As travelers increasingly seek remote travel experiences, Andean is offering its guests something truly transformative. In a vast, otherworldly canyon, perfectly positioned for a stop between Cusco and Lake Titicaca, Tinajani emerges as the brand’s newest retreat – a soulful basecamp for highland adventure, cultural connection, and low-impact living. Once a working farm, the secluded outpost set on 400 untouched acres has been thoughtfully renewed into a private conservation area and tented property, where guests can hike among towering rock spires, share stories by the fire, and experience the traditions of the Altiplano with intention and intimacy.
DESIGN
Conceptualized by siblings Ignacio and Sandra Masias, Tinajani’s design pays homage to the land and its layered history, preserving the soul of the original 19th-century sheep farm while introducing low-impact architectural elements suited to its remote, highland setting.
The hamlet is composed of three distinct areas, each reflecting a different chapter in time. At its heart is the 1890s-era ‘Casona’, the original family home, carefully restored with its original thatched roof and adobe walls. The 1947 annex, also built in traditional adobe, now houses the dining room and operational areas. Shared spaces such as the ‘Galpón’, a large open-air lounge and dining area, are designed to foster connection with nature, fellow travelers, and the canyon’s living history.
Scattered beyond the central hamlet are six new “campamentos”, designed by Andean in 2025. Built on stilts to minimise environmental impact, each tented suite includes a bedroom and a separate lounge, furnished with Peruvian cotton bedding, alpaca throws, lambswool rugs, and a wood-burning stove. Private decks, complete with open-air hot tubs, offer a quiet vantage point for stargazing or reflection after a day in the elements.
Locally commissioned furniture, handmade rugs from Arequipa, and carefully restored family heirlooms infuse the property with texture and heritage.
DINING
Meals at Tinajani are an authentic reflection of the Altiplano’s way of life. In the open kitchen, hosts prepare dishes the way their ancestors did – slowly and generously, with clean flavors and fresh produce from the land. Steaming bowls of Chairo and Pastel de Quinoa bring comfort, while wood-fired Cancacho and Huatia celebrate time-honoured techniques. Mornings begin with Andean cereal crepes, oatmeal, and chapla bread, paired with a cup of muña or Cedron tea. Afternoons bring comforting, nourishing dishes like slow-cooked stews and highland grains. As the sun sets, evenings invite visitors to gather around for a cozy fondue of Andean cheeses and local cuts of meat, best enjoyed with a glass of wine and the crisp highland air. To end on a sweet note, sip a warming cup of api, a traditional beverage made from purple corn flour.
EXCURSIONS
Every excursion at Tinajani offers a chance to experience the land in its purest form – whether it’s hiking to pre-Incan petroglyphs hidden among sandstone cliffs, participating in sunrise meditation ceremonies, or exploring the canyon on horseback, tracing the ancestral paths once used for seasonal migration. On a trip to the Puyas de Raimondi forest, guests will stand in the shadows of the T’ika T’ika trees, which stretch up to 18 feet tall and flower once in their 30 year lifespan. Meanwhile, visits to neighboring towns of Ayaviri and Pucara offer the chance to meet craftspeople whose ancestors have passed down their skills through the ages. Guests can also enrich their journeys to and from the property with en-route excursions from Cusco, Colca, or Lake Titicaca – infusing travel days with meaningful experiences. All activities are led by native guides who share the stories, science, and traditions that make this region extraordinary.
CONSERVATION
Tinajani is Andean’s first private conservation area, with the collection having been entrusted with long-term stewardship of this pristine landscape through Peru’s Ministries of Culture and Agriculture. Soon to be recognized as a national reserve, the property is dedicated to preserving the canyon, reflecting Andean’s brand mission to restore and protect forgotten landscapes. Andean is also in the process of creating their own non-government organization to focus on areas of influence, dedicated to conserving the land and helping the vulnerable communities nearby. The organization will be funded through a percentage of Andean’s income and voluntary fees from guests. Every visitor plays a role in that stewardship simply by walking the land with awareness and engaging with the communities who have been making pilgrimages to this sacred land for generations.
SEASONALITY
Tinajani experiences two distinct seasons: the gold season (May to October) and the green season (November to April). At over 3,895m (12,900 ft) above sea level, its Andean climate remains cool and dry for much of the year. The gold season brings sunny days and crisp nights, while the green season sees occasional rains that transform the canyon into a lush oasis. With clear skies and pure air, Tinajani is perfect for admiring its breathtaking landscapes and stargazing on serene nights.
