About Us
Hola! A warm welcome from Chaska Tours...your local connection in Cusco, Peru! We are a lucky group of travellers that live in a most unique area of the world and we are here to assist you with all you travel needs as you plan your excursion to the capital of the Inca Empire! We are experts in creating customised treks around the Cusco area and have hand-picked the best accommodations in town, one of which will surely suit you. We can help you along the Inca Trail, Choquequirao and Lares treks with llamas and make tailored journeys from two to forty days throughout Peru. Simply let us know what you want to see in our region, and we can make it happen!
Our little tour company was started by an entrepreneur by the name of Rocio Valcarcel; she gained experience in the industry while working at one of Peru's largest travel agencies and then held a management position at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel in Machu Picchu. Then, Rocio had the fortitude to strike out on her own and start a company with a mission to co-exist with the indigenous communities of this region without interfering with their rich culture. Her vision awarded her the "Best Project in Innovative Tourism" from the Peruvian government. She has a deep admiration for the culture and people of this region and loves to get out and go hiking in her free time to take it all in.
Pieter, from the Netherlands, was attracted to the magic that flows through Cusco and the astounding nature that surrounds it. In the past, he has worked as a project manager for the IT industry with SAP/R3 in the Netherlands and sailed the Flying Dutchmen, a former Olympic class sailboat, in his free time. He participated in World Class and other championships in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan and the United States. He has ranked 3rd, 6th and 8th on different occasions in this various competitions. He has travelled extensively throughout the world and is well aware of the trials and tribulations that come with being away from home. Since there is little sailing in Cusco, he has turned his free time to hiking, travelling and photography. Pieter speaks Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish and he can answer a multitude of questions you may have!
Sustainable Tourism in the region:
Chaska Tours' motto is "leave only footprints," and we are relentlessly aware of the impact irresponsible tourism has on delicate cultures and ecosystems. We take our obligation to the environment, to local cultures, and to sustainability very seriously. We are wholeheartedly committed to conserving the pristine beauty our guests experience when participating in our programs, and carefully manage our itineraries and tours to minimise potential impact.
Rocio wrote a thesis named "Agentes externos que afectan la sostenibilidad cultural en las comunidades indígenas de Cusco. Caso especifico en la comunidad indígena de Huilloc," in English "External Agents effecting the cultural sustainability in the indigenous communities of Cusco. Special case the indigenous community of Huilloc (Sacred Valley)," and has petitioned her hopes for the indigenous communities to the Peruvian government. Rocio and Chaska tours hope their recommendations will not fall on deaf ears, and some measures will be taken to protect the local people from losing their unique culture in the hotbed of tourism that has become our region.
Rocio has a profound knowledge of the correct way to sustainably interact with the indigenous cultures of this region without detrimentally interfering with their way of life. This knowledge is funnelled through Chaska tours and is the backbone of the daily practical operations in the company.
Consistently promoting and practicing responsible tourism that benefits local indigenous communities is our main goal. We are also placing energy into a collaborative reforestation and culture preservation projects between these indigenous populations and visitors partaking in our programs.
For the upcoming year, we will play a role in the "cleaner burning stove project" in the local communities of Cachin in Lares. With the installation of a fuel efficient stove with adequate ventilation, a family will benefit from twelve percent improved lung capacity after three months of usage, fifty percent reduced emission of CO2, and save fifty percent on fuel consumption, which will reduce deforestation. We are excited to see this program flourish!
It is an honour for Chaska Tours to join with the whl.travel community. We are thrilled to be part of a network of local operators around the world in over 100 countries covering 300 destinations sharing the same ideas about caring for their destinations.
Don't hesitate to contact us and join us for your next adventure in Peru!
To give you some ideas of our services please see below for what our recent customers have said about us:
"Good service - a small glitch in the computer program that registered us as unpaid - but rectified by the staff promptly on line."
Susan Bertram
19/05/2010
"Responded quickly to my email and easy to make reservation."
Mary Murrell
28/04/2010
"Very helpful"
Jennifer martin
22/04/2010
"Very welcoming service"
Claire Italiano
20/04/2010
"Easy to use website. Responded promptly to querries."
Karla Calinawan
15/03/2010
Hello and a warm welcome from Chaska Tours .... your local connection in Cusco, Peru! We are right here in what was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and we know exactly why the Incas thought so highly of it, Cusco is an outstanding place to live or visit. We can assist you with all your travel needs or inquiries to make your trip in Peru smooth and stress-free. Send your questions our way, and if you are in Cusco, be sure to stop in the office and say hello! Cheers!
