Our Story
Inkaland Treks is more than a trekking company – it is a dream that began in the mountains, grew through resilience, and became a family project dedicated to sharing the Andes with the world.
My name is Edita Oncoy, founder and lead trekking guide.
This is our story.
Where the Dream Began
Before founding Inkaland Treks, I worked in the tourism industry in Huaraz, a place where travelers from all around the world come to explore the Andes. Listening to their stories inspired me to discover these routes myself.
In 2006, I began guiding day hikes. My English skills allowed me to guide international groups at a time when only a few local guides could do so. Guiding quickly became my passion — it never felt like work. It felt like being a traveler myself: walking, learning, laughing, sharing.
As I gained experience, both outdoors and in administrative roles, I developed a clear vision of the kind of service and attention to detail I wanted to offer one day — a service based on warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for every traveler.
I often told my colleagues with a smile:
“One day I’ll start my own agency.”
And that dream slowly became a plan.
The Birth of Inkaland Treks
When the moment came to choose a name, I wanted something meaningful — something that represented Peru, our identity, our land, and our passion.
Inka — the culture that shapes us.
Land — our territory, our home.
Treks — the soul of what we do.
So, late in 2011, with just my laptop and a heart full of determination, I built the first version of our website.
In early 2012, Inkaland Treks officially launched with all formal permits and a clear philosophy:
To offer high-quality, personalized, ethical, and human-centered mountain experiences in the Andes.
At the beginning, I was everything — guide, secretary, accountant, logistics, marketing.
And then, the first clients arrived.
I still remember them: a father and son from the USA, Jay and his friend… memories that still warm my heart.
The First Big Group — 2012
Our first major group was a large group of students from the United States on a cultural immersion program.
We created a special itinerary with local community interaction in Huaripampa and completed the journey with the iconic Santa Cruz Trek.
That experience confirmed that Inkaland Treks was on the right path.
A Family Company at Heart
Mario – Joined 2014
He moved from Lima with his newborn baby to support the company.
He is now fundamental in equipment logistics and often assists groups — especially Brazilian travelers who adore his kindness and dedication.
Urbano – Joined 2016
He came to Huaraz when we bought our first expedition vehicle.
He became our main driver and today supports day hikes, always patient, smiling, and eager to share stories.
Deysi – Administrative Backbone (2012–2018)
My niece worked side by side with me in the early years, managing administration, clients, and operations.
She is now with LATAM Airlines, but many of our long-term clients still remember her warmly.
Inkaland Treks is, truly, a family-run mountain company — built with unity, sacrifice, and shared dreams.
Professional Training & Certifications
I studied at CEAM – Centro de Estudios de Alta Montaña, the official guiding institute of Peru, and graduated in 2012 as a Guía Oficial de Caminata (Certified Trekking Guide).
In 2019, I became a member of AGOCP, the Peruvian Trekking Guides Association, recognized by UIMLA, which reinforces international guiding and safety standards.
Travelers Who Became Family
We have welcomed travelers who return again and again — like Adrian and his family, who have trekked more than seven times with us, and Peter, who returns to Huayhuash almost every year.
Their loyalty and trust are the highest recognition we could receive.
Our Team: The People Behind Every Expedition
Over the years, incredible individuals have shaped Inkaland Treks:
- Certified mountain guides with real, hands-on experience
- Talented cooks (like Miguel), famous for preparing exceptional meals at altitude
- Muleteers with decades of knowledge of Huayhuash and the Blanca
- Assistants who work with heart and passion
- Long-term team members such as Segundino, Karina, Maxim, Miguel, and others who have dedicated many years to our company
We choose our team not only for their technical skills —
but for their humanity, character, warmth, and dedication to service.
Those qualities matter just as much as experience in the Andes.
Challenges That Made Us Stronger
The pandemic forced us to close the lodge project we were building — a difficult moment for us and for all tourism in Peru.
But we continued forward.
By 2021, we began collaborating with international agencies again:
Brazil (2021), Colombia (2024), and Europe (2025).
Step by step, year after year, we invested in better equipment, improved our operations, and strengthened our service quality.
