. 

Distances & difficulty

The complete Salkantay Trek from Mollepata to Aguas Calientes (the town just below Machu Picchu) is around 70km and typically hiked in 5 days. However, a number of modifications can be made to this trek thanks to nearby roads, which effectively cuts out the penultimate day for a shortened 4-day trek or a challenging 3-day trek.

In addition to being a longer trek, the altitude is also higher on the Salkantay Trek, reaching an elevation of 4,650m over Salkantay Pass and involving 2 full days of trekking above 3,500m (most people begin to notice the altitude above 2500m). It’s absolutely vital to acclimatise properly before setting out on this trek (more tips at the end of this post)! Salkantay is not a challenging trek and is suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness, but I would still rate it as slightly more demanding than the Inca Trail just because of the altitude.

Read more: HIGH-ALTITUDE TREKKING: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PREVENTING & TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Route & scenery

Although its popularity as an alternative to the Inca Trail is undeniably burgeoning, the Salkantay Trek offers an entirely different experience en route to beautiful Machu Picchu, both in terms of crowds (substantially less) and scenery (more mountainous). The first two days of the trek feature insane alpine vistas at Laguna Humantay and Salkantay Pass, which then transition to lush rainforest and river-cut canyons on the third and fourth days. Finally, the walk culminates at Aguas Calientes, the tourist-town that sits below Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend the night in a comfy bed and enjoy a hot shower (!!).

From Aguas Calientes, you’ll rise early to make the final journey up to Machu Picchu on foot (45min up 1,800 stone stairs) or via bus— read more about these options in my guide to Machu Picchu. This means you’ll enter the archaeological site through the main tourist entrance and there’s absolutely no chance of catching the sunrise views from the Sun Gate. That being said, you can still enjoy the sunrise from one of the lower viewpoints over Machu Picchu, which is spectacular on a clear day! It’s also extremely nice to have a good sleep and a shower in Aguas Calientes before going to Machu Picchu so as not to look like a hot mess in all of your priceless travel photos.

Read more: ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING MACHU PICCHU (& NEW 2019 REGULATIONS)

Laguna Humantay on the Salkantay Trek

Booking & cost

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek has no daily limit on the number of hikers (and is no where near as popular), so it’s entirely possible to book this trek closer to your travel dates or even snag a last-minute deal in Cusco. It’s also permitted to solo hike this route without a guide— since this was one of the acclimatisation hikes for my 10-day solo trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash, I didn’t want to carry my heavy pack and tire myself out (thank you, horses), but I could absolutely see that it would’ve been an uncomplicated and fun solo hike for any reasonably-seasoned trekker!

The obvious benefit of Salkantay being a less popular (and less controlled) trek is also cheaper prices, ranging from $300-700USD for a tour with wonderful accommodation, chef-made food, and horses who will carry all the gear to lighten your load. I went on the 4-day tour with Salkantay Trekking, which was $400USD and honestly phenomenal. I can’t say enough good things about the experience, but I’ll let you check out all of the photos and excited ramblings for yourself in my trail journal.

Read more: SAVAGE MOUNTAIN TO MACHU PICCHU: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING THE SALKANTAY TREK IN PERU

The group hiking towards Humantay

Trekking along the ridgeline towards Humantay

Trekking tips for Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek

Weather & seasons in Peru

Weather in the Peruvian Andes is typically grouped into two seasons: a cool, dry winter (also referred to as the “Andean Summer”) from May to September and a minimally warmer, but much wetter summer from October to April (the Inca Trail is actually closed in Feb due to heavy rain). The Salkantay Trek is also a bit colder, just because of the higher altitude and nearby glaciers.

It’s worth repeating that there really isn’t much fluctuation in terms of temperature throughout the year (nighttime lows of about 0-8C, daytime highs of 18-22C), but FAR OUT is there a difference in terms of rain and cloud-cover. I did the Inca Trail around Christmastime and it rained nearly non-stop— even though it wasn’t raining on the day I arrived at Machu Picchu, low-hanging clouds completely obscured the views from the Sun Gate and didn’t clear until mid-morning. In contrast, my Salkantay Trek in the middle of the Andean summer (August) had clear blue skies every single day with hardly a cloud in sight. We also got a spectacular, unobstructed sunrise at Machu Picchu, which was pure magic.

If at all possible, book your trek during the dry season to avoid foul weather that clouds your views, either of the mountains or Machu Picchu itself. BUT if summer is your only available time to visit, let me just say that I still had an amazing time on the Inca Trail through all the rain. It was definitely part of the adventure!

Fully saturated on the Inca Trail in December

High-altitude trekking in Peru

Neither of these treks are overly difficult in terms of distance or terrain, but high altitude along the Inca Trail and even higher altitude along the Salkantay Trek greatly complicate matters for those who aren’t properly acclimatised. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, shortness of breath, lethargy, nausea, and difficulty sleeping— basically, no fun on a trek!

Everyone reacts differently to trekking at high elevation and, surprsingly, your physical fitness actually has nothing to do with your susceptibility to altitude sickness, so the single best thing you can do to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and its more severe consequences (HACE or HAPE) is to spend time in Cusco prior to your trek. Try to set aside at least a few days to bum around town and let your body adjust!

Agua Florida can be purchased in Cusco for S/4
Agua Florida can be purchased in Cusco for S/4
Every shop in Cusco sells coca candy for S/1-5
Every shop in Cusco sells coca candy for S/1-5

If you don’t have many days prior to your trek or if you know you’ve reacted poorly to high altitudes in the past, it’s possible to take medication like Acetazolamide (Diamox) to aid your acclimatisation and prevent serious altitude sickness symptoms. Andean natives have also been using coca for more than 3,000 years to alleviate symptoms related to the altitude, and bags of coca leaves, coca tea, and even coca candy are now ubiquitous in Cusco and other high-altitude towns. On a guided trek, you will be provided with coca tea throughout the day, but you can also pack along your own leaves or candies for the trail.

Read more: HIGH-ALTITUDE TREKKING: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PREVENTING & TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sitting beneath Salkantay at 4,650m

Packing list for trekking in Peru

This is a general year-round packing list for either the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek. Nearly all companies operate the same way— they will give you a duffel that you can pack full of clothes and sleeping stuff (typically 7kg max) which will be carried by porters (Inca Trail) or horses (Salkantay), and then you will carry water and other items you need frequent access to in your own small daypack.

I’ve linked to all the gear I used below, but if you’re looking for more specific recommendations on trekking gear, check out this post: BUILDING THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE KIT: THE BEST HIKING & BACKPACKING GEAR FOR WOMEN

To wear on the first day

  • Sport shirt
  • Light fleece jumper
  • Wind jacket
  • Down jacket, you’ll want this on the drive, but it can go into your daypack after you start trekking and be worn around camp in the evenings/early mornings
  • Tights or hiking pants
  • Sturdy hiking boots, with thick wool socks and hiking liners
  • Trekking poles, possible to purchase in Cusco or hire from your trekking company for about $20USD if you don’t own any poles; 100% essential in my opinion

To keep in your daypack (~25L)

  • Water bladder or bottle, enough to carry 1-2L of water
  • Small snacks, like nuts or protein bars (although you will also receive snacks from the trekking company)
  • Rain jacket
  • Sunnies
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Warm gloves, two pairs for Salkantay if you get really cold
  • Warm hat
  • Camera, plus spare batteries
  • Drybag, to protect your electronics/other valuables in heavy rain
  • Rain cover for your daypack, or you can purchase a plastic poncho that will cover you and your pack for a few Soles along the trail (if you’re hiking in the rainy season, bring BOTH)

To pack in the duffel (6-7kg, carried by porters or horses)

  • 2x spare hiking shirts, short sleeve or singlets
  • Mountain jacket, great for hiking in chilly weather (since you really don’t want to sweat in your down jacket)
  • Spare hiking shorts or tights
  • 2x spare hiking socks and liner pairs
  • Spare underwear
  • Fleece tights or pants, for sleeping (I wore mine over the top of hiking tights on the coldest nights)
  • Camp shoes, such as sandals or runners to wear around camp after each day’s hike
  • Machu Picchu clothes, which might not be anything other than what you already packed, but maybe you want a sundress or even just clean clothes for your pictures at the ruins (as you can tell from my photos, I did not pack this, but it would have been nice!)
  • Toothpaste/toothbrush
  • Soap/shampoo, you have the opportunity to shower the night before you visit Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes (Salkantay Trek only)
  • Body wipes, for a “mountain shower”
  • Acetazolamide/Agua Florida/coca candies, for altitude sickness
  • Sleeping bag, rated to -15C or similar; most companies will hire these out for about $20USD if you don’t have one with you
  • Camping pillow, if you are one of those people who needs 2 pillows when you sleep (like me)
  • Headlamp, helpful for finding your way around camp in the evening
  • Powerbank, for charging your camera/phone
  • Passport, essential to enter Machu Picchu
  • Soles, for tipping and optional extras like the bus to Machu Picchu (for Salkantay Trek) and lunch in Aguas Calientes on day 4. I’d recommend S/300 just to be super safe, but there are also heaps of ATMs in Augas Calientes and most restaurants accept card.
  • Credit card

*So…Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek?

These are both phenomenal treks guaranteed to be a massive trip highlight, but the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek also differ in a few key ways that might help you make your ultimate decision. The Inca Trail is slightly shorter and easier and includes heaps more history, while the Salkantay Trek is better for last-minute planners or those who are most impressed by dramatic alpine scenery. Either way, I can pretty much guarantee you’ll have an amazing time— I know I did!

Comparison of the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek

Read more about trekking in Peru

SAVAGE MOUNTAIN TO MACHU PICCHU: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING THE SALKANTAY TREK IN PERU

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING MACHU PICCHU (& NEW 2019 REGULATIONS)

A GUIDE TO TREKKING AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN IN PERU

HIGH-ALTITUDE TREKKING: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PREVENTING & TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS

HUANDOY VIEWPOINT & LAGUNA PARÓN: A STUNNING DAY HIKE FROM HUARAZ, PERU

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INDEPENDENT & SOLO HIKING THE HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT IN PERU

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 10 DAYS ON THE HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT

THE ULTIMATE PERU TRAVEL GUIDE

TAGS:BB1hiking guideshistory lessonsmother naturemountain adventuresopt outsidetravel guides
0 Comments
Share
brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

December 14, 2021

Vanlife diaries #40: Bahía de los Ángeles, San Ignacio & Mulegé, Baja Mexico

January 7, 2015

Bolivian roadtrip: Salar de Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

December 14, 2014

To the Amazon! Narrowly Avoided Death in Manu National Park

hi, I’m brooke!

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

read my story
currently exploring

currently exploring

lebanon

img

travel resources

flights ✈️ Skyscanner

hotels 🏨 booking.com

adventure gear 🥾 REI

travel essentials 📸 Amazon

travel guides

hiking guides

vanlife resources

moving to australia

trip itineraries

recent posts

  • Alta Via 2 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide

    Alta Via 2: complete hiking + via ferrata route guide

    November 26, 2023
  • Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

    Day of the Dead: how to celebrate Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, México

    November 20, 2023
  • Solo climbing Mont Blanc via the Goûter Route

    Solo climbing Mont Blanc via the Goûter Route

    August 12, 2023
  • Juliana Bike Trail Slovenia

    Juliana Bike Trail: a complete guide to Slovenia’s best cycling tour

    July 26, 2023
  • Alta Via 4 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide

    Alta Via 4 (days 5 & 6): Rifugio San Marco to Rifugio Antelao to Pieve di Cadore

    June 5, 2023

@brookebeyond_
BB ON INSTAGRAM

@brookebeyond_

  • 🏔️ PATAGONIA 2024 GROUP TRIP 🏔️

I still have a few spots left on my second group trip to Patagonia with @zealoustravelco from 23 Feb - 2 Mar 2024 😍😍

Our 9-day itinerary includes:
💃🏻 a day in Buenos Aires (one of the world’s best cities!)
🧊 Perito Moreno Glacier
🧗‍♀️ an epic via ferrata in El Chalten
💦 white water rafting
🏔️ 3-day backpacking trip around Mt Fitzroy
🐴 horseback riding
👯‍♀️ & BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE

If you want more information or a link to sign up for the trip, comment DETAILS below & I’ll dm you! Can’t wait to see you guys in Patagonia 🤩
.
.
.
.
.
.
#patagonia #fitzroy #elchalten #losglaciaresnationalpark #parquenacionallosglaciares #argentina #hikerbabes #girlswhohike #outdoorwomen #adventuregirl #adventurebabes #mountaingirl #mountaingirls #grouptrip
  • I guess it was that Mexico MAGIC ✨
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #sancris #sancristobaldelascasaschiapas #sancristobal #chiapas #chiapasiónate #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #chiapasmexico #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido #mexicomagico
  • LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
  • Cheers to knowing better 🌙✨
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#visittelemark #visitnorway #mynorway #norwegianhospitality #MagicalEscapes #selflove #abuserecovery
  • I wrote a note on my phone titled “Goals to a better Brooke” last year after leaving an abusive relationship. And then I basically disregarded all of it for another year.

Again & again, I chose the ‘adventure’ of running around the world with someone over working on myself. I genuinely believed I could ‘learn the lesson’ intellectually & then those SAME situations would lose their power to hurt me, that if I saw the abuse happening & put up internal walls, I’d somehow outsmart it. That if I didn’t give people full access to a future with me, then I could protect myself & still ~enjoy the trip~ right next to them.

And so, I repeated a lot of unhealthy patterns this year. Maybe because I thought it didn’t matter as long as I was having fun (even if I wasn’t), maybe because (I believed) I only knew how to exist in a relationship where I was hurt & held by the same person, maybe because I thought I could change the story if I just *tried a little harder to be good*, but definitely because I never took the time to heal properly.

It’s been a month since I moved to Mexico to work on myself, and coming across this note again, I actually started crying. Not because I’m THERE. But because I’m finally, FINALLY taking these goals seriously for the first time since I wrote them. And that feels really good.

~ this will be the last drink I pour out for the same mistakes.
  • Día de Muertos in Oaxaca is a kaleidoscope of colour 🤩🌈✨ Who’s in for 2024?!
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
  • OAXACA DÍA DE MUERTOS BUCKETLIST: where to go for all the best experiences 🤩↯

🌼 start off by wandering through the Centro Histórico to see the entire city decorated in colourful flowers for Día de Muertos
🌈 admire the elaborate tapetes de arena (sand carpets) located on Avenida de la Independencia; you can also see larger & more ornate sand paintings in Zaachila outside of the city
🎺 Magna Comparsa is the city’s largest parade, but nearly every day from 28 Oct-2 Nov will feature comparsas of varying scale!
🥐 pay respects at the community altars in Plaza de la Constitución 
🎨 have your makeup done by street vendors— head to El Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán to find some of the best, but they are all over Centro & you can expect to pay 150-200p ($8-10) for colourful face paint
👑 buy a traditional flower crown made from fresh marigolds
👹 visit Etla, a collection of small communities outside of Oaxaca City known for their explosive comparsas & extravagant costumes (best time: evening of 1 Nov)
🎻 attend the evening concerts in Plaza de la Danza
📸 stroll through Jalatlaco, Oaxaca’s colourful arts district that is simply overflowing with street art, much of which is associated with Día de Muertos iconography
👘 peruse the craft market in front of Templo del Carmen Alto, one of my favourite spots for more unique pieces— great if you want to go all-out for your costume!
🪦 visit Panteón General Oaxaca to see festivities taking place in the local cemetery— nighttime is a very spiritual & authentic experience, while the afternoon is more like a carnival with rides, cocktails, street food & loud music (the evening of 31 Oct & afternoon of 2 Nov are great times!)
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
  • FELIZ DÍA DE MUERTOS 💐🪦✨

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of Mexico’s most important spiritual traditions & an incredible celebration of life that dates back thousands of years to the country’s rich pre-hispanic roots.

On November 1 & 2, it’s believed that the veil between our world & the spirit world dissolves, allowing the souls of the dead to return to their loved ones to dance, to party, to celebrate, to walk among us for a few hours. 

Many of these celebrations take place right in the cemetery, where graves are decorated with bright marigolds, adorned with candles, and laden with offerings of the deceased’s favourite food & drink. Entire families come together to welcome their loved ones home and it’s not unusual to see bands playing as tacos are grilled up & mezcal is passed around, the kind of laughter & dancing & merriment that would be instantly out of place in graveyards of Australia or the US.

These festivities passionately honour those who’ve passed on into the next existence, one of the most powerful symbols of how Mexicans view death, and by extension, LIFE… love & family & community above all else 💃🏻❤️

It’s not to say that death is never a somber affair— loss is mourned intensely in Mexico, but after 40 days, believed (by many cultures around the world) to represent the time it takes a soul to travel towards the light, Mexicans choose instead to ✨celebrate✨ their loved ones through explosive parades, all-night parties & elaborate costumes. 

I was so lucky to celebrate Día de Muertos in Oaxaca this year, so I’ll be sharing more about the traditions & my experience throughout the week-- stay tuned 🤩
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
  • oops 😬 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#2023 #travelgirl #travelmore #adventuretravel #fulltimetravel #girlsgoneglobal #solofemaletravel #hikergirls
follow @brookebeyond_

travel beyond the ordinary

Explore my travel guides, custom itineraries & blog posts with an interactive world map ✨

all destinations

  • 🏔️ PATAGONIA 2024 GROUP TRIP 🏔️

I still have a few spots left on my second group trip to Patagonia with @zealoustravelco from 23 Feb - 2 Mar 2024 😍😍

Our 9-day itinerary includes:
💃🏻 a day in Buenos Aires (one of the world’s best cities!)
🧊 Perito Moreno Glacier
🧗‍♀️ an epic via ferrata in El Chalten
💦 white water rafting
🏔️ 3-day backpacking trip around Mt Fitzroy
🐴 horseback riding
👯‍♀️ & BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE

If you want more information or a link to sign up for the trip, comment DETAILS below & I’ll dm you! Can’t wait to see you guys in Patagonia 🤩
.
.
.
.
.
.
#patagonia #fitzroy #elchalten #losglaciaresnationalpark #parquenacionallosglaciares #argentina #hikerbabes #girlswhohike #outdoorwomen #adventuregirl #adventurebabes #mountaingirl #mountaingirls #grouptrip
  • I guess it was that Mexico MAGIC ✨
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #sancris #sancristobaldelascasaschiapas #sancristobal #chiapas #chiapasiónate #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #chiapasmexico #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido #mexicomagico
  • LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
  • Cheers to knowing better 🌙✨
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#visittelemark #visitnorway #mynorway #norwegianhospitality #MagicalEscapes #selflove #abuserecovery
  • I wrote a note on my phone titled “Goals to a better Brooke” last year after leaving an abusive relationship. And then I basically disregarded all of it for another year.

Again & again, I chose the ‘adventure’ of running around the world with someone over working on myself. I genuinely believed I could ‘learn the lesson’ intellectually & then those SAME situations would lose their power to hurt me, that if I saw the abuse happening & put up internal walls, I’d somehow outsmart it. That if I didn’t give people full access to a future with me, then I could protect myself & still ~enjoy the trip~ right next to them.

And so, I repeated a lot of unhealthy patterns this year. Maybe because I thought it didn’t matter as long as I was having fun (even if I wasn’t), maybe because (I believed) I only knew how to exist in a relationship where I was hurt & held by the same person, maybe because I thought I could change the story if I just *tried a little harder to be good*, but definitely because I never took the time to heal properly.

It’s been a month since I moved to Mexico to work on myself, and coming across this note again, I actually started crying. Not because I’m THERE. But because I’m finally, FINALLY taking these goals seriously for the first time since I wrote them. And that feels really good.

~ this will be the last drink I pour out for the same mistakes.
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
🏔️ PATAGONIA 2024 GROUP TRIP 🏔️ I still have a few spots left on my second group trip to Patagonia with @zealoustravelco from 23 Feb - 2 Mar 2024 😍😍 Our 9-day itinerary includes: 💃🏻 a day in Buenos Aires (one of the world’s best cities!) 🧊 Perito Moreno Glacier 🧗‍♀️ an epic via ferrata in El Chalten 💦 white water rafting 🏔️ 3-day backpacking trip around Mt Fitzroy 🐴 horseback riding 👯‍♀️ & BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE If you want more information or a link to sign up for the trip, comment DETAILS below & I’ll dm you! Can’t wait to see you guys in Patagonia 🤩 . . . . . . #patagonia #fitzroy #elchalten #losglaciaresnationalpark #parquenacionallosglaciares #argentina #hikerbabes #girlswhohike #outdoorwomen #adventuregirl #adventurebabes #mountaingirl #mountaingirls #grouptrip
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
I guess it was that Mexico MAGIC ✨ . . . . . . . . . #sancris #sancristobaldelascasaschiapas #sancristobal #chiapas #chiapasiónate #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #chiapasmexico #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido #mexicomagico
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
.
.
.
.
.
 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐 One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻 The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end. This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown. Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽 . . . . . #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
Cheers to knowing better 🌙✨ . . . . . . . #visittelemark #visitnorway #mynorway #norwegianhospitality #MagicalEscapes #selflove #abuserecovery
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
I wrote a note on my phone titled “Goals to a better Brooke” last year after leaving an abusive relationship. And then I basically disregarded all of it for another year.

Again & again, I chose the ‘adventure’ of running around the world with someone over working on myself. I genuinely believed I could ‘learn the lesson’ intellectually & then those SAME situations would lose their power to hurt me, that if I saw the abuse happening & put up internal walls, I’d somehow outsmart it. That if I didn’t give people full access to a future with me, then I could protect myself & still ~enjoy the trip~ right next to them.

And so, I repeated a lot of unhealthy patterns this year. Maybe because I thought it didn’t matter as long as I was having fun (even if I wasn’t), maybe because (I believed) I only knew how to exist in a relationship where I was hurt & held by the same person, maybe because I thought I could change the story if I just *tried a little harder to be good*, but definitely because I never took the time to heal properly.

It’s been a month since I moved to Mexico to work on myself, and coming across this note again, I actually started crying. Not because I’m THERE. But because I’m finally, FINALLY taking these goals seriously for the first time since I wrote them. And that feels really good.

~ this will be the last drink I pour out for the same mistakes.
I wrote a note on my phone titled “Goals to a better Brooke” last year after leaving an abusive relationship. And then I basically disregarded all of it for another year.

Again & again, I chose the ‘adventure’ of running around the world with someone over working on myself. I genuinely believed I could ‘learn the lesson’ intellectually & then those SAME situations would lose their power to hurt me, that if I saw the abuse happening & put up internal walls, I’d somehow outsmart it. That if I didn’t give people full access to a future with me, then I could protect myself & still ~enjoy the trip~ right next to them.

And so, I repeated a lot of unhealthy patterns this year. Maybe because I thought it didn’t matter as long as I was having fun (even if I wasn’t), maybe because (I believed) I only knew how to exist in a relationship where I was hurt & held by the same person, maybe because I thought I could change the story if I just *tried a little harder to be good*, but definitely because I never took the time to heal properly.

It’s been a month since I moved to Mexico to work on myself, and coming across this note again, I actually started crying. Not because I’m THERE. But because I’m finally, FINALLY taking these goals seriously for the first time since I wrote them. And that feels really good.

~ this will be the last drink I pour out for the same mistakes.
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
I wrote a note on my phone titled “Goals to a better Brooke” last year after leaving an abusive relationship. And then I basically disregarded all of it for another year. Again & again, I chose the ‘adventure’ of running around the world with someone over working on myself. I genuinely believed I could ‘learn the lesson’ intellectually & then those SAME situations would lose their power to hurt me, that if I saw the abuse happening & put up internal walls, I’d somehow outsmart it. That if I didn’t give people full access to a future with me, then I could protect myself & still ~enjoy the trip~ right next to them. And so, I repeated a lot of unhealthy patterns this year. Maybe because I thought it didn’t matter as long as I was having fun (even if I wasn’t), maybe because (I believed) I only knew how to exist in a relationship where I was hurt & held by the same person, maybe because I thought I could change the story if I just *tried a little harder to be good*, but definitely because I never took the time to heal properly. It’s been a month since I moved to Mexico to work on myself, and coming across this note again, I actually started crying. Not because I’m THERE. But because I’m finally, FINALLY taking these goals seriously for the first time since I wrote them. And that feels really good. ~ this will be the last drink I pour out for the same mistakes.
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

  • home
  • about me
  • latest
  • destinations
  • hiking guides
  • Australia visa
  • vanlife
  • privacy
  • contact

COPYRIGHT © 2022 BROOKE BEYOND. TRAVEL BEYOND THE ORDINARY. Site Powered by Pix & Hue.