At Mountain Lodges of Peru, our In the Footsteps Of series celebrates pioneers whose lives have been shaped by exploration, connection, and a deep respect for the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. This month, we are honored to feature Nadia Le Bon—an adventurer, trailblazer, and lifelong advocate for meaningful travel. With over 60 countries and all seven continents under her boots, Nadia has trekked remote mountain regions, kayaked and rafted from Alaska to Antarctica, and spent 25 years developing transformative journeys with Mountain Travel Sobek before joining Wanderlust Consulting. Today, she continues to inspire travelers through her work representing Mountain Lodges of Peru in the United States, bringing a lifetime of adventure, cultural curiosity, and love for the natural world to every step she takes.
About the Journey
- You’ve been immersed in adventure travel your entire career, What first inspired you to dedicate your life to this field?
My family originated from the northeastern Dolomites region of Italy and we spend our vacations hiking and skiing in the mountains, foraging for wild mushrooms and enjoying the great outdoors. As I grew up, I joined a group of climbing friends who also led treks around the world. Thus I became a trek leader myself focusing on India and Nepal. In my late twenties I moved to the USA and joined the staff at Mountain Travel, at the time owned by my husband Leo Le Bon. As I grew professionally I also fulfilled my passion for adventure exploring remote regions of the world. - ==================================
- You’ve been with Mountain Lodges of Peru since the very beginning. Can you share what drew you to the project and what those early days were like?
We first met with the Umbert family in 2005 and scouted part of the Salkantay Trek route prior to the construction of the lodges. It was an exciting new project as Peru did not have a lodge-to-lodge program, and many reputable tour operators immediately signed on to promote the trek to their audiences. The lodges officially opened in July 2007 and I was lucky to join the first familiarization trip on behalf of Mountain Travel Sobek. At that time the Salkantay Trek was not as well known and we hardly saw other travelers on the trails. In 2009 I joined Mountain Lodges of Peru as North America Sales Representative and traveled around the USA to educate agents and operators about this unique and new itinerary, and later on the Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure. I have been very proud of the association with MLP as quality, value and sustainability are core elements of the business and thousands of travelers have had the opportunity to experience the majestic Andean highlands and communities in style.
Nature, Movement & Mindset
- How do you see travel in the Peruvian Andes shaping people’s connection to culture, nature, and themselves?
Most travelers come to Peru to see Machu Picchu, one of the modern wonders of the world, but what they truly remember are the connections made on the trail with local communities and guides, the opportunity to hike through pristine mountain environments, and the challenges that come with putting oneself outside of our daily comfort zone. - ==
- Tell us about one of your most challenging treks: what made it difficult, and what you learned from pushing through.
I particularly enjoy longer treks in remote destinations as they allow you to go deeper into a local culture or natural environment, as well as force you to face your strengths and weaknesses. At the end of a 25-day trek in the Himalayas of Nepal or a month-long camel trek in the Sahara where you don’t see other travelers, you feel renewed and stronger, although not always ready to re-enter our day-to-day life. - ==
- What is one “hidden gem” place—maybe a trail, lodge, or vista—that most people haven’t heard of but that deeply moved you?
Purpose & Collaboration
- MLP has always stood for reciprocity, sustainability, and community. From your perspective, how do these values set us apart in the global adventure travel industry?
I believe these values should be part of any business, but for Mountain Lodges of Peru they were embedded from the very beginning in the mission statement and operations of the company. MLP has been recognized as a leader in the industry through awards and the feedback of our travelers. I have seen how some communities have changed through the years with empowerment and employment of women, support of educational institutions, and many other projects that help alleviate poverty in the region. - ==
- You’ve built strong ties with the international travel trade over the years. What has been most rewarding about representing MLP on a global stage?
MLP represented a radical change from the traditional camping adventures offered in Peru. It provides experiences that are in demand with a new generation of travelers who seek authenticity and connection, but also appreciate comforts. I have been proud of working for a company that strives to be the best and yet cares for those values of sustainability, conservation, and education.
Reflections
- Is there a moment when nature humbled you, or when you felt more connected to the world than ever before?
I am always grateful for the opportunity to hike in the wilderness, in view of majestic peaks, along trails often trodden for centuries by traditional people. I love the silence of the mountains, the smile of a child shepherding a herd on a steep hillside, the wildflowers and birds near and far. My latest trip to the Lares region with MLP has given me all of these experiences. - ==
- If someone were to “walk in your footsteps,” what would you hope they’d discover about themselves and about the world through adventure travel?
Adventure travel is often a humbling and challenging experience, but one that offers unexpected joys and connections. Traveling on foot you meet fellow man/woman on an even level and there are opportunities for learning, growing, and creating amazing memories.
Thank you to Nadia LeBon for sharing her inspiring story with us! For more information about traveling to Peru with Mountain Lodges of Peru, please contact us today!