Nativa Express: Modern Vehicles on the Arequipa, Colca and Puno Route

Peru Discovery speaks with Kari Sisa, General Manager of Nativa Trips / Nativa Express, in an exclusive interview about cultural tourism, authentic experiences in the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, and their integrated tourist transport model that combines comfort, flexibility, and local roots.

"We are originally from the Colca Valley. Our story began with my father, who worked at a tourist hotel. Seeing the constant flow of travelers, he had the idea to create his own transport company. That's how Nativa Express was born in 2015, and during those first years, we provided tourist transport services for other agencies.

Then, in 2018, we decided to take an additional step and created our own travel agency, Nativa Trips. In 2019, we inaugurated the direct route from Chivay to Cusco. Today, we have offices in Arequipa and Chivay (Colca), and very soon we will launch the Chivay – Cusco route for those who cannot or do not wish to go through Puno and Lake Titicaca. Integrating our own transport allows us to control the entire experience chain and offer a more personalized service."

"Our philosophy is based on two pillars: comfort and flexibility. On board Nativa Express, we offer seats that recline up to 160 degrees, designed so that travelers can truly rest during long journeys at high altitude. But additionally, for private services, we can diversify the routes, offer special stops, and adapt the journey to each group's interests. We want the journey to be part of the adventure, not just a formality."

"Precisely to avoid overcrowding, we have developed alternatives that connect the traveler to the essence of the Colca. We offer trekking itineraries, visits to archaeological sites like the Chimpa fortress (where you can also see condors away from the crowds), immersive community tourism in the village of Coporaque, and discovering the source of the Amazon River. These are experiences that require more time and a willingness to walk, but they offer authentic contact with the landscape and the locals."

"In addition to the Chimpa fortress, we have two-day treks that immerse travelers in high mountain landscapes, where you can see wild vicuñas and share moments with the local herders. We also organize visits to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve with stops at little-visited viewpoints, always explaining the ecological importance of this ecosystem. The idea is for visitors to understand that the Colca is much more than just the canyon and the condor."

"In Puno, we primarily connect with reliable operators, but in the Colca we work directly: our drivers are from the area, the restaurants belong to local entrepreneurs, and the trekking guides also come from the neighboring communities. This ensures that the money stays in the region and supports families who know and care for their land. We have no intermediaries; we pay fair rates agreed upon in advance."

"Our flagship service is the 2-day Colca tour with departure to Puno. It's the classic option that allows you to discover the canyon, its villages, and then continue towards the altiplano. For those with more time, we recommend combining it with an extension to Lake Titicaca, including visits to the floating Uros Islands and Taquile, always with local guides. This way, travelers get a complete vision of southern Peru."

"We mainly receive couples and families, but also adventurers who embark on our treks. We find the balance by clearly differentiating the services: regular (shared) buses have fixed schedules and an established route; however, for private services, we can personalize every detail, from stops to the pace of the journey. This way, we satisfy both those seeking efficiency and those desiring a tailor-made experience."

"We have a waste collection system: on the road from Chivay to Puno, we collect all plastics. Our vehicles are equipped with bags for different types of waste. Additionally, during the journey through the Colca, we talk with tourists to raise awareness about the fragility of the ecosystem and the importance of not leaving waste behind. It's a constant educational effort."

"Before and during the trip, we communicate to passengers the importance of respecting the customs and traditions of the communities. We explain, for example, that you should always ask for permission before taking photos and that you should greet people politely. Generally, we feel a lot of respect from travelers towards the locals, which facilitates exchanges."

"We don't have a permanent conservation project, but we carry out specific actions. For example, at Christmas or during cold periods, we support Tisco and Challhuanca with chocolatadas (hot chocolate events) and clothing distributions for families. It's our way of giving back to the communities that welcome us."

"Yes, when the service is private, we have complete freedom to offer options off the beaten path, like stopping at lesser-known viewpoints or explaining the history and geography in more detail. For shared services, it's more complicated because passengers of different nationalities expect the agreed-upon program to be strictly followed. Despite this, we always give a brief basic presentation about the territory."

"Our added value is the customization and diversification of the experience. Furthermore, we offer responsibility, safety, and flexibility. The fact of being originally from the Colca is a huge advantage: we know the area perfectly and, in case of unforeseen events, we have more options to resolve them quickly. We are not just another agency; we are locals who put their hearts into every trip."

"In case of strikes or blockades, we change traditional routes for alternative roads. We always look for solutions. Having two offices, one in Arequipa and one in Chivay, is a great advantage: it allows us, for example, to carry out transfers so that passengers can continue their journey without too much difficulty."

"I remember passengers who didn't want to go to the Cruz del Condor to avoid the tourist influx and chose the Chimpa fortress. There, they were also able to see condors and were delighted because they enjoyed the landscape in complete solitude. Another funny anecdote is about travelers who asked to do a trek that normally takes two days… in a single day! They succeeded, and the guide told us laughing that they walked faster than him. It was a challenge met that filled us with pride."

"Without a doubt, the Chimpa fortress (already mentioned), the source of the Amazon River, and the Valley of the Volcanoes. These are places that still retain their authenticity and allow for a special connection with nature and history. In the Valley of the Volcanoes, for example, you can see dozens of volcanic cones and feel the energy of the earth."

"The main mistake is opting for the one-day excursion, the full day. It's too fast and doesn't allow time for cultural exchanges with the locals. That said, in general, we feel a lot of respect from travelers towards the communities. The problem isn't attitude, but the lack of time."

"In private services, we have the necessary flexibility to offer options that avoid rushing. We can extend a hike, stop longer at a viewpoint, or even improvise a visit to a craft workshop. The traveler sets the pace. For shared services, the schedule is more rigid, but we always ensure that stops are long enough to enjoy without stress."

"They can contact us through our websites www.nativa-express.com and www.nativatrips.com, or by email at reservas@nativa-express.com and info@nativatrips.com. To facilitate reservations, we are setting up an online payment platform that will be available very soon. We don't have specific discounts for direct bookings, but we offer personalized attention and the guarantee of dealing directly with the operators."

"We are looking for partnerships with international agencies to offer our tours, whether classic or private. We are open both to selling our already designed packages and to co-creating new products adapted to the French-speaking market. The important thing is that we share a vision of respectful and quality tourism. It would be a pleasure to collaborate with operators who want to discover southern Peru alongside locals!"

Many thanks, Kari, for sharing the passion of Nativa Trips and Nativa Express, and for revealing the soul of the Colca and Titicaca through your authentic experiences!