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
Great trip!
Peru
|
Apr 12 - Apr 19, 2025
Supriya M.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025
Andes Travel planned a great trip for us. We had excellent guides, cars and support while traveling. There were a few of hiccups (confusion of breakfast inclusion at our first hotel, a flight schedule change - not their fault but some communication would have been useful, and an unnecessary baggage fee), all other aspects of the trip were wonderful.
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Andes Travel planned a great trip for us. We had excellent guides, cars and support while traveling. There were a few of hiccups (confusion of breakfast inclusion at our first hotel, a flight schedule change - not their fault but some communication would have been useful, and an unnecessary baggage fee), all other aspects of the trip were wonderful.
Hotel Reviews
Innside Lima Miraflores by Melia Hotels International
Miraflores
Location
Could not beat the central Miraflores location!
Tocuyeros Boutique Unaytambo
Cusco
This was our favorite hotel of the trip. So much character, large rooms, incredible view from the terrace. Wish we would’ve stayed longer!
Inti Punku MachuPicchu Hotel & Suites
Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
This was the worst hotel of our trip but we were only staying one night so it was fine. I would recommend an alternative although it did have hot water and many hotels in aguas calientes do not. It was quite noisy at night.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Found hair in the room when we arrived
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion
Puerto Maldonado
For what it was, it was a great hotel. Was it a luxury hotel? Not at all. Was it comfortable? Yes. Power is only available certain times of the day and there was no air conditioning. The food and staff were wonderful. It would have been nice to have more activities and not so much down time.
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Trip of Lifetime
Peru
|
Sep 15 - Sep 24, 2024
N D.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Apr 01, 2025
This trip was amazing! Planning it through Kimkim was so worth it! The only part that was difficult was the day we were in the Sacred Valley. We did not feel like we had enough time there, so I definitely recommend setting aside a full day for that. Otherwise, it will feel rushed. We saw so many awesome animals during our trip! We went to the Amazon rainforest which was a dream! Machu Picchu was the best part by far. It was gorgeous! We also made it all the way to Lake Titicaca! My suggestion...
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This trip was amazing! Planning it through Kimkim was so worth it! The only part that was difficult was the day we were in the Sacred Valley. We did not feel like we had enough time there, so I definitely recommend setting aside a full day for that. Otherwise, it will feel rushed. We saw so many awesome animals during our trip! We went to the Amazon rainforest which was a dream! Machu Picchu was the best part by far. It was gorgeous! We also made it all the way to Lake Titicaca! My suggestion for altitude is definitely to do as the locals do! I would recommend this trip to anyone! It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you Kimkim, Liz, and everyone we met along the way that helped make this journey so special!
Hotel Reviews
Inti Punku MachuPicchu Hotel & Suites
Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Small rooms. Lamp was broken. Needs a little work but it was fine for one night. We hardly stayed in the hotel much anyways. It served its purpose. The location is awesome though! Close to the train and buses.
Location
Close to everything!
Dazzler Miraflores by Wyndham
Lima
They didn’t warn us ahead that they charge for coffee in the room. However, their breakfast was awesome! The location was also great!
Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco
Cusco
Favorite hotel of the trip! Grab some emolliente from the cart in the courtyard! Highly recommend this hotel, it’s gorgeous! Loved how comfortable and luxurious it was here!
Eco Amazonia Lodge
Las Piedras
We love Tino! Had the best experience here! The food and bar were awesome! Thank you for such an amazing time! Glad we got to see so many exotic birds and animals!
The restaurant downstairs was delicious! The hotel is simple. It wasn’t close to town but we were too tired to explore anyways. This hotel also served its purpose. Rest and food were our main needs especially at that elevation! Overall it was a good time.
Activity Reviews
Flight to Puerto Maldonado: EcoLogic 1/3
Peru
The first night we did a night walk with Tino and it was awesome! Loved our rooms! An absolutely gorgeous place! Dinner was delicious!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Shared Lima Dining Experience: Culture, Flavor & Style (PM)
Lima
This made our time in Lima special! 100 percent would do again!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
EcoLogic 3/3: Flight to {{end_location}}
Peru
Last day was great. Had lots of time to pack up and head out. Overall a smooth travel day to Cusco.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ecologic 2/3
Puerto Maldonado
The full day here was awesome! We started our day with bird watching! Then, we got to do the canopy walk. Later we went canoeing around a lake and saw so much wildlife. On the way back to the lodge we even saw wild capybaras! All the food was delicious that day too! Truly an amazing experience!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
*Private tour to The Sacred Valley: Pachamanca & Train to Machu Picchu
Peru
This day felt very rushed, unfortunately. We did not get to spend enough time in the Sacred Valley and had to rush to make it to the Panchamanca on time. Other than that we had an awesome time. Our guide and driver were so awesome that day making sure we still made it to everything! I recommend spending a full day in the Sacred Valley.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Route of The Sun: {{start_location}} - {{end_location}}
Peru
I slept through most of this! Overall, it was great. We made some great stops and even saw some monolithic structures! We tried Coati coffee which was tasty. We got some good souvenirs during this journey! We also visited the Church of San Pedro. It was a fun time and got us to Lake Titicaca!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
One of the tours I needed to use the restroom first before we continued so I missed most of the tour.
Shared Uros & Taquile Floating Islands tour
Puno
This was so cool! It felt other-worldly going here and seeing how the people live! Awesome day on the beautiful Lake Titicaca! It’s a journey but definitely worth it! We really were able to immerse ourselves in the culture!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu)
Peru
Obviously our favorite part of the trip! Cusco is one of the most beautiful cities my husband and I have ever been to! Machu Picchu was picturesque and I got emotional seeing it! Definitely, the highlight of the whole trip!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Apr 10, 2025
Hi ND,
I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed your time in Peru! I’ll share your review with the guides and our team—they’ll love reading it.
Nice pictures!
Looking forward to helping you with future adventures in LATAM!
Take care,
Liz.
Great Family experience in Peru
Peru
|
Mar 14 - Mar 22, 2025
Sapna A.
Flagami, FL
| Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025
We wrote a detailed review already but to recap: we had an excellent experience. Logistically, everything was perfect. All the guides or transportation reps always arrived early and were very accommodating. We never had to stress the whole time. Liz, our local specialist, did a great job of making adjustments when conditions weren't appropriate for rafting.
Overall we loved our accommodations. Particularly, Palacio del Inka in Cusco due to its historic nature, luxury style and on site...
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We wrote a detailed review already but to recap: we had an excellent experience. Logistically, everything was perfect. All the guides or transportation reps always arrived early and were very accommodating. We never had to stress the whole time. Liz, our local specialist, did a great job of making adjustments when conditions weren't appropriate for rafting.
Overall we loved our accommodations. Particularly, Palacio del Inka in Cusco due to its historic nature, luxury style and on site activities (tour of historic hotel, Pisco Sour class, performances, excellent spa). Our least favorite hotel was Casa Andina in Lima. The rooms were very dated and in need of repair.
To any families traveling, our favorite activity was the cooking class in Lima at Urban Kitchen and we really appreciated the additional Machu Picchu guide just for the kids. I could tell they were far more interested in what she was telling them than they would have been in the detailed perspective we were receiving. Also the bike ride in the sacred valley was lovely.
Overall great experience and we're glad we used Kim Kim and their local agents.
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Mar 25, 2025
Hi Sapna,
Thank you very much for your great reviews! 😊 I’m so happy to know you had a great time in Peru.
I’ll share your review with the guides and our team—they’ll love reading it. I'm also sharing the review of Casa Andina Lima with our quality team. Thank you for your input on this.
Take care!
Liz.
It was a good trip. There were a couple of t...
Peru
|
Dec 26 - Jan 3, 2025
Jewels H.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Feb 03, 2025
It was a good trip. There were a couple of things that I would have changed but the hotels were nice, and the rides were on time and reliable.
Read more
It was a good trip. There were a couple of things that I would have changed but the hotels were nice, and the rides were on time and reliable.
Hotel Reviews
La Hacienda Bahía Paracas
Paracas
this hotel was really nice. right on the beach. The pool was nice. You had tp ay for and reserve the hot tub which is weird because even if you pay and reserve it you may not be the only family there and we were not allowed to bring our kids who were 16
Location
it was a little out of the way and the beach was not nice
the new years eve buffet was not great b/c there was no where to sit and it was super loud but the food was good. the hotel was nice overall.
Location
right near the square
Aranwa Sacred Valley
Urubamba
this is really cool hotel. the massage was great. very interesting! we got shocked in the jacuzzi tub several times and had to call staff to fix it.
the food was great. And the staff was really nice
Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu
Machu Picchu
the bathroom was really nice. the buffet breakfast was not great but everything else was.
Staff
hard to find anyone at the front desk.
Cleanliness & Comfort
it is a nice hotel
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Feb 13, 2025
Hi Jewels,
Thank you for your kind words. It was truly a pleasure helping plan your trip. I hope it left you with beautiful memories.
Take care.
Liz.
Absolutely wonderful trip, one of the best in my life!
Peru
|
May 27 - Jun 6, 2024
Alexander K.
United Kingdom
| Reviewed on Jan 24, 2025
Absolutely wonderful trip, one of the best among all trips I have made in my life!
Liz Karen has done absolutely brilliant work organising this trip for me and accommodating all my requests. And she and her colleagues were absolutely amazing when my flight from Chachapoyas to Lima was cancelled and they needed to get me to Lima in time for me to catch my international flight! Special thanks to Liz for her help with getting the refund from the airline for this cancelled flight!!! :)
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Feb 13, 2025
Hi ALex,
It was truly a pleasure to help you plan your trip to Peru! I’m so happy to hear you had a great time.
I hope Peru left you with unforgettable memories, and we’d love to welcome you back sometime soon!
Take care!
Liz.
The trip of a lifetime!
Peru
|
Jan 8 - Jan 16, 2025
Kara H.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Jan 23, 2025
Every part of our trip was incredible and we couldn’t have done it without the Kim Kim team! From their advice during the planning to the guides that introduced us to the incredible sights, sounds and flavors of Peru, we truly experienced the trip of a lifetime!
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Feb 13, 2025
Hi Kara,
Thank you for sharing your experience!! I’ll make sure to share your kind words with the guides and the whole team. 😊
Looking forward to assisting you with more trips in LATAM in the future!
Best,
Liz
Two bucket list items in one Peru trip.
Peru
|
Dec 19 - Dec 31, 2024
Craig A.
Brookhaven, GA
| Reviewed on Jan 14, 2025
Liz put together an amazing trip that got us to the Amazon rainforest and to hike the Inca trail. All the details were perfect and even last minute changes were handled easily.
There were many times that had I had plan this myself I would have chosen the wrong approach from the types of tours to the places to see and what is possible in the area.
Highly recommend Peru and Liz.
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Feb 13, 2025
Hi Craig,
I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed your time in Peru! I’ll share your review with the guides and our team—they’ll love reading it.
Looking forward to helping you with future adventures in LATAM!
Take care,
Liz.
Every bit of the planning of this trip was pe...
Peru
|
Dec 20 - Jan 4, 2025
Alison M.
Wheat Ridge, CO
| Reviewed on Jan 10, 2025
Every bit of the planning of this trip was perfect! Liz did an amazing job planning it from pick up to drop off flights and all. Each and every guide we had was amazing. So knowledgeable and gave us so much information about the culture, food and people.The hotels she picked out were perfect! We were never waiting for any of our guides or drivers. Each and everyone of them was standing there waiting for us. They were kind and punctual. Peru is one of the most amazing countries I have ever...
Read more
Every bit of the planning of this trip was perfect! Liz did an amazing job planning it from pick up to drop off flights and all. Each and every guide we had was amazing. So knowledgeable and gave us so much information about the culture, food and people.The hotels she picked out were perfect! We were never waiting for any of our guides or drivers. Each and everyone of them was standing there waiting for us. They were kind and punctual. Peru is one of the most amazing countries I have ever visited and this trip planning made that possible. I felt that the price we paid for this trip was more than fair for the level of service we received. My children had an unforgettable experience everywhere we went in Peru. Liz also suggested we spend New Year's Eve in Cusco. That was the most amazing New Year's I have ever had!! It was so festive and exciting! We cannot wait to book another trip with Liz to see more countries in South America!!
Hotel Review
Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa
Paracas, Pisco, Ica
This hotel was clean and perfectly situated right on Paracas Bay. The pool was huge and they gave us catamaran rides out to the reserve. We saw lots of wildlife. It was the best hotel we stayed at on our entire trip.
Authenticity & Character
Right on Paracas Bay.
Staff
One was friendlier than the next!
Activity Review
Private transfer to {{end_location}}: Huacachina Adventure
Peru
This was definitely my kids's favorite part of our entire Peru trip!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Feb 13, 2025
Hi Alison ,
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that our guides made your trip unforgettable.
I’ll be sure to share this with Lisbeth and the whole team.
Sending hugs from the Andean Travel Experience family!
Liz.
Awesome experience!
Peru
|
Nov 19 - Dec 5, 2024
Kimberly D.
Dallas, TX
| Reviewed on Dec 12, 2024
Everything was amazing!
Liz Karen was extremely responsive to our desires and changing needs and put together a wonderful itinerary which worked without a glitch!
Read more
Everything was amazing!
Liz Karen was extremely responsive to our desires and changing needs and put together a wonderful itinerary which worked without a glitch!
Hotel Reviews
Posada Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios
A great adventure! Wonderful staff and delicious meals. Really appreciated the borrowing of rubber boots! Special note to our guide at Posada Amazonas Lodge who had an awesome knowledge of every animal and their sound from monkeys and macaws to frogs and ants (and could find them in the undergrowth) and every leaf or fruit and their use, taste and growth cycle.
Authenticity & Character
A jungle experience with all the comforts of home
Location
Loved seeing and hearing all the animals!
Staff
Our guide, Josemel, was absolutely amazing! He was very informative on flora and fauna and culture. There was no question he couldn’t answer right down to Latin nomenclature!
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Urubamba
Very nice cottage and main building with excellent dining
Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu
Machu Picchu
Good location. Big jacuzzi tub but jets didn’t work. Great breakfast
Location
Loved overlooking the river
Antigua Casona San Blas
Cusco
Great hotel with excellent bar, restaurant breakfast buffet and bagged breakfast
Authenticity & Character
Wonderful decor and displays. Courtyard with fireplace
Location
Fun area to walk around
Staff
Very helpful with all our questions on local amenities
GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca Puno
Lago Titicaca, Puno
Location
Nice location overlooking reed marsh, not close to town
Staff
Helpful when needed
Pullman Lima Miraflores
Miraflores, Lima
Authenticity & Character
Modern character
Location
Good location for walking around
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Dec 18, 2024
Hi Kimberly,
Thanks so much for your kind words. It was a pleasure to organize a trip for you 😊.
I hope you left with wonderful memories of Peru and that we will see you back soon! :)
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas! 🎄
Liz.
What an amazing, flawless, and fabulous trip!...
Peru
|
Nov 19 - Dec 5, 2024
Kathy S.
Seattle, WA
| Reviewed on Dec 11, 2024
What an amazing, flawless, and fabulous trip! Thanks to Karen for helping us plan an exciting adventure. And thanks to Lisbeth for providing quick responses to any and all questions during our trip. We all fell in love with Peru and would definitely travel with KimKim again. Thank you for helping us create so many wonderful memories!
Read more
What an amazing, flawless, and fabulous trip! Thanks to Karen for helping us plan an exciting adventure. And thanks to Lisbeth for providing quick responses to any and all questions during our trip. We all fell in love with Peru and would definitely travel with KimKim again. Thank you for helping us create so many wonderful memories!
Hotel Reviews
Pullman Lima Miraflores
Miraflores, Lima
Location
Conveniently located. Nice amenities.
Posada Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios
Amazing food. Loved the open wall in the room to the jungle. Incredible guides and activities!
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Dec 18, 2024
Hi Kathy,
Happy to hear you had such an amazing experience in Peru!
I wish you all the best for this new year 2025 😊
Please take care and let me know if we can help you somehow in the future!
Liz.
