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Marco Zuniga
The Co-Owner & Highly Accomplished Tour Guide
Marco was born in the community of Ccachin, located in the district of Lares, province of Calca. From an early age, he faced significant challenges. At just five years old, he lost his father, leaving his mother to care for him and his two siblings. Life in Ccachin revolved around subsistence farming, and there were months when his family barely had enough to eat. His mother, limited by cultural norms that didn’t allow women to work like men, did her best to provide for her children.
Quechua was the language of his community and the heart of his identity. Yet, at school, it was forbidden to speak Quechua. Classes were taught in Spanish, which Marco hardly understood. The students unable to respond in Spanish quietly continued to speak Quechua in defiance. These barriers, however, did not break Marco’s spirit; they fueled his determination to rise above.
After finishing high school, Marco made the brave decision to leave his village and face the unknown challenges of city life. The transition was anything but easy. The language barrier and lack of resources made every step uphill. Yet, Marco’s unwavering determination led him to master Spanish, adapt to city life, and eventually graduate as an official tour guide.
He began his career guiding tours in Peru’s lush Amazon rainforest, where he explored breathtaking landscapes and gained invaluable experience working with people from all walks of life. Later, he moved to the Andean highlands, where he worked as a guide in Cusco, one of Peru’s most iconic travel destinations. It was here that he met Hilda, a woman whose passion and vision in the textile world inspired him deeply.
The bond between Marco and Hilda grew beyond personal connection—it became a professional partnership. They shared a dream to preserve and celebrate the rich Andean culture while supporting single mothers. Together, they founded Andean Colors, a project that not only showcases the authenticity of Peruvian textiles but also offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of the Andes.
Today, Andean Colors is rated #1 on Tripadvisor and has dozens of five-star reviews. But no matter how much the business grows, the mission remains the same. When you visit Andean Colors, you are helping to transform the lives of single mothers who are committed to moving beyond their painful history and creating a beautiful future for their children.
