When you picture someone climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking the Inca Trail, do you imagine a corporate live-wire whose best friend is her dog? Hanna Pepe is here to tell you there’s no “type” when it comes to adventure seekers.
Hanna’s day-to-day life revolves around managing demanding clients and delivering fast-paced projects in the corporate world. But her real joy? Spending time with her dog and running along the seafront. “If you ever trek with me, you’ll probably get tired of hearing stories about my dog—he really is my best friend!” she laughs.
Life hasn’t always been this way for Hanna, though.
“If we’re being brutally honest, I used to be a party girl,” she admits. “Living for nightlife and weekends—work hard, play harder. But the playing was toxic and at times life-threatening.”
In 2018, Hanna decided to change her life. “I swapped wine for walking, rum for running, and gin for the gym,” she shares. Her greatest reward, however, was “drugs for a dog.”
The turning point came after her dad passed away in 2022. Hanna became an ambassador for the hospice that cared for him, which led to her joining a hike organized by Discover Adventure. “That’s where my trekking journey began!” she says.
Since then, Hanna has conquered some truly iconic challenges: the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Inca Trail, and Avenue of the Volcanoes (with our Galapagos extension). Next up? Climbing Kilimanjaro on her 40th birthday this February.
For Hanna, these challenges are more than just physical feats. They’re a way to stay focused and motivated. “My biggest fear is relapse,” she reveals. “Having goals and focus keeps me on the straight and narrow. The dopamine hit from booking, fundraising, and completing a challenge fuels me for months.”
Hanna has found joy not only in completing challenges but also in the preparation. “I love the training. It keeps me focused, and I’ve built it into my everyday life,” she says. Her routine includes daily walks with her dog and weekend hikes to new places.
Fundraising is another key part of her journey. While Hanna pays for her challenges in full, she raises additional funds through creative events like quizzes and cake sales. “I’m even planning a barn dance for 2025!” she says with a smile. Her advice? “Think outside the box.”
Through her adventures, Hanna has discovered a newfound sense of resilience and community. “Five years ago, I’d have laughed if you told me I’d share rooms and climb mountains with strangers. But those strangers become your family. No one gets left behind,” she explains.
Hanna has also realized something fundamental about herself: “I’m an explorer! I never realized how curious I am about the great, wild world. Let’s face it—it’s humongous! And the best way to see it is on foot.”
For anyone considering their first adventure, Hanna’s advice is simple: “Be brave and book! The world is waiting for you—and your feet are ready!”
Hanna’s story is a testament to the transformative power of adventure. From her first trek to her upcoming climb of Kilimanjaro, she’s proof that no matter where you start, the journey can take you to incredible places—inside and out.
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