The Staff here at Andean Life take a slightly different approach to life than the usual office employee. We're not travel agents sitting behind a desk in suits advising you on things that we've only read about in books – we're made up of people with real experience in travelling, all from different backgrounds but with a genuine love of Peru: its culture, its mountains and jungles, and its even been known for us to enjoy a night out in the occasional bar or disco!
The staff in our office here in Cusco are made up of the following:
William Huaman López, 33, Manager, Trekking Guide & Tour Leader
Born and bred in Peru's Inca heartland Cusco, William has been a professional guide for the last 10 years. He knows the Inca Trail like the back of his hand, he should do, he's walked it over 150 times and ran it once in 6 hours! (or so he says). William is our expert on trekking in the Andes and Peruvian history and culture. This year (2004) William hopes to escape the office more often and get back to guiding some of our groups again - the work that he enjoys most.
Pathy Amaru, 33, Office Manager & Guide
William's wife Pathy is one of Peru's growing number of professional female guides. Pathy leads groups on the Inca Trail as well as on expeditions all over Peru. However she can often be found in our office giving out information and advice and organizing the treks when William is away trekking.
The Guides
Andean Life employs 12 professional guides on a permanent basis and another 8 guides on a freelance basis. All of our guides are local to the Cusco region and are well experienced not only in the treks and archeological ruins but in local traditions, culture and flora and fauna.
Our Cooks and Porters
Andean Life employs 8 full time cooks and over 120 porters (80 on a permanent basis and 40 on a more informal basis during the high season when demand is greatest). For more information on porter welfare and our commitment to helping porter communities see our Responsible Tourism section.
