Profile photo for Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
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active 3 hours ago

Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Peruvian delicious food, unique culture, and fascinating history are part of me! And as a good cusqueñian, I am very proud of my culture and heritage.

I have lived and worked in the USA and made many friends there. Before that having worked on cruise ships in the past, gave me the opportunity to visit many places around the world too!

I traveled all around Peru from North to South and fell in love with it more and more, so I decided to settle in Cusco, my birthplace.

With all these life experiences I know the importance of quality services. I have discovered my passion for traveling and love helping others find their perfect journey.

My goal isn't just to design trips but to create a passion to travel in my homeland.

How did you get involved in travel?

"I started working at a young age in tourism while I was finalizing the university. I felt fascinated with all the stories my clients shared about their trips, and I wished to go abroad, so I decided to work and travel around the world! I didn’t hesitate when I had the chance to work on a cruise ship! After this amazing experience, I had this unique opportunity to work in the USA and went happily. There I made many friends and enjoyed my time. At my return from all my travels, I felt I needed to visit my homeland so I did and just fall in love all over again with Peru. I decided to settle down here and now I am happy to be able to help others with perfect and unique customized trips!"

Liz Karen is part of the following groups: Bolivia Travel Agents, Peru Travel Agents, Peru Family Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Liz Karen

Machu Picchu should be on your bucket list.
Peru | May 25 - May 31, 2024

Dorothy
Dorothy J.
Aurora, IL | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024
All of our guides were excellent. The experience felt like a land cruise. I never felt lost or uncomfortable. People were available to welcome us at each stop and bring us to our next location. Irving met us in Cusco. He gave us many good insights regarding what we could expect. He brought us to local restaurants and an animal sanctuary. Javier was our guide in Machu Picchu. He was extremely knowledgeable of the history and patient with my walking speed. He also helped us a great deal to get... Read more

All of our guides were excellent. The experience felt like a land cruise. I never felt lost or uncomfortable. People were available to welcome us at each stop and bring us to our next location. Irving met us in Cusco. He gave us many good insights regarding what we could expect. He brought us to local restaurants and an animal sanctuary. Javier was our guide in Machu Picchu. He was extremely knowledgeable of the history and patient with my walking speed. He also helped us a great deal to get fantastic photos. Felix brought us through Puno. He also helped us navigate local customs. I learned so much about Peru. The views were breathtaking. I loved all of the trains. It was a wonderful way to experience the Andes. The food and service were also very good. We enjoyed the hotel accommodations. Next time, we will spend additional days in Cusco and Machu Picchu to truly take advantage of everything there is to learn. I wish I had planned more time. I will have to come back.

Hotel Reviews
Holiday Inn Lima Airport
Lima

It was easy to get to the transportation. The rooms were spacious and clean. Breakfast was delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Typical for a Holiday Inn.
Location
Close to the airport.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very nice bathroom.
Aranwa Sacred Valley
Urubamba

This facility is a resort hideaway. I would have needed more time to evaluate all that it had to offer.

Authenticity & Character
The grounds were beautiful.
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
The suite was spacious and fully loaded with a rainwater shower and spa tub.
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Manuel our guide in Cusco was fabulous! Very...
Peru | Apr 27 - May 10, 2024

Hilary
Hilary P.
Canada | Reviewed on May 17, 2024

Manuel our guide in Cusco was fabulous! Very knowledgeable, helpful and a lot of fun.
We had a packed itinerary which suited our group.
The food tour in Barranco was very well organized and our tour guide was great.
The amazon experience was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Our transfers were bang on. Everything was well organized. .
Thoroughly enjoyed Peru and it’s people

Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on May 17, 2024

Hi Hilary,
Thanks for taking the time and leave us your comments. I'm happy to know that you enjoyed your trip to Peru. I'm sharing this with Lisbeth, Manuel and with the rest of our team.
Hugs from all the Andean Travel Experience family!
Liz.

I contacted Kimkim to help organize a long aw...
Peru | Apr 28 - May 6, 2024

C
Cathie B.
Bonita Springs, FL | Reviewed on May 13, 2024
I contacted Kimkim to help organize a long awaited family trip to Peru with my husband and 2 adult sons. We chose a 2 week vacation including Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest. We worked with Liz who helped us condense the 2 week trip into 10 days. We did everything we hoped to, including the one day hike on the Inca trail leading to Machu Picchu. Liz was great. She helped with every request and responded quickly each time.
The trip was so easy! We...
Read more

I contacted Kimkim to help organize a long awaited family trip to Peru with my husband and 2 adult sons. We chose a 2 week vacation including Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest. We worked with Liz who helped us condense the 2 week trip into 10 days. We did everything we hoped to, including the one day hike on the Inca trail leading to Machu Picchu. Liz was great. She helped with every request and responded quickly each time.
The trip was so easy! We were met at the airport in Lima and taken to our hotel, picked up the next morning, taken to the airport for our flight to Cusco, and were picked up at the airport there and taken to our next adventure, and it continued that way through the whole trip. It was so nice not having to think about our transportation or accommodation. Many of our meals and tours were included. The local guides were great - David in the Sacred Valley, Angel on the Inca trail and Machu Picchu and Dennis in the rainforest. All were knowledgeable and well spoken and personable. They really made our trip special. I would not hesitate to recommend Kimkim to anyone.

Hotel Reviews
El Albergue Ollantaytambo Boutique Hotel
Cusco

This is a lovely hotel with on a beautiful property with a great restaurant. The downside is that it is a bit of a walk from the main square and located right beside the very busy train station. The first night we had dinner there and could smell the diesel fumes from the trains as they idled out front. Some people may appreciate the proximity to the train station, but I would have preferred to stay closer to the main part of town.

Authenticity & Character
This is a charming hotel in an interesting building
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Taypikala Boutique Machupicchu
Machu Picchu

The staff at this hotel were wonderful. The hotel itself is being renovated with obvious signs of construction throughout. Unfortunately, not enough thought has gone into making the rooms accommodating for travellers. For instance, there was an outlet at the head of the bed - which would have been fine, except it was located directly behind the mattress and not usable. The walls were empty which made the room feel stark - but probably due to the renovations.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Antigua Casona San Blas
Cusco

This was a fantastic hotel! Well located in Cusco - walking distance to the main square, and near many artists and shops and restaurants. The hotel itself is beautiful with many small touches to make guests feel welcome. For instance, they warm the beds with hot water bottles and offer tea bags and a thermos of hot water to make tea in your room when you arrive. The breakfast was included and it was excellent! One of the best I've had. There were many healthy choices at the partial buffet, and you also order eggs and other food from the menu.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado

This is a fantastic lodge in the Amazon rainforest. The rooms are open air with one whole wall of the room open to the forest. The beds had mosquito nets that were lowered prior to bedtime. It was a unique experience - like sleeping outside with all the wonderful sounds of the rainforest. It was quite hot and humid and there was no air conditioning anywhere on property. The food was very good and the tours were also excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on May 13, 2024

Hi Cathie,
It was my pleasure helping you with your trip to Peru. I am so glad to know that you all had a great time here!
I'll share this with the rest of our team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if needed.
Take care!
Liz.

Our trip to Peru with kimkim was amazing!!
Peru | Apr 27 - May 10, 2024

N
Nancy B.
Canada | Reviewed on May 13, 2024
Our trip to Peru with kimkim was amazing!! I would highly recommend them. Right from the beginning Liz was very informative and always responded promptly to any questions. We were very well looked after during our time in Peru. Lisbet made sure that our itinerary was very well organized with no issues. Our guides right from the beginning were wonderful. Manuel took very good care of us in Cusco and the surrounding area with extra special attention. Machu Picchu of course was ... Read more

Our trip to Peru with kimkim was amazing!! I would highly recommend them. Right from the beginning Liz was very informative and always responded promptly to any questions. We were very well looked after during our time in Peru. Lisbet made sure that our itinerary was very well organized with no issues. Our guides right from the beginning were wonderful. Manuel took very good care of us in Cusco and the surrounding area with extra special attention. Machu Picchu of course was spectacular. We we had a wonderful day in Puno on Lake Titicaca with Angel. Our food tour in Lima was so much fun. We loved the area. Lourdes was great!
Our experience in the Amazon at Mayuna Lodge was amazing. Fransico was a fantastic guide. All our guides were so knowledgeable and informative. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime!!

Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on May 13, 2024

Hi Nancy,
Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice review!
It was a pleasure to be part of your experience in Peru. I'l share this with all the team.
Take care!
Liz.

- the whole trip was fantastic, can’t think o...
Peru | Apr 27 - May 10, 2024

K
Ken J.
Canada | Reviewed on May 12, 2024

- the whole trip was fantastic, can’t think of anything that wasn’t perfect
- great itinerary, guides were all excellent, accommodations were lovely especially Muyuna Lodge, food was excellent, people were very friendly
- highlight for me was the Amazon but everything was wonderful
- especially enjoyed Manuel, Lourdes and Francisco
- would highly recommend it to our friends
- trip of a lifetime

Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on May 13, 2024

Hi Ken,
Thank you very much for your great comments. I'll share this with all our guides and Lisbeth. I'm happy to know you had a great time in Peru. 😃
I wish you all the best in the future, please feel free to contact me in the future if needed.
Kind regards.
Liz.

Our recent Trip to Peru
Peru | Apr 17 - Apr 25, 2024

Abby
Abby J.
Canada | Reviewed on May 06, 2024
Our recent Trip to Peru was absolutely incredible! Every excursion, tour guide and private driver was well planned and prepared, and very punctual. Arequipa and Colca Canyon were amazing, we had an awesome tour guide and a lovely hotel. Machu Picchu was fantastic, and our tour guide for the day was so friendly and knowledgeable, she really made the day even more amazing! A huge thank you to Liz for all of the planning and answering all of our questions throughout! Read more

Our recent Trip to Peru was absolutely incredible! Every excursion, tour guide and private driver was well planned and prepared, and very punctual. Arequipa and Colca Canyon were amazing, we had an awesome tour guide and a lovely hotel. Machu Picchu was fantastic, and our tour guide for the day was so friendly and knowledgeable, she really made the day even more amazing! A huge thank you to Liz for all of the planning and answering all of our questions throughout!

Hotel Reviews
El Refugio Hotel Colca
Chivay

Beautiful hotel, perfect place to relax with the hot pool on site. The staff were very nice and the location was spectacular!

Authenticity & Character
The decor in the restaurant and bar is so unique, there is this old piano with candle holders and swords on the wall, a very old European kind of vibe.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Lima Airport
Lima

The location is perfect for travelers, right across the street from the airport, and the shuttle drivers are very nice and efficient!

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tierra Viva Arequipa Plaza
Arequipa

The staff were so friendly and helpful! We stayed here for two nights over 3 days (as we went up to the canyon for a night), the staff kept our luggage for us and we were able to use there laundry service. When we came by to check in for the second night, our luggage and clean clothes were ready for us in our room!

Authenticity & Character
Location
So close to the main square, and amazing restaurants and shopping
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Albergue Ollantaytambo Boutique Hotel
Cusco

Best location by far! It was located inside the train station, so in the morning we just had to step outside to get on the train. The rooms were so nice, and the grounds had lots of plants and gardens around, just so beautiful!

Authenticity & Character
The hotel has a coffee roastery on site, and they grow most of the food for the restaurant!
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore  Machu Picchu (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu) SV Htl
Explore Machu Picchu (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu) SV Htl
Peru

Our guide was fantastic! She met us right at the train station and gave us a quick tour around while we waited to get on our first bus. It was so amazing to have a tour guide just for us, it made the experience so much better, 100% worth it rather than in a large group. She was so knowledgeable about the history and could answer our questions, and took a bunch of group photos for us! At the end of the tour we asked for a restaurant recommendation and she showed us this amazing little restaurant that looked over the river, which had really great food!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Flight to Cusco & Private tour to The Sacred Valley
Flight to Cusco & Private tour to The Sacred Valley
Peru

The private tour was really neat, we loved going for the short hike to see the ruins, our guide was really entertaining and it was really great how he went in-depth to explain the terraces. Best part was his restaurant recommendation, he gave us a couple different types of food options and the Lomo Saltado was my husband's favourite meal of our entire Peru trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bus from  {{start_location}} to  {{end_location}}: Nasca Lines Flight
Bus from {{start_location}} to {{end_location}}: Nasca Lines Flight
Peru

The bus from Lima was amazing, it had these giant lazy-boy style seats and curtains for privacy/napping, which was good relaxing start to the trip. Our driver to our hotel and to the airport for the nazca lines was so great and helpful, he helped us check in and made the pre-flight process so smooth. The flight itself was not super great. The pilots really ensure that both sides of the plane get equal viewing time for each set of Nazca lines, which is really cool, but after the first 10 mins of flying over the lines (not including the first part of the flight which is just to get to the location) it was a lot. 3 out of the 4 of us felt very motion sick from the hard twists and turns of the plane! It was really cool to see, but maybe instead from the viewing platform!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Transfer to {{end_location}}: Shared Ballestas Islands tour & Adventure in Huacachina nc
Private Transfer to {{end_location}}: Shared Ballestas Islands tour & Adventure in Huacachina nc
Peru

Our driver made the day absolutely fantastic! He was super informative about the locations we passed and the types of fruits and vegetables that were being grown in the region. Everything was on time and well planned, lunch was great, the pisco lesson/tour while we waited for our lunch was really interesting. Our drive back to lima was relaxing, and it was crazy to see the traffic at that time of day going through the city.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was so funny and great, answered all of our questions and gave explanations about the landscape we were passing
Transport
Everything was so perfectly on time and schedule
Private Walking Traditional Arequipa Food & sightseeing tour
Private Walking Traditional Arequipa Food & sightseeing tour
Arequipa

It was really good! I loved trying the local foods, and having the guide go in-depth about the foods and history was really neat!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared 2D Colca Canyon Tour : Arequipa - Colca - Arequipa 1/2
Shared 2D Colca Canyon Tour : Arequipa - Colca - Arequipa 1/2
Peru

This was one of the best parts of our trip. The guide was so great and helped us work through the altitude changes with multiple recommendations and stops along the way. It was so great to hear the history and learn about the lives of people in the highlands.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared 2D Colca Canyon Tour : Arequipa - Colca - Arequipa 2/2
Shared 2D Colca Canyon Tour : Arequipa - Colca - Arequipa 2/2
Peru

The condor viewpoint was amazing, that short little walk to see the other viewpoint was really cool as well. The guide was great, we got to see the volcano in the background smoking, which so neat to see!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Cusco & Sacred Valley Trip
Peru | Apr 15 - Apr 20, 2024

Supriya
Supriya A.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024
Liz Karen was recommended to us by a friend having previously worked with her for their trip to Peru. She patiently worked with us to modify her initial itinerary to our interests and preferences; and ensured a good balance between comfort and budget. Her associate Lisbeth was our point of contact and did an amazing job in going over the schedule with us when we landed in Cusco; and was kind enough to arrange a half day trip of Lima before we left Peru with her travel partners. The drivers... Read more

Liz Karen was recommended to us by a friend having previously worked with her for their trip to Peru. She patiently worked with us to modify her initial itinerary to our interests and preferences; and ensured a good balance between comfort and budget. Her associate Lisbeth was our point of contact and did an amazing job in going over the schedule with us when we landed in Cusco; and was kind enough to arrange a half day trip of Lima before we left Peru with her travel partners. The drivers and guides on each part of our trip were punctual, courteous and friendly, all knowledgeable about the Sacred Valley region. Special thanks to our guides - Oscar (Sacred Valley), Javier (Machu Picchu) and Marco (Palccoyo) & the drivers who got us everywhere safely! The team at Andean Travel ensured we had a memorable visit, and would definitely recommend them to anyone planning a trip here!

Hotel Reviews
Tika Wasi Casa Boutique
Cusco

This is a estate/mansion renovated into a hotel, located in the San Blas tourist district in Cusco. The hotel serves complimentary hot water & cocoa tea to help cope with altitude sickness. All rooms have comfortable beds and continuous running hot water. The staff here are helpful and courteous. Overall the place is great; but the couple of nits are that: 1. as a boutique hotel the rooms aren't uniform - we weren't satisfied with the initial room offered that was a converted attic, but the staff offered a good alternate room. 2. The space heaters provided aren't effective against the cold nights in Cusco and need to be updated; though the blankets/wool provided do help.

Authenticity & Character
old mansion/estate in Cusco converted into a hotel
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sol Natura Hotel
Ollantaytambo

Wonderful hotel, located close to the Ollantaytambo main square and the train station. The rooms were clean, spacious and comfortable. The heater had a very slow pickup, but considering the weather was warm that didn't bother us. The breakfast options were from locally sourced vendors - breads, cereal and milk tasted very good. Staff were very courteous, and stored our luggage for a day as trains to Agauas Calientes don't accommodate heavy luggage. Overall, a great, reasonably priced option in the Sacred Valley!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hatun Inti Classic Machupicchu
Machu Picchu

Simple, decent hotel room in Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay. Rooms are clean, albeit a bit small and do not have AC/heater (considering its in a rainforest area, weather is a bit temperate and humid).

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on Apr 30, 2024

Hi Supriya,
Thank you very much for your great comments. I'll share this with all our guides and Lisbeth. I'm happy to know you had a great time in Peru. 😃
I wish you all the best in the future, please feel free to contact me in the future if needed.
Kind regards.
Liz.

All guides and drivers were first class - all...
Peru | Apr 17 - Apr 25, 2024

Randall
Randall B.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024
All guides and drivers were first class - all vey prompt and professional. Read more

All guides and drivers were first class - all vey prompt and professional.

Hotel Review
Tierra Viva Arequipa Plaza
Arequipa

Stayed in two Terra Via hotels - very nice and great locations/staff. However both rooms did not have a refrigerator which would have been nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to attractions
Staff
Entire staff was great, no exceptions
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Shared 2D Colca Canyon Tour : Arequipa - Colca - Arequipa 2/2
Shared 2D Colca Canyon Tour : Arequipa - Colca - Arequipa 2/2
Peru

Entire two day excursion was amazing - diverse landscapes.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on Apr 30, 2024

Hi Randall,
Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice review!
It was a pleasure to be part of your experience in Peru.
Take care!
Liz.

Oscar and Javier were very knowledgeable anou...
Peru | Mar 21 - Mar 30, 2024

Masud
Masud M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 03, 2024
Oscar and Javier were very knowledgeable anout the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Read more

Oscar and Javier were very knowledgeable anout the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Hotel Review
Taypikala Deluxe Valle Sagrado
Urubamba

Amazing food, great view of the mountains.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private tour to  Moray, Maras & Chinchero
Private tour to Moray, Maras & Chinchero
Sacred Valley
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco  (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu) SV
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu) SV
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Walking tour to  Sacsayhuaman, Cusco city & San Pedro Market
Private Walking tour to Sacsayhuaman, Cusco city & San Pedro Market
Cusco
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on Apr 03, 2024

Hi Masud,
Thank you for taking the time and leave us your review.
It was my pleasure helping you with your trip to Peru.
I'll be glad to help you with your future trip to latam.
Take care!
Liz.

Oscar in Cusco was great. The other guides we...
Peru | Jan 18 - Jan 29, 2024

Gary
Gary Z.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 05, 2024

Oscar in Cusco was great. The other guides were good and the trip was great, basically hitting all the spots we wanted in a short period of time!

Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on Feb 14, 2024

Hi Gary,
Thank you very much! ☺
I'm sharing your review with our team. They'll be happy to read it.
Take care!
Liz.