Born in Peru, José traveled from a young age with his parents around Latin America and later went to boarding school in Switzerland and traveled extensively around Europe and Asia. In 1990 José earned a law degree in the UK and went back to Peru until 1998 when he met Monica, his future wife and co-founder of Yampu, during a trip to New York; their first trip together was to Machu Picchu. It turned out to be a life-changing experience. Shortly after, José and Monica were married, moved to New York City, and began to create their travel website.

Monica is the co-owner of Yampu Tours with her husband José Irauzqui. Monica is an expert in family travels, always bringing her kids, ages eleven and thirteen on her trips; Monica loves what she does and being able to do it with her family! Monica is the authority at designing themed itineraries including culinary, spiritual, adventure, experiential, girls’ trips, and sightseeing tours. All tours are compiled with well-trained and knowledgeable experts leading the way. Monica also has a refined eye and memory for special places, hotels, eco lodges, and boats that will thrill the pickiest of travelers.

Born in Bangkok, Thailand Ruby has had incredible opportunities to travel as a child, instilling in her a passion to see the world and share the experiences with others. Ruby has travelled extensively, visiting much of Latin America and several of Yampu’s newest destinations including India, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Zimbabwe and Botswana. In her 22 years in the high-end travel industry, Ruby has developed an uncanny ability to solve any unexpected travel issue that may arise.

Karolina was born in Poland and moved to Brooklyn, New York when she was ten years old. No stranger to exploring and traveling, Karolina’s love for Latin America and the travel industry came after spending a summer in an ecotourism program in Guatemala. Karolina stresses that Latin America is full of options “Ecuador and its’ warm people, Colombia and its’ vibrant culture, Panama and its’ colorful islands, Buenos Aires and its’ tango, Peru and its’ ruins; it is very hard to choose!” As an true expert Travel Consultant, Karolina has a large list of return clients, and new clients who ask for her by name.

Stephanie has been in the travel industry since 1995 and has collected a wealth of knowledge. Traveling several times to Ecuador and the Galapagos, Stephanie is Yampu’s Galapagos expert. She has also traveled throughout Latin America and South Africa, Indonesia and India, although the Chilean Lake District is her favorite Yampu destination. Stephanie has trekked throughout Peru and is a great contact if you are looking for advise regarding which trail is best for your skill level.

Andrea specializes in South America, particularly in trekking tours in Peru along the famous Salkantay Trek, Peru Mountain Lodges, and the enigmatic last refuge of the Incas, Choquequirao. After living in Peru, Andrea has an exhaustive wealth of information on the best sites, hotels and restaurants in Peru. Andrea’s favorite Yampu destinations are Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia where she spent much time hiking different treks. Graduating from Gonzaga University, Andrea has 7 years in the travel industry and was attracted to the market because of her own nomadic lifestyle!

Wendy has been in the travel industry for over ten years and was attracted to the profession because she loves to meet people and immerse herself in different cultures, discover exotic places and experience the beauty of cultures and landscapes worldwide. Beginning in a customer service department in the high-end travel industry, Wendy is very empathetic and understands the importance of the fine details. Wendy has traveled throughout Latin America including Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and Panama, and around Africa, taking several safaris in both Tanzania and Kenya.

Andrew is the Yampu specialist for itineraries involving India/S. Asia and South-East Asia. Andrew’s favorite Yampu destination is currently India, particularly southern India because of its classical music, bharatanatyam dance, stunning temples and exceptionally spicy food.

Jennie has been in the travel industry for the last 12 years; with a major in Hospitality and Tourism, she is no stranger to the thrills and demands of the industry! She was originally attracted to the profession because of its diversity, and her desire to see the world. Jennie’s favorite destination is Bali, Indonesia in South-East Asia; she is hoping to visit soon!

With a degree from Boston University, Jessica works in Yampu’s operations department responsible for accounting. Jessica has been with Yampu Tours for over a year and enjoys providing memorable experiences to Yampu clients! While she hasn’t been to Latin America just yet, she’s looking forward to visiting Peru.

Jeff has recently joined the Yampu team as an Operations Assistant. Jeff loves to travel and visit new places, he looks forward to visiting Peru and Ecuador very soon! Also very detail-orientated Jeff is a great fit for organizing clients' travel documents and making sure everything goes as planned!

Recently exposed to the amazing cultures of Latin America, after a visit to Ecuador and the Galapagos, Allison works in Yampu’s marketing department highlighting the many facets of the amazing destinations that Yampu offers. A member of the Yampu team for just over a year, Allison enjoys learning about the various cultures and destinations.