Abi Lagunas
The search
Abi is a 29-year-old estimator for a construction company. Machu Picchu had been on her list for years, but what drew her to this particular trip was the chance to experience it completely sober. The idea of being fully present for every moment, without feeling rough on any of the days, appealed to her. She also wanted the experience of traveling with new people in a group setting, which felt like an adventure in itself.
“I joined the trip because I've always wanted to come to Machu Picchu, and the idea of doing it sober was super intriguing. I got to experience it all 100%.”
The transformation
The trek to Machu Picchu tested Abi physically and mentally. The steep climbs, high altitude, and long days on the trail demanded everything from her. There were moments when the exhaustion felt overwhelming, but pushing through those challenges brought a sense of accomplishment she had not anticipated. Each step forward became proof of her resilience, and by the end of each day, she felt proud of what her body could do.
"There’s no doubt about it. This is hard, but very rewarding. I am so GLAD I took the leap and joined"
The shift
From the moment Abi joined the group, she noticed how different the atmosphere felt. There was no pressure to step outside her comfort zone or do anything that made her uncomfortable. Everyone was considerate of each other's ideas and decisions, which created a calming environment. The first day or two felt a bit awkward as people found their footing, but once that initial barrier broke down, the conversations became natural and genuine. The group quickly moved past small talk and into real connection.
"Honestly, it's really calming in a way, because nobody's pressuring you to do anything out of your comfort zone, and everybody is super considerate about each other's ideas and decisions."
Vivid memories with Capsule Adventures
What stood out to Abi was how quickly the group bonded once the awkwardness faded. Without alcohol in the mix, there was no waiting for the next drink or planning the evening around bars. Instead, everyone focused on the trail, the views, and getting to know each other on a deeper level. The shared challenge of the trek and the substance-free environment created space for real connection.