Io Gillhuber
Growing up in Germany, I was lucky to spend several vacations in different places in Europe. When I finished school, I started exploring the world on my own, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Throughout the years, I was driven by the butterflies in my stomach I always felt when heading to a new destination. Until the moment I landed in Peru, the place I fell in love with and now call my second home, where I put down my roots.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Customized experiences, authentic encounters, sustainable tourism for solo travelers, families, and Group Travel in Perú, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
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How did you get involved in travel?
"I fell in love with traveling because I am fascinated by other cultures, new experiences, stunning landscapes, wonderful people, unexpected adventures, delicious flavors, and unforgettable moments. Whether during family holidays as a child, language exchanges at school, my first solo trips to other countries as a teenager, or my extensive travels to exotic and distant places, I always felt incredibly grateful and free while exploring the world. This special feeling made me immersed in Peruvian culture, overwhelmed by this country and its people, and settle down in Cusco, the world's belly button as this magical place was worshiped by the Inka.
Today I enjoy exploring new places with my kids and sharing my passion for journeying with them.
With this spirit I want to grab people's hands to encourage and thrill them planning unique and memorable travel experiences."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"My favorite and most unforgettable moments while traveling are uncountable. I’ll never forget walking on the Great Wall of China, getting stranded in a peaceful, picture-book-like Tibetan village, crossing tropical Vietnam on a motorbike, or the first time I stood in front of Machu Picchu after an exhausting but spiritual hike. These memories will always be part of who I am and will be reflected in the passion for traveling that I want to transmit to others."
Io's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Peru is famous for the ruins of Machu Picchu to the south, but the lesser-known pre-Inca sites across the country are just as impressive. This 15-day itinerary brings you up...
From the Nazca Lines to Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu, this 14-day itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Fly over the Nazca Lines - some of the world's...
Explore the Amazon jungle, the ancient city of Machu Picchu, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, and more on this exciting 13-day adventure through Peru. You'll get oriented...
Family itineraries
Get off the beaten path with this unique itinerary through Peru. Take an aerial tour of the famous Nazca Lines. Visit the Ballestas Islands to see endangered birds, marine...
This fun-filled family adventure combines must-see Peruvian highlights like the Sacred Valley with off-the-beaten-path gems like the coastal deserts and beaches of Paracas. Get...
Honeymoon itineraries
During this 11-day trip, you will experience all the local tastes, historic sites, and incredible views that the southern part of Peru has to offer. Check out the gastronomic...
Interested in a unique honeymoon? Consider a 10-day tour that combines Peru's highlights with a romantic twist. Stroll Lima's bohemian seaside neighborhoods and shop at a local...
Favorite experiences
Machu Picchu Tour
The ruins of the 15th century Incan citadel of Machu Picchu (which translates to "old mountain") were largely hidden to the outside world until the early 20th century. Today over a million visitors flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site each year. They come to see a masterpiece of ancient...
Sacred Valley Tour: Cusco - Chinchero - Ollantaytambo
This day tour Cusco for a visit 45 minutes north to the village of Chinchero, which the Inca believed to be the birthplace of the rainbow. There are extensive Inca terraces here as well as several small, colonial-era churches. Chinchero is famous for its residents weaving alpaca and sheep wool...
Uros Floating Islands & Amantani Homestay
This 2-day experience offers a unique way to visit the floating Uros Islands and learn more about the indigenous Uros and Quechua people. It is the perfect authentic experience for travelers looking to explore a bit away from the typical bucket-list sites.Lake Titicaca straddles Peru and Bolivia...
