About Peru Trekking & Climbing Team
PROFESSIONAL PERUVIAN ANDES ADVENTURES TREKKING, HIKING & CLIMBING GUIDES AND SUPPORT STAFF
Anne – Hisao – Mayumi -Eli – Vanessa
Peruvian Andes Adventures was founded in 2003 by brothers Hisao & Eli Morales of Huaraz, together with business partner Anne Thomson of New Zealand. Hisao and Eli are from the well known Huaraz Morales Family who were among the pioneers of organising climbing and trekking expeditions in the Cordilleras Blanca and Huayhuash when foreign climbers and explorers first starting arriving in the area in the early 60’s. Anne comes from a background of outdoor adventuring in New Zealand & several years of hiking / climbing around the Cordilleras Blanca & Huayhuash.
We are a family operated and oriented business with a background of many years experience working with trekking and climbing groups, with an ethos of having a strong family involvement in all aspects of the business as well as employing a strong staff of experienced, dedicated and trusted employees. All our trek and climb staff are local – coming either from Huaraz or the surrounding villages, or from small agricultural villages along the trekking routes of the Cordillera Blanca & Cordillera Huayhuash
We respect & value all the staff who work with us & who contribute to ensuring that our clients have a wonderful holiday, trekking, hiking or climbing experience in the Peruvian Andes.
We choose to work with people who are not just “in it for the job” but who have genuine interest and enjoyment in providing quality service with a helpful & friendly attitude.
Peruvian Andes Adventures staff “Go The Extra Mile” to ensure a Superb Adventure Holiday!
John from the USA / part of a group that did Alpamayo Trek + Pisco climb said: … Peruvian Andes Adventures is a first class operation from start to finish! Their depth of staff and associates ensures first class, well trained people are supporting your trek or climb. PAA’s careful selection of people and quality of training shows through……… PAA does both the big and the small details right. Everyone is focussed on ensuring your adventure, trek or climb is done safely and with the greatest chance it will be successful. I give PAA my highest recommendation!
Sharon from Canada said: “I am a repeat customer with great reason. My first trip with Peruvian Andes I found the service to be not only professional but pleasant. Peruvian Andes has found workers who love what they do and this transfers into the way they deliver their service”
OUR TEAM AT PERUVIAN ANDES ADVENTURES
Our staff are not just employees to us, but are part of the PERUVIAN ANDES ADVENTURES FAMILY
Alessandro from Switzerland climbed Yanapaccha & Alpamayo in the Cordillera Blanca: “…I am sure you know already that you can be very proud of all your team members; however, it doesn’t do any harm to repeat it here. They are competent, efficient, reliable, passionate, helpful, kind and a true joy to interact with, i.e. the best ambassadors Peru can desire!”
OUR ADMINISTRATION & CLIENT SUPPORT TEAM
We have a strong team of support staff at the Huaraz office and trek base, helping plan your Peru trekking or climbing adventure, giving expert advice based on years of experience, taking care of client reservations, tickets, hotels bookings, equipment and helping clients with anything they need while in Huaraz.
Brian from the USA – “Tailor Made” Cordillera Huayhuash Trek….”Every year, my wife and I trek somewhere in the world for a week or two, always self supported. This year we decided to do the Huayhuash Circuit, but do it with a guide. After talking to four different outfits in town, we decided to go with Peruvian Andes Adventures. We were blown away by the service of all their staff. They were very easy to deal with in the planning stages, providing lots of detailed information about the area, the trek, the logistics, etc. We were very particular about the itinerary and they work with us to make our specific desires happen…….. I highly recommend Peruvian Andes Adventures for any of your trekking needs in the Huaraz area. You won’t be disappointed.”
HISAO MORALES
General Manager & Co-Owner
Professional climbing & trekking guide
*UIAGM – Member of International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations
*Member – Mountain Guides Association of Perú
*Participated on Wilderness First Responder course
Languages: English, Spanish, Quechua, some German
Hisao began working with trekking and climbing groups with his father’s and uncles trekking company from a young age while still at school. He soon developed a passion for climbing and climbed extensively with porters & guides while receiving ongoing instruction from Peruvian and international guide instructors at the House of Guides in Huaraz.
Hisao took a break from guiding to attend university in Lima and graduated with double degrees in psychology & philosophy, and in education. He then spent 3 months in New Zealand in 2003 on a working holiday and improving his English, before returning to Huaraz to found Peruvian Andes Adventures with brother Eli.
Hisao speaks fluent English and some German which he is continuing to study. Hisao has considerable experience in the education sector, business and in organising trekking & climbing groups and is our business general manager.
He is also owner of Hotel Morales where you are welcome to stay during your time to Huaraz to enjoy the hospitality of Hisao and the hotel staff.
Marc from the USA said: ….. What a terrific adventure! Hisao and his dedicated team did a fantastic job covering all the details so that I was free to give myself entirely to the many beautiful mountains and lakes we encountered along the way.
Graham from Canada said: …” Hisao, To let you know I arrived home safely last night after a memorable and amazing time in Peru . The trek will be forever in my memory . I can’t say enough about the attention to detail by you and your staff which made for such a successful and safe time. The extra effort by yourself regarding the bus journey to Lima , arranging for Paul to meet me and obtain the airline ticket to Cusco Thank you again”
Hisao has participated in an intensive WFR – Wilderness First Responder certification course.
ELI MORALES
Operations Manager & Co-Owner
Professional climbing & trekking guide
*UIAGM – Member of International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations
*Member – Mountain Guides Association of Perú
*Certificate – Wilderness First Responder
Languages: English, Spanish, Quechua
Eli is the eldest of the Morales brothers, and began his career as a trekking & climbing guide at the age of 16 when he started working with his father & uncles as a trekking assistant during school vacations, and later became a guide for trekking & climbing groups. Eli received ongoing training & instruction from the House of Guides with Peruvian & international guide instructors and in 1999 became a qualified Professional International Mountain Guide – UIAGM
Eli now has many years experience guiding trekking & climbing groups and has extensive knowledge of all the routes, local culture, history, plant and wildlife which he enjoys sharing with his clients. Eli has climbed extensively on 6000m and technical peaks, and successfully summited Huascaran & Alpamayo with clients a multitude of times.
In Huaraz Eli is our Operations Manager – in charge of equipment & preparation for group departures but also frequently gets out to guide trekking groups
Eli is the proud Dad of twin daughters Analie & Tatiana who keep him running when he is not away in the mountains.
Abby from the UK …Eli our guide was excellent, kind and very supportive to those struggling on the tougher days. He was also flexible throughout the trek e.g. offering to take those that wanted to a view point.
Sue & Clive from Australia – Santa Cruz Trek: …..Elly’s vast experience combined with pleasant demeanour and logistical expertise made this an absolutely wonderful experience. He even organised the appearance of a condor when we reached Punta
ANNE THOMSON
Client Communication & Trip Planning
Business Associate – Peruvian Andes Adventures (New Zealand)
Qualified Accountant ACA & Diploma Business Management
Languages: English, Spanish
Our “KIWI” amiga & family friend Anne lives in New Zealand where she works from her home office, but travels to Huaraz regularly to work with us here. She has trekked extensively in the Cordilleras Blanca & Huayhuash as well as climbed some of the peaks and knows the routes and many of the local people very well. Anne has also travelled in Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Titicaca and Arequipa. She enjoys the New Zealand outdoors, particularly tramping, hiking and kayaking.
Anne is always happy to help you with your trekking, climbing or tours inquiries and can suggest suitable itineraries for you, give advice and help you with bookings
Austrian Client (Travel Agent): Anne… thank you too for all the details you gave us before we started our trip. As I already told you, because of my job here at home I really know what it means to give all those details and to reply every stupid question 😉 I know how much work it means and we really appreciate your support during our trip-preparations. We are looking forward to working with you in the future!!!
Edmund from Bavaria, leader of group of 12 ……My dear Anne, we want to say a very very big THANK YOU especially to you… You must have spent so much time about planning our tour, we are very impressed and very much obliged about that. Everything has worked perfect. Every bus connect, every mountainguide, cook, porter , driver and so on worked perfect.
You can contact Anne directly on: info@peruvianandes.com
VANESSA PAGOLA HUERTA
Administration Manager & Tour Guide
Languages: Spanish, Quechua and Basic English
In 2018 we were delighted to welcome Vanessa to the team. Vanessa has recently completed a degree in tourism and in 2017 she travelled with some of our trek groups as assistant guide so she knows the trekking routes well.
She has now joined with us full time as our administration manager and well be making sure that all your bookings are taken care of as well as helping you while you are in Huaraz and guiding some day hikes and treks.
Vanessa speaks basic English and is still studying, so she is looking forward to meeting you all and improving her English with you
A group doing a Cordillera Huayhuash trek….. Vanessa provided transport to and from the Huaraz bus terminal and Morales Guest House…… The organization was extraordinary and our 3 week stay in Peru came much to quickly to an end.
LANG
Huaraz Base Logistics & Trek Assistant
Lang is the partner of our brother Rolando and joined our staff in 2013.
Lang is in charge of all our Huaraz base arrangements and preparations for group departures – from overseeing food purchase and packing, to tents, cooking & other equipment packing & maintenance. Lang also goes out with trek groups when possible as an assistant cook. In 2013 she made her first summits, climbing Urus & Ishinca with Rolando. Lang is also busy Mum to daughters Bridgette and Isabelle
Lang with Rolando & Daughters Bridgette & Isabel
OUR TEAM IN THE MOUNTAINS
Our trekking & climbing staff are qualified & licensed members of the respective associations that control their various professions. All staff participate in & contribute to our annual “in house” staff training course.
Recent clients have said this about our staff:
Gunter from Switzerland… “ 5-day St. Cruz Trek with 5 star service by an excellent team.. When going to the high mountains you should choose an excellent team and agency as conditions may change quickly. The Peruvian Andes team was joyful, professional and harmonic”
Lily (USA) climbed Pisco & Yanapaccha: “ …. guide & the crew were extremely helpful & friendly. I would not have made the summits without them. Peruvian Andes is a FIRST CLASS COMPANY”
Cheryl (USA) Cordillera Huayhuash Trek: “ The guides, cooks and all other crew members were OUTSTANDING – always professional, very helpful and responsive, clearly knowledgeable.”
Andreas & Petra (Germany) Cordillera Huayhuash Trek: “we’d like to thank you very much …… in particular your brilliant staff was responsible for the wonderful atmosphere during the trip.”
TREK GUIDES
We have a team of professional local Peru trekking guides who have vast experience guiding groups on all the trekking routes of the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash.
Carrie from the USA said: “…During the trek, our guide did an amazing job pacing clients with very different fitness levels. Additionally, each day, we looked over the map and decided as a group on the specifics of our route. The guide kept us all in good spirits, provided excellent information about the route,
plants, history of the area, etc. Everything was exactly as advertised and beyond!”
NESTOR MORALES
Trek Guide
Our uncle Nestor is one of the most experienced guides & operators in Huaraz and has an absolute wealth of knowledge about all the routes, mountains, history, plants, traditional medicine and much more.
Nestor has climbed almost all the peaks in the Cordillera Blanca and there is no part of the Cordillera Blanca or Cordillera Huayhuash that is unknown to him.
Our clients appreciated very much Nestors patience, kindness, incredible knowledge, attention to detail and sense of humour.
Nestor speaks good English
Nancy said: Nestor guided us safely + happily on this trek. He provided so much information about the area, climbing + trekking information stories and the plant + animals at the cordillera. He was attentive to our health as well. His hiking pace was help in keeping us together as a group. I’m positive it helped us to adjust to the altitude properly as well.
William from the USA trekked the Santa Cruz Trail with Nestor ……” Nestor was amazing, both for the day hike & the trek. He was well-informed, had a great sense of humour, was patient yet insistent with us, and always making sure we were having a great time. A great storyteller too!”
HEIMER GUILLEN CELESTINO
Qualified Trekking guide
Languages: Spanish, Quechua & English
Like most of our trekking and climbing guides Heimer comes from a little village located at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca. He is among a number of new young trek guides in Huaraz who have studied English and undertaken full time study at the House of Guides to become qualified professional trek guides “CEAM”.
Heimer speaks good English and looks forward to sharing the beauty of the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash with you.
Mark (USA) Santa Cruz Trek: Everything was excellent! Our guide, Heimer, was especially knowledgeable about history, culture, biology & made our experience very enjoyable.
Len from the USA said …”Everything was great. Heimer was just terrific, we would love to meet him again.
WILFREDO (BUSH) MORALES
Qualified Trekking Guide
We were pleased to welcome Willie to our team of trek guides for the 2015 season. Like most of our guides Willie grew up in a village in the hills above Huaraz. After finishing his high school education he studied full time to become a professional licensed trek guide and then an aspirant mountain guide & also studied English to an advanced level. Willie has already become a popular guide with our clients and all appreciate his in-depth local knowledge of the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash mountains and his happy nature.
Alan from Australia & Peggy from the USA did Huayhuash Trek 15 days & climbing Pumarinri & Diablo Mudo said ….”Willie, our guide, impressed us with his warmth, friendliness, expertise and his passion in sharing ‘his’ mountains with us. At 25 years old Willi was a phenomenal guide – his maturity, positive attitude & ability to remain unflappable & calm under stressful situations (a landslide that blocked a road on the way to camp 1) was amazing. We’ll long remember his sense of humour, broad smiles and laughter.”
Usha from Canada said: “…Willy: our guide. One of the most dedicated, talented and cheerful people we have met. Adjusted trek and speed to our capabilities. Great photography enthusiast who would call us when the sun rose or set to get our jaw dropping shots.
DAVID OROPEZA
Qualified Aspirant Mountain Guide &Trek Guide
Languages: English, Spanish, Quechua.
David (nickname Condor) is as Aspirant mountain guide and a very experienced trek guide. He has a wicked sense of humour and always goes “the extra mile” to make sure that his clients have a fantastic time, often taking clients out for a day fishing or for an extra tour or activity in his own time. The most exciting moment of his career was falling into a crevasse when a large snow bridge collapsed under his feet in 2007, leaving him swinging some 15m down on the end of his rope. With his typical humour he said “it was the first time & I am not sure if I want to do it again”. He says that his English is “So So” but his clients tell us that his English is not so bad, and he works with us as a Basic English speaking guide or assistant to a fluent English speaking guide. While he is a licensed mountain guide, these days he tends to spend more time with our trekking groups in the Cordillera Blanca or Huayhuash
Amy (UK) Santa Cruz trek said: “David was a great guide, relaxed and easy going, knowledgeable of the mountains, flexible in terms of our needs and fitness level (trekked at a good pace with plenty of short rests), felt we were in good hands”
Tom from the UK trekked the Huayhuash & said: “David our guide is a walking encyclopaedia of flowers and mountains. His knowledge of mountain weather & trails kept us safe & prepared each day. His gentle pace allowed our bodies to adapt to the altitude & still arrive at lunch or campaments on schedule. He was extremely patient with our passion for photography (1114 photos on my camera) where stopping for flowers or landscape was very frequent. He waited & answered our many questions”
ROLANDO MORALES
Trekking & climbing guide
Languages: Spanish, Quechua, some English
Rolando is our youngest brother. Like all our family, he was brought up trekking, ice climbing and rock climbing and has a special passion for rock climbing.
His nickname is “Mono” because he climbs rock like a monkey! Rolando is an Aspirante mountain guide, Member of the Peruvian Mountain Guides Association.
He speaks basic English and often guides trek groups for clients who can speak some Spanish – having a lot of fun helping each other practise their Spanish / English during the trek.
Stanley (New Zealand) did multiple treks & climbing with Rolando … and thank you very much for a wonderful time and marvellous treks. Rolando was great and a first class guide. In comparison with other parts of the world that I visit there were no hitches at all and I expect at least some problems but with Peruvian Andes Adventures all went smoothly and your company was well above my expectations.
PROFESSIONAL MOUNTAINEERING GUIDES
Our mountaineering guides are all local to Huaraz or the surrounding areas, are professional and highly trained, coming under the jurisdiction of the controlling organisation “Casa De Guias” – “House of Guides” in Huaraz
Chief guides are UIAGM IFMGA certified (International Federation of Mountain Guides Association). This is the highest international mountain guides qualification and is only achieved after years of training followed by an intensive and demanding 42 day assessment, supervised by European instructors
Assistant climbing guides are licensed Aspirant Guides – in training with the Casa De Guias to become UIAGM certified and are members of the Peruvian Mountain Guides Association
Konstantino from Germany did a Climbing Instruction Course & 6000m Challenge: “I am really thankful for everything that I learnt from you guys in the last 12 days. I loved how you were professional and fun at the same time! Keep up that good work”
MARCO MILLA
Professional climbing & trekking guide
*UIAGM International Mountain Guide
*Member Peruvian Mountain Guides Association
Languages: English, Spanish, Quechua.
Marco is a UIAGM professional international mountain guide, having qualified in 1999 following an assessment by Swiss instructors. He is a very experienced climber, and has been leading climbing and trekking groups for us for several years. Marco speaks good English. Marco is a very caring guide, has a great sense of humour and enjoys making sure that clients have a wonderful experience during their Peru trekking or climbing adventure
David from the UK climbed Ishinca with Marco said: “ Marco was the perfect guide for me. I have never had before a perfect guide. Calm, reliable, often funny”
Mark from the USA said … “Marco, Jorge, and Liberato were all wonderful, and it was a bit sad to part company with them at the end. We had a great time with them — good conversation and some laughs… and I can’t imagine a better, more congenial guide than Marco”
WILDER ALVARADO
Professional climbing & trekking guide
*UIAGM – Member of International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations
*Member – Mountain Guides Association of Perú
*Certificate – Wilderness First Responder
Languages: English, Spanish, Quechua
Wilder is another strong, competent & professional UIAGM mountain guide. He is vastly experienced, having guided climbing groups all the peaks in the Cordillera Blanca, including multiple climbs of Huascaran, Chopicalqui, Tocllaraju, Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Ranrapalca & Palcaraju. Wilder serves on the executive of the House of Guides in Huaraz and has been president – overseeing training and assessment of Peruvian mountain guides. With this experience, Wilder is highly valued as a climbing instructor with our clients. Wilder speaks good English.
Check out the comment from Wilders climbing client Trevor from the UK: “It was a real pleasure to be in the Cordillera in the company of such a group of professionals´s especially Wilder who was an excellent instructor and who´s patience and drive to push me really did ensure I got the most out of my course!!”
Yui & Marius from the UK did a climbing instruction course with Wilder “….Wilder is an extremely professional and experienced guide & instructor. We felt in safe hands with him & learned a lot about mountaineering from him. He is very patient with us who are slow and have no prior knowledge or experience. On climbing day he guided us step by step onto the peak and gave us the essential support and encouragement”
Kyoko from Japan climbed Chopicalqui with Wilder: “ … The guide Wilder was very friendly and helped us so much… Wilder helped me when I felt very difficult to pass a large crevasse, & then I could pass it easily. Sunrise on the summit of Chopi was above my expectation – so nice! This trip will be my best memory”
JORGE CLEMENTE
Professional climbing & trekking guide
*UIAGM International Mountain guide
*Member Peruvian Mountain Guides Association
*Certificate Wilderness First Responder
Languages: English, Spanish, Quechua
Jorge has been working as a trekking guide in the Cordillera Blanca & Cordillera Huayhuash, as well as in Cuzco for more than 20 years. He started climbing in 1990, trained at the House of Guides initially becoming an Aspirant mountain guide and then passed the intensive assessment course to become a full UIAGM international Qualified Guide. Jorge is a very experienced climber and guide, having climbed Alpamayo more times than he can remember, Huascaran, Quitaraju, Tocllaraju west face, Artesonraju & Chopicalqui with our clients. He is super attentive to clients needs and always will make sure that clients have the best Peru climbing and trekking experience possible.
Zuzana & Vit from Chez Republic / Huayhuash Trek….”The guide performance of Jorge was highly above standard operation, perfect professional! Thanks for this guide!!
“The guide Jorge exceeded by far our expectations & made the trek perfectly suited to our needs.”
JUAN CARLOS LLIUYA
Professional climbing & trekking guide
*UIAGM – Member of International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations
*Member – Mountain Guides Association of Perú
*Certificate – Wilderness First Responder
Languages: English, Spanish, Quechua
We welcomed onto our permanent guide staff in 2009 Juan Carlos. For many years he worked as a porter, cook and assistant guide before studying with the House of Guides to become a mountain guide. In 2006 he was accredited as UIAGM international mountain guide. Juan has a keen sense of humour, always ready for a joke. He speaks English. He is a specialist technical climber and is one of our leaders for groups doing technical or big 6000m climbs in the Cordillera Blanca mountains.
Alessandro from Switzerland climbed the difficult and technical Artesonraju with Juan Carlos and he said: ‘’’” Carlos is a genius at placing protection in poor ice (Pickets, screws, Abalakovs and any conceivable combination thereof), so that I felt perfectly safe while truly relishing this fantastic climb, and learning quite a bit at the same time……….. A special mention goes to Carlos: His calm and steady demeanour in every situation, combined with excellent technical skills, make him a great guide that I would be very happy to follow on any given mountain!”
FREDY LLIUYA
Professional Climbing & Trekking guide
UIAGM International Mountain Guide IFMGA
Member Mountain Guides Association of Perú
We were very lucky to have Freddy join our guiding staff in 2012. Freddy is another local, growing up in the village of Llupa above Huaraz and not far from the Laguna Churup hiking area. Freddy studied to become a licensed trek guide at the Casa de Guias in Huaraz CEAM (Centre for High Mountain Studies) and at the same time studied English to an advanced level. He is very focused and also in 2012 completed a university degree in education and is a qualified teacher while at the same time as studying was also climbing extensively and training to become a mountain guide. He then successfully completed the gruelling mountain guides assessment and is now fully licensed UIAGM international mountain guide. Freddy speaks good English and is very knowledgeable about local history, culture, plant life and geology and enjoys passing on his knowledge to clients.
James & Randy from Canada did a Cordillera Huayhuash Trek with Freddy: “…Had a GREAT time. The guide Freddy & cook Cesar were excellent, as well as the rest of the group….. Freddy was very good. Very conscientious always. Ready to answer questions always. Plus volunteered lots of information o plants, culture, mountains etc. *** five stars***”
Lisa and Mike from the USA said: “…… -Fredy was the best guide we have ever had! Knowledgeable always and observing our reactions to pace and altitude and careful about our safety. He answered our million questions about Peruvian culture and we could not have asked for a better more friendly & informed, experienced guide.”
PERU TREK COOKS … “CHEFS EXTRAORDINAIRE”
Our trek cooks are more than just cooks – they are restaurant class chefs – preparing “5 star” trek meals that are varied, delicious and nutritious
Brian from the USA: “…. Our cook made the most amazing Peruvian food, and it may be the only trek where I gained weight. While some other folks walking with other companies were complaining about all the soup they had to eat, we were having bacon wrapped filet mignon and fresh trout caught by our guide.”
Brian’s trek fillet mignon
MAYUMI MORALES
Mayumi in the Cordillera Huayhuash (she’s the short one!)
Trek Cook & Assistant Trek Guide
Mayumi is the only daughter in our family. She studied law two years at the University of Huaraz, then married and has two now grown up children.
Mayumi is a five star trek cook and many clients who trek with her complain that they put on weight while trekking! She has a wicked sense of humour and everyone who treks with Mayumi is guaranteed to have a lot of fun. She enjoys the company of our Peru trekking clients immensely and makes personal friends with many (see below from Judith)
Some Trekking Clients With Mayumi Said:
“…. You are the best and funniest cook ever. Every day you surprised us with new delicious meals. Thank you for all the effort and a lot of fun!”
Sue from Australia (wheat free diet): “….We thoroughly enjoyed our trek, Eli & Myumi felt like friends from the start. I very much appreciated the care taken of my diet requirements, especially quinoa pancakes!”
Judith from Germany did a Cordillera Huayhuash trek with Mayumi: ‘…Mayumi *spoilt us with three delicious meals a day, she was always friendly and in good humour, her laughter cheered us up immensely. On my birthday she even brought a cake along, and we will never forget enjoying the Pisco Sour at an altitude of 4,200 m! Lunch en route was always very tasty and beautifully presented. On our return, we had dinner at Mayumi’s, which was an extraordinary experience, as was her hospitality. Our special thanks for this and our kindest regards to our hostess!!!”
YOVANI GLORIA
Trekking & Expedition Climbing Cook
Yovani (also called Giovani) is aged in his late 30’s and originally worked as a climbing porter on all the big mountains in the Cordillera Blanca.
He then attended chef school and he now enjoys preparing delicious trekking meals and climbing with our groups in the mountains.
With his mountaineering skills, he is very adaptable and a valued staff member for high mountain expeditions.
Len (USA) Huayhuash Trek “ .. Yovani can be a cook in the best NY restaurant.!”
Carolyn from Canada said: “…Our cook, Giovanni, was absolutely incredible! I really can’t say enough about how amazing the food was. The trail lunches were luxury and all dinners were three course and fabulous. They catered well to my vegetarian diet as well.”
Peggy from the USA trekked the Cordillera Huayhuash said: “ …Yovanni (our cook) was exceptional. He created wonderful & gourmet meals throughout our 15 day trek with very limited resources. His dishes could easily compete with the best restaurants in Huaraz”
JORGE ALBINO
Trekking Cook
Jorge is another great cook and is a specialist in cooking for the high mountain. In his earlier days he was known to be the strongest porter in the whole of Huaraz & has climbed several times Huascaran, Alpamayo, Chopicalqui, Tocllaraju & has also climbed in Bolivia but now he has “matured” a little and prefers to make great food for hiking groups rather than scaling huge mountains.
He was lucky enough to be invited to be part of a Peruvian team that climbed in the Himalaya and it is said that the Sherpas were absolutely amazed at how strong & capable he was on the climb. We are now very lucky to have Jorge working with our climbing & trekking groups.
Marlo from USA: “Jorge, the cook, is a miracle worker. Meals and snacks were delicious, plentiful, creative and included fresh fruit and vegetables.”
Marc from the USA: “ Chef George (Jorge) prepared delicious meals which included pancakes for breakfast, fresh soups for dinner, fried yucca at tea and many other delights. Everyone’s dietary requests were handled on an individualized basis”
TOÑO TAFUR
Thono serving a surprise anniversary cake for Mary & David (see below)
Trekking & Expedition Climbing Cook
Thoño is the youngest cook we have in our company. He starting working in the mountains as a porter, then assistant cook. Realising that he had a passion for cooking, he then studied for 3 years to become a professional chef at the CENFOTUR institute in Huaraz. He is an experienced climber so enjoys cooking for mountaineering expeditions equally as much as preparing delicious and varied meals for trekking groups
Yui from the UK was climbing with Thoño: “…. A special mention of Thoño, our amazing cook who prepared delicious meals and snacks for us every day. Without his hard work we would not have enjoyed our days in the Morena Camp. He is also so nice to us, always to help on various things.”
Mary from the USA trekked the Alpamayo Circuit: “…Tonio is a master! He made the most amazing vegetarian food for me and always made sure I had enough protein. He also made a fabulous cake for our wedding anniversary”
ANTONIO ROMERO
Trekking & Expedition Climbing Cook
Another of our extraordinary local Huaraz trekking chefs, Antonio is also a strong climber having been on many of the Cordillera Blanca peaks supporting & providing delicious food to climbing clients
Sarah from the USA: “…Chef Antonio was VERY clean with cooking & hygiene and we enjoyed some incredible meals.”
Usha from Canada was in the Cordillera Huayhuash: “…Antonio: lovely man, great cook. Made trek food so delicious we ate in spite of the trek being over 4000m throughout.”
JAIME HUAYANEY
Trekking Cook
Jaime is another experienced trek cook, having completed a professional chefs training course at the Huaraz institute CENFOTUR and more than 10 years working in the mountains as a trek cook.
He works with us during the trekking season, and then the rest of the year he works from home with his own business as a carpenter
PORTERS & TREK ASSISTANTS
We have a team of well trained, dedicated and loyal porters and trek assistants who work tirelessly and with “joyful” attitude to make sure that you have the best possible time during your Cordillera Blanca or Huayhuash trekking & climbing adventure
Cordillera Huayhuash Trekking Clients said: “.. The behind the scenes porters were superb. The level of their hard work, efficiency, graciousness, was just humbling to us. We could not have asked for a better staff”
IBER SOLANO MARCO HUANE MAXIMO HUANE
Rosa from Switzerland climbed Ishinca: “….“thanks to everyone at Peruvian Andes Adventures for all their help and support – in particular…. Hisao and Iber for leading us to the summit of Ishinca….. We believe we couldn’t have made a better choice among all the trekking and mountaineering companies than Peruvian Andes. I was very lucky finding you on the internet”
GRISALDO RAMIREZ RODOLFO QUEZADA JOHN OBREGON
(“Ashcash or Lolo”)
Don & Lesley from the USA trekked the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit + Siula Grande Base Camp: “..Lolo was also a wonderful presence. Maximo was our favourite – his graciousness, his service and presence made our day”
Judith from Germany was in the Cordillera Huayhuash: “…We would also like to commend Rodolfo for his unflagging support, he was at all times very polite, helpful and in good spirits, a fantastic porter! Personally, I would also like to thank him for his active assistance during the more difficult parts of our descent on the last day!”
ROGER NIETO MARCO JAMANCA
Amanda from the UK trekked Santa Cruz & Climbed Pisco: “… Roger (porter) was very pleasant, hardworking and a joy to have around”
Carolyn from Canada trekked the Cordillera Huayhuash: “..Marcos was a great assistant, always ready to help with a smile”
Carrie from Australia was in the Cordillera Huayhuash Mini Trek: “..Thank you to Marco and especially the “porter” Pedro for looking after me when I wrenched my ankle.”
CLIMBING PORTERS
We have a valued team of experienced, highly trained and strong climbing porters to assist you with your Peru climbing adventures in the Cordillera Blanca mountains
DONKEY DRIVERS (ARRIEROS)
We have developed strong working relationships with some teams of donkey drivers in the Cordillera Huayhuash and Cordillera Blanca, all from villages local to the area so that the income they earn from trekking groups is helping local communities. We have chosen to work with men who we know to be responsible, who take good care of their animals, and who take pride in the work that they do.
This is what some clients have said about their trekking donkey drivers:
Michael from Switzerland said about the Cordillera Blanca donkey drivers … “*The effort of the donkey drivers (Jaime & Victor) was outstanding & for us extremely impressive.The donkey drivers treated their animals with respect !!!!!
Marlo (Cordillera Huayhuash): “…The arrieros also worked hard. The donkeys were treated well”
Noni (Cordillera Huayhuash): “…Amulfo (donkey driver) was always efficient and our camp would be ready waiting for us at the end of the day.”
Tom from the UK said about his donkey drivers “… “Jimmy & Roger” – not being able to become more acquainted with these two respectful, even deferrable young men was largely due to my poor Spanish. Nevertheless, I am very pleased with their expertise with the animals, all of which appeared very healthy and cared for, and their support of camp selection and tent pitching. Their water collection, fishing expertise and just being the silent/quiet organisation behind the scenes every day for our comfort & enjoyment.”
VICTOR
Arriero or Donkey Driver
Victor is just one of our trusted arrieros (donkey drivers). He lives two days hike away from Huaraz in the mountain village of Colcabamba and works with us in the Cordillera Blanca.
Victor is a farmer, but works with us in the trek season to earn extra income which he uses to pay board and school fees for his two daughters who are studying at High School & University in Huaraz.
Victor is always happy and smiling, and works hard to make your holiday special.
Matt & Jolene from Canada said: Donkey driver. – We´ll take Victor anytime!. He´s great.
Michael from Switzerland said about the Cordillera Blanca donkey drivers … “*The effort of the donkey drivers (Jaime & Victor) was outstanding & for us extremely impressive.The donkey drivers treated their animals with respect !!!!!
SEGUNDINO
Arriero or Donkey Driver
Segundino is another of our many trusted and hard working donkey drivers.
He lives in Llamac and accompanies us on Cordillera Huayhuash treks. He is also our local expert trout fisherman!
Andrew & Leah from the USA did a Huayhuash Trek & said … “We liked the use of local resources (donkey drivers, food), appreciated that the donkey drivers ate with us at night & not on their own. Overall thought it was a well run trek through a beautiful area. Cesar is a great cook!”
And where would we be without the support and encouragement of our parents?
Pablo, Anne, Noel, Rosemary & Señora Isabella
2010 our parents enjoyed a tour to Cusco & Machu Picchu
Pablo & señora Isabella Morales from Huaraz, Noel & Rosemary (Anne parentss) from New Zealand – relaxing in Machu Picchu with Anne