Sumaq Machu Picchu, a family-owned and operated hotel in the UNESCO-protected Peruvian Andes, has created a series of wellness rituals for guests that embrace local traditions.

The 62-key hotel, which is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is located at the base of the mountain leading to the 15th-century Incan citadel of Machu Picchu.

Wellness rituals

The property’s Aqlla Spa has introduced a new collection of treatments that incorporate Incan massage techniques designed to ease muscle tension, improve circulation and relieve stress. Local ingredients will be used during the therapies, such as a medicinal plant called muña, hot Andean stones, quinoa, honey, pink Maras salt and coca.

In-room self-care rituals will also be made possible via the introduction of meditation kits that include a candle, a crystal, an eye mask, lavender essential oil and a mindfulness guide.

To improve sleep, the hotel is also launching a pillow menu, an array of relaxing music options and a salt lamp for air purification and mood enhancement.

The hotel will also offer a two-night Wellness Journey that includes a full day in Machu Picchu, a treatment, aromatherapy hot tub bathing, crystal and meditation workshops, yoga sessions and a Prana Breathing Ritual. A selection of mantras and guides for individual wellness practices will be made available to guests. The price for this experience is US$1,225 (€1,100, £1,000) per person in a double room.

Other experiences

The property offers a variety of other packages, including an Andean wedding ceremony called Arac Masin, a romantic ritual that celebrates the blessings of the Inca gods. This one-hour experience is led by a shaman and includes flower arrangements, traditional outfits for the bride and groom and sparkling wine.

Another ceremony, called Offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth), sees guests make symbolic offerings associated with harvest, health, love and gratitude to Mother Earth. This ritual, which is led by a shaman, lasts one hour and is designed for 2-12 participants.

There will also be a shaman-led tour of Machu Picchu, which will explore sacred temples. This is designed for 2-8 participants and lasts 5.5 hours. In addition to the tour, tickets to Machu Picchu and lunch, this package includes a Pachamama kit as a souvenir. This contains a huayruro seed bracelet, an abundance talisman, a magnet, a bottle of flower water, incense and a small amount of palo santo (known as holy wood).

Peruvian cuisine

Guests can also enjoy a six-course tasting menu called Apucc Mikhuna, featuring native Andean ingredients and paired with wines.

Culinary and mixology experiences are available at the hotel, such as masterclasses in using fresh, local and sustainable ingredients – quinoa, heirloom potatoes, corn and yellow chilli. Approximately 85 per cent of the ingredients used at the property are sourced from local producers.

The property prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, supporting local communities, preserving local traditions and introducing eco-conscious environmental initiatives.