Born in the tiny mountainside village of Marampata, Juan is a native Quechua who grew up walking the Incan trail in daily life, playing soccer amongst the ruins of next door Choquequirao, and helping his father manage horses for the government teams as they first began to excavate its ruins. In the process, Choquequirao was discovered to be an ancient Incan city larger and more intricate than Macchu Picchu itself. Recognizing this treasure in his own backyard, Juan resolved to become a guide and introduce the

world to the wonders of his culture and the beautiful lands he knows like the back of his hand.

“Juan was not just the best guide to introduce me to the exquisite beauty of the región, but his hospitality and care for my son and me made him the best guide to introduce me to the Peruvian people as a whole.” – Client Daniel H. (2023)

Gifted with a heart of genuine hospitality, Juan’s goal is indeed to make every guest ultimately feel like family, from the moment they arrive (when he picks them up from the airport in Cusco), to the moment they are bid a fond farewell. And this very often results in not just repeat clients, but lifelong friendships.

“I have trekked in the Sierras, the Alps, and the Himalaya, and these are the most beautiful mountains I’ve seen, particularly the stretch from Choquequirao to Yanama. Beyond the stunning vistas, it was an amazing trip because of Juan himself, who is passionate about sharing his country and its history with visitors. His enthusiasm combined with his humble kindness, his flexibility, and his devotion to quality made for a delightful time. I don’t normally like to do the same trip twice, let alone three times, but I went in 2016, again in 2018, and AGAIN in 2021, and it was just as magical the third time through!” – Lisa S., 2024