About Us
Kichwa is a travel company that was born from a shared passion for travel and a love for Peru. Founded in 2011 by three friends from different backgrounds – a Peruvian, two Australians – Kichwa is driven by a deep appreciation for the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of these Peru & Bolivia.Through custom-tailored itineraries, Kichwa connects travelers with the authentic essence of Peru and Bolivia, while supporting local communities and preserving their way of life.
Peru and Bolivia are lands of wonder – where ancient cultures meet modern vibrancy. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the bustling markets of Lima, our countries are an explosion of color, flavor, and life. And the best way to experience it all is with Kichwa, your local guide to adventure.
At Kichwa, we believe that travel isn’t just about ticking off landmarks – it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, tasting the food, and connecting with the people. We’re not just any tour company – we’re a team of passionate locals who want to share our love for our countries with you.
Our itineraries are as unique as you are. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a foodie, or a history buff, we’ll create an experience that’s tailored to your passions and your pace.
Why Choose Us
Customized Itineraries
Team of Local and International Experts
24/7 Support
Peru and Bolivia Combination
Conscious Sustainable Itineraries
Staff
Explore the essence of KICHWA: our team, a blend of unique talents, collaborates seamlessly to offer extraordinary experiences. Individually, we bring diverse backgrounds and extensive travel experiences to the table. No elaborate sales pitches—just an authentic commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences. Meet the team members:
Juan José Mendoza
General Manager
Meet Peruvian native and travel & hospitality expert. With over 25+ years of industry experience, including senior management positions, our seasoned traveler and Pisco aficionado now directs two businesses: Kichwa Peru DMC and Casa Republica Barranco Boutique hotel as well as some independent side projects. He also takes part of the UK/Peruvian NGO Amantani as chairman since 2024. Juan Jose founded KICHWA along with his partners in 2011.
Patricia Gutierrez Rios
Peru Team Leader
Patricia, brings extensive travel industry experience and in-depth destination knowledge, along with a genuine passion for showcasing Peru’s rich culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes through tailor-made journeys that capture the true essence of the country. Since joining KICHWA in 2015, she has held key roles in Reservations and Sales, developing a comprehensive understanding of operations, client management, and service excellence. Today, she leads the team while ensuring the highest standards of quality and personalization, and plays a key role in maintaining and strengthening long-term commercial partnerships built on trust, consistency, and shared growth.
Lisa Bartel
Sales Specialist
Our passionate travel designer for German- and English-speaking market. Born and raised in Germany, Lisa's journey began after middle school, leading her to Lima. There, she not only studied Spanish at the university but also found a deep connection to the diverse culture of Peru and Bolivia. Lisa and her Peruvian husband then returned to Peru in 2014, settling on their family's farm in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. With a background in tourism and experience at a group tour operator in Germany, Lisa brings a wealth of experience to our team since 2016.
Cecilia Tamayo
Accounting
Cecilia, our Finance pro from Peru, leverages years of tourism expertise. Enthusiastic about her work, she believes in her country's cultural richness. Part of our team since 2015, Cecilia thrives in our familial, collaborative environment, crafting memorable client experiences.
Guisela Santana
Lima Operations Specialist
Guisela, proudly Peruvian and passionate about tourism, feels called to serve as an ambassador of Peru. In the operations area, she gives her best by working closely with travelers and accompanying them throughout their journey, ensuring an unforgettable experience. She is dedicated, team-oriented, and always striving for continuous improvement.In his role in KICHWA’s Operations department, Saulo ensures that every detail is perfectly organized for the arrival of travelers. Additionally, when welcoming tourists, he seizes the opportunity to showcase the richness of Cusco and Peru, making sure they enjoy a comfortable and memorable experience during their stay.
Yulisa Romero
Reservations Specialist
Yulisa, a seasoned Peruvian travel professional, offers a decade of industry expertise. Fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian, she caters to a global clientele. Specializing in Peruvian tourism, Yulisa's dedication is reflected in her frequent visits to major landmarks, ensuring up-to-date advice for clients. As a Reservation Specialist, she crafts quotes, secures bookings, and provides detailed information with precision.
Larry Cuellar Salas
OPERATIONS TEAM LEADER
Our passionate Peruvian with a deep love for his country, Larry is responsible for overseeing all logistical and operational aspects of travelers' experiences on sight. He ensures that everything runs smoothly from start to finish, from arrival and transportation to accommodations and activities. Since 2011 with KICHWA, Larry's expertise and passion are sure to make our traveler´s journey an unforgettable one and he’ll be there to welcome everyone open arms and with a warm smile.
Sonja Maria Zahumensky
Reservations Specialist
Originally from Germany, Sonja has found her second home in Peru. A seasoned traveler herself, she brings years of experience and a deep love for exploring new places to her role as a Reservation Specialist at Kichwa Peru. Fluent in multiple languages, Sonja’s ability to understand and anticipate the needs of travelers allows her to create tailored itineraries that meet individual preferences. In addition to her reservation expertise, she is also passionate about travel coaching, guiding clients to enrich their travel experiences. Her ability to coordinate complex travel arrangements makes her an invaluable asset to the team, consistently delivering smooth and unforgettable journeys.
Aldo Suazo
Reservations Specialist
Aldo, a dedicated Peruvian travel professional, brings a strong passion for trekking, culture, and gastronomy to his role in the reservations team. With a firm belief that travel is about creating connections and lasting memories, he carefully crafts each itinerary to deliver authentic and enriching experiences. As a Reservation Specialist, Aldo prepares quotes, manages bookings, and ensures travelers receive personalized attention with professionalism and care.
Lizet Huacani
Cusco Operations Specialist
Lizet’s passion for travel began as a hobby and soon became one of the most meaningful aspects of her life. One of her most memorable experiences was traveling solo, where she connected with new people and gained a new perspective on exploring the world. In the operations area, she is committed to ensuring passengers enjoy unforgettable journeys and leave with lasting, positive memories.
Our Purpose
Our mission is to promote sustainable practices in tourism, minimizing negative impacts on socio-cultural, economic, and environmental aspects. As a specialized tour operator in FIT boutique travel, we are dedicated to provide information and crafting itineraries that enable respectful, authentic, and locally immersive trips in Peru and Bolivia, tailored to individual traveler preferences. Through collaboration and education, we strive to make a positive difference by reducing our ecological footprint, empowering local economies, and preserving cultural heritage. Together, we aim to build a sustainable and responsible tourism industry.
