Andrea Heckman has a PhD in Latin American Studies from the University of New Mexico, with a focus on Anthropology and Art History. She is one of our most beloved leaders and has traveled in Peru since 1978, and Bolivia since 1984. In 1996, Andrea spent a year in Peru on a Fulbright Fellowship. “My dissertation research on textiles and their active use in rituals and everyday life was centered on Peru's Ausangate region, so I love taking trip members there, but I deeply enjoy all Andean treks and cultural journeys. I want trip members to gain a deep respect for the rich heritage that the indigenous people of the Andes have inherited from their ancestors." Andrea lives and teaches in Taos, New Mexico, and speaks Spanish as well as the Quechua language. She is also a widely exhibited weaver and her book Woven Stories: Andean Textiles and Rituals won a national book award.
Our TeamAndrea was great. Organized and in control of everything. Her smile and positive attitude was key to our successful trip!
A. N.
Ashburn VA
I cannot say enough great things about Andrea as a person, and a trip leader. Always friendly, engaging, accommodating, and a real joy to be around. She is deeply rooted in the culture and study of the area, and has both personal and professional connections that really set this trip apart. I would be interested in any trip she leads, and highly recommend her to others as a trip leader, organizer, teacher, and friend.
Alexander B.
St Simons Island, GA
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Andrea is a trip leader par excellence and I would be thrilled to travel with her in future.
Amy J.
Denver, CO
Bolivia!
Andrea MADE the trip. She has such a strong cultural awareness, historical background, and comprehensive understanding of Peru, there wasn't a question we could ask that she couldn't answer. She was also incredibly upbeat and had an almost child-like enthusiasm about the Incas. She made the trip a delightful and adventurous discover, and provided a wonderful array of experiences, including a blessing by an authentic shaman.
Arlene L.
Kirkland, WA
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Andrea is an outstanding trip leader. Her constant smile, warm ways and incredible knowledge of the country were a big part of making the trip so special. We felt like we got an insider's look at Peru.
Cathy S.
Charlotte, NC
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Andrea is a fabulous trip leader and guide! Her knowledge of the culture and people is top notch and her enthusiasm is infectious. She clearly loves the people of this area and shared that love with the rest of us.
Cheryl A.
Truckee, CA
Bolivia!
Andrea Heckman was outstanding. Knowledgeable about Inca culture, current Quechua culture, textiles, folklore, flora and fauna. She communicates well.
Claire and Duff D.
Walnut Creek CA
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Andrea was the epitome of professionalism, friendliness, and calm, and was a font of knowledge.
Clarence J.
National Harbor, MD
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Loved her gracious smile, calmness, her total dedication and passion in sharing her love of Peruvian culture and history.
Galia S.
Hong Kong
Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca
Andrea went above and beyond to make our trip a fantastic experience.
Gary R.
Monterey, CA
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Andrea is one of the best trip leaders I have traveled with. Always concerned with every member of the group and always anticipating everyone's needs.
Hanoch T.
Canmore T1W 3G3, AB
Bolivia!
Andrea was above and beyond expectations. Her knowledge and love of the land and people was so impressive. She was also always there for any questions and issues. I would travel with her anywhere!
Jane T.
Los Angeles, CA
Bolivia!
Andrea was great! Her knowledge of weaving and her relationships with the local people made the trip special. She did a masterful job of making sure that each of us had a great time.
Joanne G.
Denver, CO
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Andrea Heckman was an excellent guide and every bit as knowledgeable about both current and historical Bolivian culture as advertised, as well as being the typical fascinating, delightful, and engaging leader for which I've come to know and expect with Wilderness Travel.
Joe W.
San Marcos, CA
Bolivia!
Andrea made what was a wonderful trip that much better with her knowledge and information.
Karen B.
Santa Cruz, CA
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Andrea is the best! Not only is she knowledgeable and passionate about Peru, but she is also patient, cheerful and reassuring. She made the trip!
Kathy F.
Taos, NM
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Andrea's superb knowledge of the current and past Peruvian culture, history, landscape, etc. and her deep connection to the Peruvian people added so much to the trip. Plus, she knows all the best resturants and dishes in Cusco! We had so much fun with her.
Mary Jo W.
Phoenix, AZ
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
We were very fortunate to have Andrea for our guide. Her knowledge of Peru and the people made the entire trip absolutely magical and fun! I would travel with her anywhere in the world.
Mary T.
Loveland, CO
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
I can't say enough about Andrea. Profoundly knowledgeable with constantly fresh enthusiasm, scholar, writer, artist, teacher; I can't imagine a more perfect guide for this trip. Great interpersonal skills, with a glowing and kind heart.
Paul M.
Washington, DC
Andrea was an outstanding trip leader and one of the very best we have experienced in our many years of travel. Her knowledge of Bolivia's culture, history, and beauty was astounding. She, along with her local guide, made this trip a fabulous one.
Paulette N.
Fort Collins, CO
Bolivia!
Andrea made our trip from Day 1. She was knowledgeable, caring, and personable, and her excitement for her work was contagious. I learned so much from her, and she really immersed us in the Inca culture. She rose to every request and mastered it! A truly inspirational, incredible person!
Sally G.
Joliet, IL
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Andrea is exceptional. Her knowledge and relationship with the local people makes you feel like you have been granted personal access to their lives. I learned a lot and was inspired by Andrea’s balance of intelligence, adventure, humor and kindness.
Sandra M.
San Francisco, CA
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Andrea's knowledge of the Inca people and their history and the trail and surrounding areas and Peru in general is simply outstanding and impressive and enriched the trip immensely.
Susan F.
Reading, PA
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Andrea is the BEST! She is a wonderful ambassador for both Bolivia and Wilderness Travel. Her knowledge and passion is infectious. I could not imagine a better trip leader.
Tom G.
Baltimore, MD
Bolivia!
Andrea was WONDEFRUL! An exceptional person in all ways!
Tom G.
Baltimore, MD
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
We would go anywhere with Andrea! Her knowledge and sensitivity toward the people, and her charm and love for food made the trip that much more special.
Ursula B.
Arroyo Seco, NM
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Wow—how can I say enough about how fabulous Andrea was? Her passions for Peru, its art, and the indigenous peoples were contagious. It was hard not to fall in love with the place when given the opportunity to see it through her eyes. Her knowledge, caring, kindness, and energy were all extraordinary.
Vicki V.
Baltimore, MD
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Andrea is an excellent trip leader, with an amazing expertise in textiles, and very knowledeable in the history, languge, people, and the areas we traveled. She is also well known and liked by people in the areas we traveled. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude was much appreciated, and her personality and expertise helped us all to truly appreciate the beauty and wonder of Peru.
Wanda T.
Tucson, AZ
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!