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SAT PERU
Dear Travel Partner!
It is time to get to know our SAT Peru team, following our special 50 Years SAT newsletter series!
SAT Peru was founded as the third SAT Office in 1994 in Lima. Nowadays, Peru is our biggest office and has grown into our most important roundtrip destination. No wonder, as the country combines ancient cultures, amazing landscapes, rainforests, coast and mountain regions, and some of the best food worldwide.
Our team wants to share their favorite spots in the country with you, hopefully adding one or more spots to your personal bucket list in South America.
We´ll be happy to receive your requests for bespoke travel programs exploring Peru!
Please contact our local team!
Your SAT team
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DIANA SPEHN, General Manager SAT Peru & CEO SAT
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Hello from Perú!
I am Diana Spehn and I have been working with SAT since 2007, starting as an intern in Ecuador before traveling through South America. On this trip, I got to know Peru as well as one particular Peruvian, for whom I moved to Peru – and to the SAT office in Peru - 16 years ago, successfully I’d say, as we are still an item and now have two kids aged 9 and 3. In 2012 I became General Manager of the SAT Peru office. In addition to this role since 2021 I am honored to be CEO of South American Tours, now responsible for the entire company.
Peru is an amazing place to travel to. My list of favorite places in Peru is very long, but if you ask me to narrow it down, I would start with three. Pacaya Samiria, the largest national reserve in Peru and the largest flood forest in South America lies close to Iquitos, the Northern Jungle region of Peru, and can best be explored with a cruise. The Amazon River forms here and one of the favorite excursions for guests visiting is swimming with wild Pink River Dolphins.
The Colca Canyon, in between Arequipa and Puno and the second-deepest canyon in the world (the first being Cotahuasi Canyon, around the corner from Colca), not only features some of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru but is also a destination where you can completely kick back – think amazing food paired with hot springs, massages, and the occasional hike.
The Sacred Valley near Cusco has it all – adventure, hiking, ruin sites, and visits to local communities. Paired with great restaurants and hotels, I could easily spend several weeks just here, without getting bored for a minute.
The SAT Peru Team also takes care of all requests for Bolivia, with the help of a great and long-standing partner we have in La Paz. Probably my favorite spot in the world so far is Uyuni Salt Desert. Driving for hours and seeing only salt and mountains in all four directions is mind-boggling – this place, if it’s not on your bucket list already, should be way up there.
It’s not a surprise that most guests choose Peru mainly to see unique Machu Picchu, but we all work intensely for one thing – when your guests leave Peru and you ask them for the Highlight of their trip, we want their reply to be “...let me think, there have been so many on this trip!”.
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ANDREA ALFARO, Office Manager & Sustainability Officer
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I have been working in tourism for over 23 years, ten of them at SAT. I have worked in almost every aspect of tourism, from being a park ranger, a tour guide, working in hotels and restaurants, to finally working at a DMC. It was here that I discovered what my true passion is, designing and creating experiences to share my love for Peru with the world.
Choosing just one destination within Peru is a challenging task. However, despite the vibrant cities along our beautiful coastline, abundant with natural richness, and the jungle with its lush vegetation and areas still untouched by modern society, my heart always returns to the
Sacred Valley of the Incas. In this place, one can truly feel the power of nature and the energy that resonates within its archaeological sites. Its majestic mountains, along with the perfect blend of culture and natural beauty, make it the ideal destination for self-discovery. During one of the journeys looking for
unique and sustainable experiences for our guests, we discovered
Kacllarakay, located in the highlands of the
Maras district. From there, you can witness the impressive archaeological site of
Moray and immerse yourself in magical moments with the locals, sharing their traditional cuisine and millennia-old stories and customs. I invite you to take a break and join us in discovering all that they have to offer.
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GRETELL PEJRO, Supervisor Product Development & Sales
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My name is Gretell Pejro and I am the Supervisor of the Product & Sales department in SAT Peru.
I have been working in tourism for 24 years already and almost 14 of them in South American Tours.
I am passionate about traveling and have therefore visited many places in Peru. However, my favorite will always be Machu Picchu, not only for its history, which I am very proud of, but also for its landscape, atmosphere, and geography.
Machu Picchu is a place that you can visit thousands of times and you will always feel something different when you start walking around, difficult to explain but always different. It is the perfect place to breathe deep and charge energy while listening to stories about the marvelous Incas Civilization.
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MARTINA ROTH, Product Development & Sales Executive
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My name is Martina. I am originally from Germany, but from the first time I traveled to Peru, I have been really passionate about its scenic diversity, richness of cultures, and outstanding cuisine.
So after working for a German tour operator, in 2022 I finally decided to fulfill my dream and move to Peru. I am proud to be promoting my very favorite destination as part of the Product & Sales team at South American Tours!
I especially fell in love with Cusco.
The Andean city is not only the gateway to Machu Picchu. If you have enough time, be sure to plan one or more extra days in the former Inca capital to immerse yourself in its narrow streets and squares and fully soak up the magic. The mix of modern, Spanish-colonial, and Inca styles will surely amaze you.
Visit the local San Pedro Market for typical food and souvenir shopping, stroll through the San Blas neighborhood for artsy flair and matchless views over the historic center. Enjoy the Andean panorama around the city, visit the Cristo Blanco viewpoint, or even take a horseback or mountain bike ride into the green surroundings. Or maybe you just like to sit at the "Plaza de Armas" and witness the colorful hustle and bustle of the Cusqueños.
I can promise you won't get bored in Cusco!
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DAVID ALMEIDA, Product Development & Sales Executive
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My name is David Almeida and I am part of the Product & Sales department team in SAT Peru.
I have been working in the tourism industry for over 25 years, always specializing in the inbound tourism area.
I am passionate about history and archaeology, and I'm fortunate to live in a country that is the heart of the Andean region, the place where the great ancient civilizations of the continent throve.
Peru is known for the Inca Empire, but many other cultures existed before the Incas, and they all left traces of their legacy. Names like
Piquillaqta, Chankillo, or
Wari are maybe unknown to most tourists, but Peru boasts hundreds of archaeological sites like these across its territory. One of my favorite places is precisely Piquillaqta, southeast of Cusco. It's not only a huge site, composed of walled stone structures, paths, and tombs, but also an old administrative location of the Wari Empire. Its construction was completed around the 8th century AD, that is, over
700 years before Machu Picchu was built by the Incas.
Ancient Andean civilizations built impressive monuments always in harmony with the natural environment. Visiting archaeological sites like Piquillaqta lets us admire not only human ingenuity but also the wisdom of the Andean people in their relationship with nature.
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VERONIKA REATEGUI, Operations Supervisor
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I am Verónika Reátegui, the Operations Supervisor of South American Tours in Peru. I have belonged to this great team since September 2010, almost 13 years now!
It´s quite difficult to say which of the beautiful places of Peru is my favorite place; Peru is a marvelous destination that combines the Coast, the Jungle, and the Andes. I´ve been lucky enough to have lived in two of those extremes; growing up in the Jungle city of Tarapoto, well known as the city of the Palm Trees, which concentrates a large part of the tourist and commercial activity in the region, it is actually the third most sought after and visited city by Peruvians, after Lima and Cusco.
Then I lived in Ica, on the coast, just 4 hours south of Lima, where you can find the Huacachina Oasis, a small lagoon fed by a natural spring and framed by leafy green palms surrounded by massive dunes where you can practice sandboarding and dune buggies.
The first time I traveled on my own was to Cusco, in the Andes, and I have to say that seeing one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, for the very first time was magical. Walking through Cusco and its narrow streets, see the enchantment of its churches, the tradition of all its local communities has no comparison. Definitely, Cusco is the city I always want to come back to.
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ERIKA GARCIA, Senior Account Executive
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My name is Erika and I have been working at SAT since 2006.
The places I love in my country are Puerto Maldonado & Iquitos. I had the opportunity to stay in a lodge in Puerto Maldonado and also took part in a cruise in the Amazon and both options are really rewarding.
Iquitos is the largest city in Peru’s tropical rainforest. Nearby, the bustling market in Belen will introduce you to exotic fruits and dare you to try unique cuisine like “Suri”: a worm considered a nutritious delicacy by locals. Iquitos is your door to the Amazon, a special place that houses the world’s largest and most diverse collection of plant and animal life.
Puerto Maldonado is the capital of the Madre de Dios region in the Peruvian Amazon. At the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios Rivers, it now has many protected parks and natural reserves. Its beautiful landscapes and virgin rainforest hide an incredible biodiversity with unique fauna and flora. Puerto Maldonado allows travelers to see, feel, and hear the Amazon firsthand.
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ANDREA DIAZ, Senior Account Executive
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My name is Andrea Diaz and I have been working in SAT Peru since 2008.
I don´t have a favorite city in my country as each part of it has its own charm, its people, food, music, and clothing make part of the cultural heritage but Machu Picchu in Cusco is a must on your visit to Peru.
You will be delighted with the culture, sacred ruins, kind people, handicrafts, and beautiful landscapes every time you look around.
Also, you will have the chance to taste delicious food which is prepared with local products such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, different types of jay, and various types of meat such as guinea pig, alpaca, chicharrón, ram, and others.
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JORGE CUYA, Senior Account Executive
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My name is Jorge Cuya Garcia and I am a Senior Account Executive in SAT Peru.
I have been working in tourism for 14 years already and almost 8 of them in South American Tours.
I have been lucky enough to visit several places in my beloved country.
However, I always feel a different energy when I visit the jungle, a place where one can connect with nature in many ways, which has always provided humans with more than what is necessary to live.
That is why every time I visit it I respect and appreciate it more and more.
It makes me remember that we must take care of it and teach everyone to take care of it from any part of the world where we live.
We are part of it and not it of us!
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PATRICIA ALVAREZ, Senior Account Executive
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My name is Patricia Alvarez and my favorite city is Cusco.
Traveling to Cusco is like going back in time to the time of the Incas in their splendor.
Wonderful and unthinkable architecture, from extracting the rock from the quarries, moving them and working them to perfection so that they fit like puzzle pieces, using simple materials.
It is not only architectural wealth, but also textile. Getting to know the responsible extraction of vicuña and alpaca wool fiber, how the dyeing with various vegetables and cochineal works, and seeing ancient ways of weaving is fascinating.
Without a doubt, I would always come back!
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JOEL ZAPATA, Senior Account Executive
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More than 10 years ago I started my adventure in tourism, focusing on travel agencies.
Throughout these years I have known some of the main destinations in our country and what motivates me the most on a day-to-day basis is helping to organize experiences for local or foreign travelers. There is no better reward than knowing that they return home with unforgettable experiences and that they will share them with more people.
I love the southern route of Peru, but the destination that I enjoy most is the Colca Canyon in Arequipa. In Colca, geographical beauties, flora and fauna, local communities that maintain their traditions and customs, and a variety of accommodations for all preferences are mixed. I recommend this destination to disconnect from everyday life, you will be fascinated with the views on the route or in Colca itself, with the flight of the condors or the beautiful starry sky.
100% recommended!
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YESSENIA DOMINGUEZ, Senior Account Executive
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I have been a part of the SAT family in Peru for 6 years now as an Account Executive. I have traveled most of Peru, including Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos, Chachapoyas, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, and Trujillo. But, one of my favorite places for sure is
Ancash in
western Peru. This is an amazing destination with many different landscapes. One of the unforgettable places I have visited is
Paron Lake. Paron Lake is quite simply one of the greatest places I have ever seen in Peru. It sits at an impressive 4,200 meters above sea level and it is located inside the
Huascaran National Park, in the north of Peru. With its stunning turquoise waters, this lake is an exquisite location by the beauty and majesty of nature. You can hike through some marveling landscapes, filled with beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and gigantic mountains surrounding you. This is a true
paradise for hikers, rock climbers and
nature enthusiasts. To get spectacular views, you can climb to the viewpoint, a side hike that takes about 45min roundtrip plus 30min back down. There, you may take some wonderful photos of the Cordillera Blanca ("White Mountains").
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NORMA ARENAS, Account Executive
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My name is Norma and I was born and raised in Lima, Perú.
With 25 years of experience in the Travel industry, I have had the opportunity to visit a variety of places in Perú.
And despite this, I am always eager to discover something new about each destination in my country.
One of my favorite places is our Peruvian Amazon, particularly the Tambopata National Reserve, a natural Paradise, where the wildlife is amazing. I also love Paracas, perfect for relaxing and eating delicious dishes. Any time of year is a good time to visit this city! With its convenient location only 4 hours from Lima, Paracas is popular year-round with both foreign travelers and Peruvians.
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LUCIA MUÑOZ, Handling Supervisor
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My name is Lucia, and I have been working since 2014 at SAT, first as an Account Executive and now as the Supervisor for our Handling Department in Lima and Cusco, taking care of our guests while they are traveling with us.
In my free time, I take advantage of the fact that I am very fortunate to live near the beach and Morro Solar in Chorrillos which is a perfect place to practice the sports that I love, such as running and biking.
I love to travel, to get to know new places and new people.
My motto is to make the most of every free moment I have.
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CARLOS LOBATÓN, Handling Lima
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I am Carlos Lobatón, and my job is with the Handling Department, taking care of the guests after their arrival and during their stay.
I love riding my bike around the city, in Lima we have a beautiful view of the sea!
Lima has incredible places to explore where you can find impressive views.
I love the contrast between the city and nature, the sea, it's perfect.
A very relaxing place that I like to visit in my bike is the boardwalk in the Miraflores district.
It has an impressive view, where you can find tranquility while you see the waves, feel the breeze, and contemplate the nature that surrounds you.
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CARLOS ALVAREZ, Service Supervisor
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Hello, everyone! My name is Carlos Alvarez Solari, and I am with SAT since 2013 as the Service Supervisor. In my role I am on the road a lot as well, working with our guests in my second role as a Tour Director. I am thrilled to share my passion for travel and my deep love for Peru at every chance I get. This photo captures a special moment during my exploration of Peru, where I found myself immersed in the
serene beauty of Umayo Lake, one of my favorite spots in Peru, located in the
mesmerizing region of Puno. Another insider tip that will make your trip to Peru even more unforgettable – try to include the
best restaurants in the World in your itinerary,
Central and
Maido being two of them.
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JORGE MEDRANO, Handling Cusco
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My name is Jorge and I work in our Handling Office in Cusco, taking care of the guests while they are in Cusco, with 15 years of experience in tourism, 11 of those with South American Tours.
I was born in Ollantaytambo in the beautiful Sacred Valley, a place often described as the last living Incan village in Peru.
This is my happy place and I often come here on weekends to kick back and spend time with my family.
The region of Ica is a close second. The beach is amazing, and drinking Pisco is also great, but the best ever is sandboarding in the sand dunes around Huacachina Oasis. Nothing beats the sunset in this majestic place.
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JAVIER HUARCAYA, Handling Cusco
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My name is Javier Huarcaya, and I work in the Cusco Handling office. Part of my role is traveling with some of our groups, I am a licensed tour guide in Cusco.
I was born and bred in the town of Ollantaytambo in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, not only the “last living village of the Incas” but for most also the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Ollantaytambo has been declared just recently one of the
best tourist destinations in the world to visit, because of its architecture and the ancient traditions still alive here. The immediate
surroundings of Ollantaytambo are equally astounding. Featuring 204 archaeological sites, it’s the ideal spot for hiking in the Sacred Valley. Spots I particularly like are
Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, as well as the Apu (Sacred Mountain)
Wakey Willka, and the archeological center
Pinkuylluna, known not only for the breathtaking views of Ollantaytambo from above but also as one of the views Incan storehouses preserved today.
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Administration Team SAT Peru
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Our wonderful administration team in Peru is headed by Karim Llontop, who joined SAT 29 years ago, straight from the university. Roberto Yhspilco has been taking care of payments to our providers for 21 years now, Braulio Sotelo has been working with us for 17 years, and Adelia Arias has been our accountant for the past 15 years. Anyeli Mendoza and Karin Angulo, are in charge of checking supplier invoices among other duties, joined recently by Fiorella Esteli.
The favorite places of our team vary greatly, from well-known destinations such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, and Arequipa, to jungle areas called Chanchamayo and La Merced to mountain regions such as Huaraz and its amazing green lagoons.
Most definitely our Peru Team would not be the same without the longstanding members of our Accounting Department!
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HIDDEN TREASURES: Chachapoyas, The Warriors of the Clouds
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One of the least visited regions of Peru, however arguably one of the most beautiful ones, is the area of Chachapoyas.
It is nestled in the central
North of Peru and is made up mostly of lush Valleys and Mountains, with a cloud forest climate. Best visited from May to October, we suggest visiting several spots in the region.
Gocta,
the third-highest waterfall in the world, makes for a great hike through an amazing landscape.
Kuelap, often called the second Machu Picchu of Peru, is accessed with a modern gondola lift and is a marvelous piece of architecture. The artificial platform built by the Chachapoyas culture around the 11th century is around 600m long and surrounded by 20m walls. After its closure due to a part of this wall collapsing, the massive site was just re-opened for 120 visitors a day.
One particular gem of the region, normally even neglected by tourists coming to this part of Peru, is Leymebamba. The Museum of Leymebamba is owned by the village, built with local materials, and centers around the Chachapoyas culture. It sports a whopping 261 mommies in a specially designed room, all of them originating from the Laguna de los Condors, where they were found in 1997, located around 45km from Leymebamba.
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5 THINGS TO DO FOR 0 DOLLARS!
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 Stroll along the boardwalk of Lima, going for 21km/13 miles in total. The arguably most interesting but definitely most famous part of it lies in Miraflores. Ocean views, artwork along the way, and the daily life of Limeños are part of the attractions.
Visit “Casa de la Literatura Peruana” in Lima’s UNESCO city center. Built as a train station in the beginning of the 20th century, it is now a library dedicated to Peruvian Literature. Another treasure is the BCRP Museum, with a great collection of Peruvian archeological findings and art, inside a historical building originally hosting the National Reserve Bank of Peru.
Visit Monumental Callao, an art project in what was formerly a dangerous neighborhood in the middle of Callao, where Lima’s harbor and airport are located. Stroll around the streets to look at graffiti and other street art projects, visit Casa Fugaz for art galleries and an impressive view from the rooftop, in summer a top spot for concerts at sunset.
Visit the little streets of San Blas District in Cusco, starting with the Colonial Aqueduct of Sapantiana and the Calle Siete Borreguitas, one of the most beautiful streets of Cusco.
For the best views of Arequipa and the surrounding volcanoes, head to the Puente Fierro, the Iron Bridge. Now for pedestrians only, this bridge was built 150 years ago originally as a train track, connecting Arequipa with the coast. For a while, this was the longest iron bridge in the world.
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... 60% of Peruvian territory is jungle!!
... Peru is one of the most popular surfing destinations worldwide! The fact that we have the longest left wave in the world, in Chicama in the north of Peru. Even The Beach Boys mention different spots in Peru in their hit song “Surfin’ Safari”!
... Peru is among the 5 mega-biodiverse countries in the world. The list is headed by Brazil, followed by China, Peru, Mexico, and Ecuador (in that order).
... There are 43 languages spoken in Peru. 2 of them are the official languages, Spanish and Quechua.
... Caral, with 5000 years the oldest civilization in the Americas and together with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China one of the oldest in the world, is accessible with a day trip from Lima.
... The potatoes originated in Peru. 3000 different types of potatoes are actively harvested in Peru every year, and the Peruvian Institute of the Potatoe in Lima has 7000 different Potatoe-DNAs on file.
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