Peruvian food, culture, and history aren’t just things I love—they’re a part of who I am. As a proud Cusqueñian, I carry my roots with pride and love sharing my culture with others.
I've lived and worked in the U.S., where I made amazing friends and had some great experiences. Before that, I worked on cruise ships, which gave me the chance to travel all over the world and see so many different places.
I’ve also explored Peru from top to bottom—north to south—and with every trip, I fell more in love with my country. That’s why I decided to settle back in Cusco, the place where I was born.
All these adventures taught me how important great service really is. I found my passion for travel—and for helping people create unforgettable journeys of their own.
My goal isn’t just to plan trips—it’s to help others fall in love with Peru the same way I did.
How did you get involved in travel?
"I started working in tourism at a young age while I was finishing university. I was always fascinated by the stories my clients shared about their travels, and I dreamed of exploring the world myself. So when the chance came to work on a cruise ship, I didn’t think twice—I jumped at the opportunity!
That amazing experience opened the door for me to work in the USA, which I was thrilled about. I made great friends there and really enjoyed my time.
After all my adventures abroad, I felt a strong pull to reconnect with my roots. So I traveled around Peru and completely fell in love with my country all over again. That’s when I knew—I wanted to settle down here in Cusco and share my passion for travel with others.
Now, I get to do what I love every day: helping people create perfect, personalized trips that show off the magic of Peru.
"
Liz Karen's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Amazon River Cruise - 15 Days
While Machu Picchu is a must-see in Peru, there's more than one way to reach the iconic Inca site. During this 15-day itinerary, take on the lesser-known, more challenging...
Ancient Peru: Huacas de Moche, El Brujo, Túcume, Kuélap & The Sacred Valley - 15 days
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...
Journey to the Amazon, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca - 13 Days
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...
Luxury itineraries
Recent trip reviews for Liz Karen
Peru
Peru
|
Apr 8 - Apr 20, 2026
Alda A.
Seattle, WA
| Reviewed on Apr 27, 2026
We just came back from a 2 week trip to Peru. KimKim did an amazing job. We had a well rounded tour, starting in Lima to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Puno, then back to Lima. Everything went according to plan. The tour guides were wonderful. Pick ups were always on time. It could not have been better.
Thank you!
Read more
We just came back from a 2 week trip to Peru. KimKim did an amazing job. We had a well rounded tour, starting in Lima to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Puno, then back to Lima. Everything went according to plan. The tour guides were wonderful. Pick ups were always on time. It could not have been better.
Thank you!
Activity Review
Urban Kitchen Experience
Lima
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on May 06, 2026
Hi Alda,
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊
We’re truly happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that you had such a wonderful experience in Peru. It means a lot to us to know you enjoyed the itinerary and our team along the way.
Thank you for traveling with us. It was a pleasure being part of your journey, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime.
Warmly,
Liz
Spectacular and easy
Peru
|
Apr 11 - Apr 18, 2026
Siana Z.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Apr 23, 2026
Kimkim makes everything easy, seamless, and enjoyable so you don't need to worry about snafus while on your trip. Peru has something for everyone and I appreciate Kimkim for working with me to plan an unforgettable journey suited to my taste. Highly recommend!!!
Read more
Kimkim makes everything easy, seamless, and enjoyable so you don't need to worry about snafus while on your trip. Peru has something for everyone and I appreciate Kimkim for working with me to plan an unforgettable journey suited to my taste. Highly recommend!!!
Hotel Reviews
Sol Natura Hotel
Ollantaytambo
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lacking a star for ants in bathroom and internet was down during our stay.
Activity Reviews
Shared Rainbow Mountain Tour: Small Group
Cusco
Edwin was a patient guide who takes the best photos!!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private half-day Lima City Tour & San Francisco Catacombs
Lima
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Shared Interactive City & Gourmet Lima Food Tour (PM)
Lima
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private tour to The Sacred Valley via Pisac
Peru
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Machu Picchu (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu) SV Htl
Peru
Javier was an awesome tour guide. Thanks for taking us on a spiritual, cultural, and historical journey!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Half-Day Cusco Walking Tour: Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha & San Pedro Market
Cusco
Nataly is the best and I wish I could take her home with me!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Apr 25, 2026
Hi Siana,
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We’re truly happy to hear that your experience with Kimkim was smooth and enjoyable, and that your journey through Peru felt just right for you. It means a lot to know we could help create something so memorable.
We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure anytime!
Best regards.
Liz.
Wery nice and smoothly planned trip in Peru
Peru
|
Dec 20 - Jan 2, 2026
Kristjan K.
Estonia
| Reviewed on Jan 06, 2026
Wery nice and smoothly planned trip by Liz. We had an option to see Amazonas, hghlands, the desert and ocean during the same trip. It was amayzing. We had many planned tours on the road and all the guides were very professional and it was easy to interact with them. The guides in Cuso, Machiu Piccu and Pisac were just outstanding!
Read more
Wery nice and smoothly planned trip by Liz. We had an option to see Amazonas, hghlands, the desert and ocean during the same trip. It was amayzing. We had many planned tours on the road and all the guides were very professional and it was easy to interact with them. The guides in Cuso, Machiu Piccu and Pisac were just outstanding!
Hotel Reviews
Average hotel in very good location in Puno. The selection during the breakfast was a bit limited. Rooms were chilly and during the night turned to be cold.
Pucara Machu Picchu Hotel
Average hotel in Machu Picchu. Rooms were a bit chilly, breakfast selection rather moderate.
Tika Wasi Casa Boutique
Cusco
Nice boutique hotel in Cusvo in very good location.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A bit cold in the rooms! Heaters were helping a lot!
Eco Amazonia Lodge
Las Piedras
Very authentic and well equiped Lodge! Everything needed was there. Very good food and drinking water always available!
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was hot in the lodge - some cooler would have been good to have in the room.
Dazzler Miraflores by Wyndham
Lima
Very nice hotel - good breakfast (wide selection), nice rooms. Pool on the roof available but a bit small :)
Activity Reviews
Shared Ballestas Islands & Paracas Nature Reserve
Paracas
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Shared Uros & Taquile Floating Islands tour
Puno
Well packed trip on the lake of Titicaca. Floating islands is very different and worth to visit. Nice walking and lunch in Taquile island.
Food
Very good soup and fish was served!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Again, the guide was nice and professional
The Route of The Sun: {{start_location}} - {{end_location}}
Peru
Interesting and comfortable trip by the bus
Food
Good food included in the restaurant by the road to Puno
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Very comfortable transportation - toilet and drinks included.
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu)
Peru
Stunning views, exciting walking in Machu Picchu
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was professional and very nice, taking us through the MP, showing us the best details of the area.
Shared tour to Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Train to Machu Picchu town
Peru
One of the most interesting tours covering different temples built by Inka`s
Food
Lunch breal in the nice open air resturant was positive surprise!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Led by the guide who has very wide knowladge about the history of Inka`s and Peru in general
Shared tour to Moray Terraces & Maras Salt Mines Tour
Cusco
Very well planned and interesting tour throughthe Inka`s built Terraces and Salt Mines
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very professional guide
Private Half-Day Walking Tour: Sacsayhuaman, Cusco City & San Pedro Market
Cusco
Nice walking along the Ika road from Sacsayhuaman temple to Cusco city.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very professional guide leading the tour
EcoLogic 3/3: Flight to {{end_location}}
Peru
The logistics from Amazonas to Puerto Maldonado was nice and safe. All well planned!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ecologic 2/3
Puerto Maldonado
Amazonas tour was very well organized!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amayzing guide in Amazonas
Flight to Puerto Maldonado: EcoLogic 1/3
Peru
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Interesting tour through the history of Pery based on the collection of the art.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was running the exhibition through quite fast :)
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on May 06, 2026
Hi Kristjan,
Thank you so much for your lovely words! 😊I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed such a diverse journey across Peru — from the Amazon to the highlands and the coast. It’s great to know everything ran smoothly and that our guides made your experience even more special.
Please take care!
Liz.
Blessing in disguise.
Peru
|
Dec 24 - Dec 31, 2025
Justin S.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Jan 03, 2026
This was more than I expected! The entire trip was well conducted and communicated the entire time using “KimKim”! We were blessed with clear weather which allowed the crew to truly appreciate our time. Alexandra was a blessing! Her knowledge and enthusiasm gave us a tremendous boost of comfort. We would travel anywhere with her again!
Read more
This was more than I expected! The entire trip was well conducted and communicated the entire time using “KimKim”! We were blessed with clear weather which allowed the crew to truly appreciate our time. Alexandra was a blessing! Her knowledge and enthusiasm gave us a tremendous boost of comfort. We would travel anywhere with her again!
Hotel Reviews
Pullman Lima Miraflores
Miraflores, Lima
Wake up early to truly enjoy this city and what this hotel has to offer!!
Authenticity & Character
It was clean and I like that it felt safe!
Location
Close to the ocean!
Staff
Very accommodating and always said hello!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Enjoy the buffet and walk to the beach!!
Aranwa Sacred Valley
Urubamba
This was a hidden paradise!
Authenticity & Character
Make sure you have a few days here!! The spa is totally worth the visit!! I got the leg massage and felt great afterwards!
Location
I love that you travel down an unassuming dirt road to arrive in this beautiful villa!
Staff
They were not just there, they wanted to know who we were and wanted to share their experiences and knowledge on how to make our trip better!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Get a garden facing room to see the Alpaca, and enjoy the bird songs in the morning!
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
Cusco
The food was next level fantastic!
Authenticity & Character
The laundry was a huge blessing after a few days of big hikes!
Location
Don’t take a taxi!! WALK!! It’s .7 miles to get to the center of town, and the views are spectacular! If you have kids still in elementary school there’s a massive trampoline and bouncy house steps away for 5 Soles they get their jitters out from traveling!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Extremely clean! I wish we were able to open the garden doors in our room to let a cool air in.
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Jan 05, 2026
Hi Justin,
Thank you so much for this lovely message! 😊
I’m really happy to hear the trip exceeded your expectations and that everything went smoothly. Clear weather always makes such a difference, and Alexandra will be so touched by your kind words.
Thank you for traveling with us. It was a pleasure being part of your journey, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime.
Warmly,
Liz
Machu Picchu and MORE!
Peru
|
Dec 24 - Dec 31, 2025
mette w.
San Jose, CA
| Reviewed on Jan 01, 2026
My family group of 15 just got back from a week in Peru. We met with our tour guide Alexandra Toledo in Cusco, She took us to view Pisac while on our way to Aranwa Hotel in Sacred Valley. From there we toured Chinchero, Moray, Maras and then to Aguas Calientes via Peru Rail Vistadome. Machu Picchu was the most magical experience. The beauty of the mountains is breathtaking. We spent our last two days back in Cusco before flying back to Lima, visiting the beautiful city squares, markets and...
Read more
My family group of 15 just got back from a week in Peru. We met with our tour guide Alexandra Toledo in Cusco, She took us to view Pisac while on our way to Aranwa Hotel in Sacred Valley. From there we toured Chinchero, Moray, Maras and then to Aguas Calientes via Peru Rail Vistadome. Machu Picchu was the most magical experience. The beauty of the mountains is breathtaking. We spent our last two days back in Cusco before flying back to Lima, visiting the beautiful city squares, markets and Saqsaywamam. The experience with kimkim.com was really great. They were super accommodating and patient with us. Our guide Alexandra felt like part of the family!! !!!!FIVE STARS!!!!
Hotel Reviews
Pullman Lima Miraflores
Miraflores, Lima
Aranwa Sacred Valley
Urubamba
Gringo Bill's Boutique Hotel
Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
Cusco
Activity Reviews
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu) SV
Peru
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Flight from {{start_location}} to Cusco & Private tour to The Sacred Valley
Peru
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private tour to Chinchero, Moray, Maras & Observaroty Train to Aguas Calientes
Peru
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Machu Picchu Tour (Private Guided Tour) AM
Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Cusco City Tour & San Pedro Market
Cusco
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Jan 05, 2026
Hi Mette,
Thank you so much for this lovely message! 😊
I’m really happy to hear that your family had such a special time in Peru. It sounds like a beautiful journey from start to finish, and I’m so glad Machu Picchu was as magical as it should be. Alexandra will be absolutely delighted to hear your words—she truly loves what she does, and it means a lot that she felt like part of the family.
Thank you for trusting us with your trip and for the kind feedback. It was a pleasure being part of your Peru experience, and we’d be more than happy to help again anytime.
Warm regards,
Liz
KimKim makes travel for family group pleasant and enjoyable
Peru
|
Nov 22 - Nov 28, 2025
Gerry P.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Dec 03, 2025
First of all, this our 2nd time to use KimKim for a trip. They certainly have made traveling more enjoyable, and in actuality, cost efficient!
We were working with Liz Karen for quite a while. She is knowledgeable about the various options for a Cusco trip which helped us make our decisions.
Since we started many months prior to traveling, we really appreciated Liz Karen’s patience and creativity. We end up with 9 iterations of our trip, and she helped with all the information we needed...
Read more
First of all, this our 2nd time to use KimKim for a trip. They certainly have made traveling more enjoyable, and in actuality, cost efficient!
We were working with Liz Karen for quite a while. She is knowledgeable about the various options for a Cusco trip which helped us make our decisions.
Since we started many months prior to traveling, we really appreciated Liz Karen’s patience and creativity. We end up with 9 iterations of our trip, and she helped with all the information we needed to have a good trip.
When we finally arrived, our in country help was Oscar! That guy is really patient, but I also think he knows how to build in the perfect amount of time for each of the outings. He kept us on pace, especially with our reserved luncheon at Ollytantambo and with the rather complicated 2 day trip for Machupicchu with buses and trains and other hotels, he made it easy. He really allowed us to enjoy ourselves and masterfully moved us around. To where we needed to go at what time we needed to be there.
We had a 6 day trip from USA, all in Cusco/Aguas Calientes area. With 11 people including 2 grandparents and 1 grandchild, the private tours and travel were of necessity, and here is where KimKim does so well. That’s the really service we appreciate because we get to enjoy the trip and the sights!
We stayed at Tika Wasi in the San Blas area of Cusco, which was a perfect funky hotel with nice courtyard area and the surrounding area is comfortable and plenty of food alternatives.
Definitely want to make sure you are acclimated to the altitude as not sure we could’ve done machupichu in the 1st couple days, pretty rough already.
Hotel Reviews
Tika Wasi Casa Boutique
Cusco
Very nice comfortable boutique in San Blas. Breakfast was good, along with the courtyard area. No televisions in rooms, which is nice to have, but then again we were so tired that probably didn’t matter.
The staff was friendly, knowledgeable about the area, and even helped me fix one of our luggage zippers!
Location
Right at the edge of the area. Far enough away from noise and hustle, yet close enough that we could walk everywhere
Pucara Machu Picchu Hotel
Can’t beat a hotel right downtown, such convenience.
Activity Reviews
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu)
Peru
We simply travel to go find out about places, so we certainly got out fill of being in the area long enough, but then to add this really awe inspiring mountain top city basically in the middle of nowhere was simply breathtaking. Not to mention the climb up to go down to the part of the circuit 2A we went on.
Oscar was helpful getting us around as he did all week.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private tour to Pisac: Andean Animals
Cusco
This was pretty neat, and really helped us understand where we were geographically: very high up in the Andes! So awesome! Was cool to see the local animals and birds, and see the countryside.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Half-Day Walking Tour: Sacsayhuaman, Cusco City & San Pedro Market
Cusco
This was basically filler and a get to know the area excursion. I think our group was too big to make it special, as no one paid much attention and went off on their own anyway.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private tour to The Sacred Valley: Maras, Moray & Pachamanca
Peru
Basically it was all about the Pachamama, as we are a family that loves to eat. Learning a bit more about the indigenous culture, in that setting at El Albergue was fantastic. The distillery and the coffee roasting facilities were a nice surprise.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Dec 10, 2025
Hi Gerry,
Thank you so much for your wonderful message — it honestly made me smile. I’m really happy to hear that the planning process went smoothly for you and that all those iterations paid off in a trip you truly enjoyed. It means a lot to know Oscar took such good care of your family and made everything easy, especially with a big group.
I’m also glad you enjoyed Cusco, Aguas Calientes, and the charm of San Blas. And yes — acclimatization is definitely key!
Thanks again for choosing us for the second time.
Warmly,
Liz
Excellent Peru trip.
Peru
|
Nov 22 - Nov 29, 2025
Erin M.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Dec 02, 2025
Andriel was an amazing guide through the sacred valley.
I appreciate the KimKim team for organizing everything, booking all transportation, checking into our flights for us, etc. it made travel worry-free.
The itinerary was spot on.
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Dec 10, 2025
Hi Erin,
Thank you so much! I’m really happy to hear you loved the Sacred Valley with Andriel and that everything felt easy and worry-free. So glad the itinerary was a great fit!
Warmly,
Liz
Machu Picchu Rotary trip
Peru
|
Oct 20 - Oct 24, 2025
Aur B.
Hong Kong SAR China
| Reviewed on Dec 01, 2025
It was a lot of travel to go back 500 years in history to Machu Picchu but I will never forget it.
I especially liked how knowledgeable our tour guide was of the history of Machu Picchu and was easily able to answer all of our detailed question
Booking me in the hotel on the square in Cusco was great as the view of the square ( spent hours people watching) and the Christ Statue glowing at night overlooking the city. Later touring Pukamoqo hill, a place that was already considered a...
Read more
It was a lot of travel to go back 500 years in history to Machu Picchu but I will never forget it.
I especially liked how knowledgeable our tour guide was of the history of Machu Picchu and was easily able to answer all of our detailed question
Booking me in the hotel on the square in Cusco was great as the view of the square ( spent hours people watching) and the Christ Statue glowing at night overlooking the city. Later touring Pukamoqo hill, a place that was already considered a spiritual site by the Inca civilization I was very interested in learning it was donated to the city in 1945 by Palestinian Arabs who migrated to this part of Peru as a refuge after the Second World War.
I loved the ancient Andean sacredness that was prevalent all around the country
Thanks for the opportunity to briefly experience the culture and want to go back for more in depth indigenous food and cooking classes.
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Dec 10, 2025
Hi Aur,
Thank you so much for your kind message. it truly made me smile. I’m really glad you enjoyed Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the whole Andean vibe. 😊
Whenever you decide to come back for those food and cooking experiences, I’ll be excited to help you plan it.
Warm hugs,
Liz
Fantastic trip!
Peru
|
Oct 15 - Oct 28, 2025
deborah c.
Dallas, TX
| Reviewed on Oct 31, 2025
Fantastic trip! Liz helped me put together a custom trip tailored to our wishes and found ways to keep the costs in check with our budget. In addition, the two times we had questions while on the trip, Lizbeth was incredibly responsive and assisted us immediately. We enjoyed visiting Arequipa, Colca Canyon (which included a homestay with a lovely couple), Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu and Lima. In each location, we enjoyed tours - some private and some in small...
Read more
Fantastic trip! Liz helped me put together a custom trip tailored to our wishes and found ways to keep the costs in check with our budget. In addition, the two times we had questions while on the trip, Lizbeth was incredibly responsive and assisted us immediately. We enjoyed visiting Arequipa, Colca Canyon (which included a homestay with a lovely couple), Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu and Lima. In each location, we enjoyed tours - some private and some in small groups. Our tour guides, especially William in Cusco, Jaqueline in Machu Picchu and Julie in Ollantaytambo were fantastic and went above and beyond by sharing additional information about Peru, it's culture and people. We learned so much from each one. Our biggest highlights were Machu Picchu - seeing 3 different circuits as well as the Inca Bridge and Huayna Picchu Mountain hike - and Rainbow Mountain. We'd highly recommend working with Kimkim, Andean Travel Experience as they did an awesome job!
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Nov 07, 2025
Hi Deborah,
Thank you so much, Deborah! I’m really happy to hear you had such a wonderful trip. It was a pleasure helping you plan it, and I’ll be sure to share your lovely words with the team and guides. 😊
Please take care!
Liz.
Wonderful, diverse experiences in Peru
Peru
|
Oct 6 - Oct 21, 2025
Carol G.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025
Guides Daniel in the Amazon, Nataly in Cusco and Javier in Machu Picchu were all exceptional. Highlights for me were the stay in the Amazon, with the wildlife sightings and cultural experiences, and our day in Machu Picchu, being in the citidel and then hiking to the top of Waynapicchu. Unforgettable. I also loved the Urban Cooking Experience with chef Patrick in Lima - wonderful!
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Nov 07, 2025
Hi Carol,
I'm so happy to hear that! It sounds like you had such an amazing time — I’ll be sure to share your kind words with Daniel, Nataly, Javier, and Chef Patrick.
Please take care!
Liz.
