Destination: Perú
As many of you now know, I had the privilege of growing up overseas in the beautiful country of Perú. I was around four years old when my family moved down there for my father’s job—an easy decision since my Mother is from Peru herself and this move meant being home! The trip was meant to be for a couple of years only, then back to Connecticut. However, we never quite made it back! My siblings and I studied K-12 there, only moving back up to the States when it was time for our university studies. To this day, my husband, children and I try to visit every year, for at least a couple of weeks. There is always something new to discover—breathtaking beaches lining the coastline, the incredible sand dunes in Ica, the Manu Biosphere Reserve known for its rich Amazonian biodiversity, and incomparable Incan ruins woven amidst the Andean mountains. There really isn’t any other way to explain it other than we fell in love with Perú and everything it offers culturally and (let’s face it) gastronomically.
Today, we want to share Peru with you, too.
Luis Alberto Calderón standing in Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu mountain behind him.
Allow me to introduce you to a dear family friend, Luis Alberto Calderón—or “Lucho” to his friends. A hard worker at a very young age, Lucho immersed himself in the world of tourism, studying at the Cevatur Private Institue as well as solidifying his fluency in the English language at the Peru North-American Cultural Institute (ICPNA). So, you can definitely say that he loves what he does.
“I like to provide quality travel for tourists visiting my country, and ensure the have a pleasant, rewarding and memorable experience.”
Visiting Perú is a truly unique experience, and with Lucho as your guide you are certain to enjoy everything its diverse history and culture have to offer. Archeological sites throughout the country date back from 3000 BC, and include pre-Colombian civilizations such as Mochica, Paracas, Nazca, Lambayeque, Chimú, Chancay, Chincha and Incan culture influences.
Lucho is currently booking a tour for September 24 thru October 1, 2022.
But why am I doing all the talking. Let Lucho tell you about what it’s like to tour with him!
“In the last two years, I have worked with groups of twenty people, mostly elderly. As their tour guide, I made arrangements for them from the moment they arrived at the international airport in Lima. These arrangements included a comprehensive city tour of Lima and traveling with them to Cusco by plane. Once in Cusco, we toured many historical and cultural sites. Besides leading the tours, all reservations in hotels, restaurants and modes of transportation were made and confirmed.
I arranged a gastronomic tour for seventeen people in Lima, Ica and Cusco. We visited various well known restaurants: La Central, Amaz, Astrid y Gastón, La Picanteria, La Olla de Juanita, and others. While in Ica, we visited different wineries, the Ballesta Islands, flew over the Nazca Lines and drove dune buggies over and around the sand dunes of the Oasis of America. This group then traveled to Cusco with me to visit Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, Chinchero, and Saysahuaman.
Moray | Incan Agricultural Laboratory
Pisaq
Ollantaytambo | The Sacred Valley
Salt Flats in Maras
I truly enjoy touring with small groups of two to four people. Trips to the north may include tours of important tourist sites: Chan Chan, Tucumán Pyramids, Caral, Moon and Sun temples and beautiful beaches like Huanchaco, Pimentel and Mancora. Trips to the south may
Include the Ballesta Islands, Oasis of America, Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Pichu. The area around Ica in the south is known for their wineries. One feature in the city of Arequipa are the underground aqueducts built by the Incas. Most of my clients on these trips become friends who continue to stay in touch.
Ballestas Islands | Paracas
Máncora
I have also worked with individuals and groups of university students who travel to study the language, economy, society and culture of Peru. Traveling by car gives us an opportunity to converse and they can learn about Peruvian life. These tours often include various non-conventional experiences where we visit neighborhoods, families, and businesses which relate to their studies. Arrangements are also made for students so they can attend classes.
I have successfully welcomed and guided many foreigners in my 25 years as a tour guide. I have worked hard to provide an experience whereby travelers feel at home, safe, informed and educated about Peruvian sites, culture and history. My goal is to provide the best experience while they are visiting my country and hope they will recommend travel to their friends.”
Lucho is family. We hope you’ll reach out to him and see what makes touring the beautiful country of Peru so special. I can’t think of anyone better to be your guide!
To schedule your trip,
Email: lacalderon99@hotmail.com
WhatsApp: 011 +51 1(999) 706-773