Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

Office Spotlight- Vilma Pillco

Office Spotlight- Vilma Pillco

3MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Last Update: 2025-02-11

Your Name

 

Vilma Pillco

 

Your position in Valencia Travel

 

Reservation Manager

 

Arequipa is not as well known as some of the other major Peruvian destinations on your Peru vacation packages. Once you arrive in the "White City" however, you will realize why this historic city is so special. With deep canyons, volcanoes and a historical center with an impressive convent to see, as well as the occasional Mummy! Arequipa is an incredible city when you visit Peru.
 

 

How Long have you worked for Valencia Travel? 

 

 Seven years

 

What do you love about working in the Travel industry? 


I love to create new experiences, go the extra mile to create unique adventures, and pay attention to detail for our valued customers. 

 

Arequipa´s surroundings are as spectacular as the city itself. When you travel from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, you can watch giant Andean condors flying overhead, with the contrast of the lush foliage near the base of the canyon, and the dry, rocky terrain near the peaks, as the elevation increases. A magnificent sensory experience!

 

What is your favorite place to visit in Peru? 


Machu Picchu is my favorite place to visit, and although I have been there many times, the energy and experience are different on each occasion.

 

Where would you like to travel, given the opportunity? 


I would love to visit the North of Peru to places like Trujillo, Piura, Lambayeque, Loreto, Tumbes, and San Martin to experience our country's different cultures and coastline.

 

 

Vilma is the head of the Reservations Department. The smooth running and all of the bookings included on your Peru tour packages and Peru adventure tours are her responsibility. She is a vital cog in The Valencia Travel machine! Whether its a train, Machu Picchu, a multi-day trek, or the best hotels, she will take care of it!
 

What is your favorite Peruvian Dish / Drink? 


Undoubtedly, Ceviche is the best cuisine and our national dish, accompanied by a Chicha Morada.

 

What is your most memorable moment working for Valencia Travel? 


On Christmas day, we donate toys and other gifts to the children of the remote communities of Cusco and celebrate this special day with them. The true spirit of “Ayni” and reciprocity

 

Our staff members from the Cusco head office, including Vilma, often go out on a hike or Peru tour package to get to know, personally, each destination that our passengers visit. These kind of trips make sure that in the more off-the-beaten-path destinations, our high standards are maintained and our staff are up-to-date with travel in each of the different regions of Peru.
 

 

Where do you see yourself in one year?

 

Moving to the sales department of Valencia Travel to create new and innovative tours for our clients, using the experience I gained in the operations department.

 

What is the best travel tip you can give to visitors to Peru?

 

Visit Machu Picchu!  Because it is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is no other place on the planet like Machu Picchu!

 

A Chocolatada is a widely anticipated annual event and longstanding Peruvian tradition that happens around Christmas time. Every December, local businesses and municipal governments give out Paneton, toys, and enormous pans of hot chocolate to Peru’s rural and impoverished communities. This means that the children in the community receive at least something for Christmas! When you visit Peru, you Will realize that rural communities here, live incredibly basic lifestyles, especially in The Andes.
 

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