Peru: Authentic Wellness Travel with Tanit Trails

For those seeking a truly transformative wellness journey, one that fills the heart, lifts the soul, and forges deeper connections to the earth and the present moment, Peru is unrivalled - and ​Tanit Trails​​ ​are the perfect guides. This land of breathtaking landscapes, so diverse as to cover everything from mountains to desert; rainforest to beach, is home to an intoxicating blend of ancient spirituality, timeless rituals and living tradition.

Here, in places whose gods and rites honour nature and the cosmos as divine, travellers longing to destress, re-energise and reconnect with themselves, others and the world around can discover the solace of a simpler way of living, driven by the energy of sacred mountains, mystical sites and movement itself. ​Tanit Trails​ hold the key to unlocking the very best of Peru’s wellbeing-focused experiences for your clients. ​

Why Tanit Trails?

Led by seasoned explorer Nicolas Ramirez, in partnership with wellness and culinary expert Brisa of Mindfulness Peru, this brilliant DMC is renowned for crafting journeys that go beyond the surface, with itineraries that showcase Peru at its most beautiful, experiential - and authentic. With an ethos rooted in sustainability, intimacy and personalised service, theirs is the ultimate in hands-on service - no third parties or tourist traps here, just a genuine connection to the land, its people and a more fulfilling way of life.

But what exactly might your guests expect from one of ​Tanit Trails'​ Peruvian wellness tours? From spiritual ceremonies to mindful movement in stunning natural settings; luxuriously relaxing retreats with cultural immersion to nourishing cuisine with its roots in history, let’s dive deeper into some wellness itinerary inspiration…

The Sacred Valley - The Ultimate Wellness Haven

Wellness trips work best when freed from the frenetic pace of place-to-place travel - so here, ​Tanit Trails'​suggestions are based around the most perfect of Peru’s wellness destinations; the Sacred Valley*.

* Though of course, add-ons are always possible - see the final section for two of our favourites…

High in the Peruvian Andes, the Sacred Valley is the beating heart of Peru’s spiritual and cultural heritage - a place where ancient traditions, breathtaking natural beauty and the warmth of local communities come together. For wellness seekers, this is a peerlessly peaceful place to disconnect from the modern world and settle into tranquillity, with the luxury of time to truly absorb the energy of the land and its people.

And the luxury isn’t limited to time - opulent yet intimate stays blend comfort and mindfulness with ease, from the exclusive Belmond Rio Sagrado with its serene riverside setting, via the excellent spa facilities of the Explora Hotel to the beautifully lush, garden retreat of Las Qolqas. ​Tanit Trails'​ ideas make sure that every day is a perfect balance of cultural exploration, relaxation and personal growth - with guests encouraged to slow down and embrace the slower rhythms of life that are central to Peru’s ancestral wellness practices. With each trip designed to be an exclusive and personalised experience, guests can expect:

• High-end accommodations - luxurious stays, with exceptional service and facilities.

• A dedicated wellness and mindfulness escort - guests are accompanied throughout their tour by an expert guide, who will also lead daily yoga classes for the ultimate balanced experience.

• Private transfers and activities - for added exclusivity and style, including travel on the uber-luxe Belmond Hiram Bingham train between Machu Picchu and Cusco.

• Unique cultural experiences - from sound healing sessions to weaving lessons to a private dinner hosted by passionate Peruvian art collectors, these engagements have been handpicked to provide the most enriching and exclusive overall experience to guests.​

Immersive Cultural Connections in the Sacred Valley

One of the most distinctive elements of a ​Tanit Trails ​wellness journey is the way it intertwines personal wellbeing with rich cultural connections. In Peru, wellness goes far beyond relaxation - it's about understanding the deep, spiritual relationship between the land, its people and their traditions. Tanit Trails has cultivated exclusive experiences that allow guests to truly engage with local culture, offering a chance to discover the wisdom of ancient practices and the heart of authentic Peru - for a taster, here are just a few.

Sound Healing Sessions

Sound healing is an ancient practice that encourages the healing of mind, body and soul through intentional vibrations. Generally associated with gongs, vocals and Tibetan singing bowls, here the experience has been given a Peruvian twist! Set in a special location and using traditional Peruvian instruments like Andean flutes, pipes and drums, guests can expect an immersive experience, where the vibrations of the instruments align with the energy of the surrounding landscape, bringing deep relaxation, emotional release and a connection with the broader spiritual energy of Peru.

Hands-On Artistry and Healing

In collaboration with local artisans and healers, guests can seize the opportunity to learn ancient arts as spiritually enriching as they are culturally significant. In Andean culture, weaving is more than a craft - it’s a ritual of intention, patience and connection with the present moment. Amongst the Q’ero community who, isolated for much of the last 500 years, have preserved many of their ancient traditions with little interference from government or church, guests can participate in workshops on Andean weaving led by masters of the craft.

Beginning with a timeless spiritual ritual called Haywarikuy, where blessings are offered to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Pachacamac (Father Sky), this is a fabulous opportunity for visitors to learn about the deeper meaning behind traditional textiles, working the looms themselves and learning about the symbolism of the patterns as they participate in this sacred practice passed down through countless generations.

Community Connection through Living Tradition

A day spent with a traditional Andean community is the perfect way to experience the simplicity and depth of life in harmony with nature. The day begins with a warm welcome from this humble, hospitable community, whose traditions have survived for thousands of years, before guests join the local men and women in traditional farming practices that change with the seasons, go in search of medicinal plants (learning about ancient Andean natural remedies all the while) and watch the community’s skilled weavers create beautiful textiles by hand, using techniques as ancient as the mountains.

The Art of Alchemy

For a truly unique experience, guests can also spend time with an alchemist in the Sacred Valley, learning the art of distilling natural plant waters, hydrolats and essential oils. These workshops are not just about creating products - they’re a chance to connect with the healing power of nature and the ancient Andean knowledge of medicinal plants. And they do also have a strongly meditative quality - the act of distilling plants into oils and tinctures itself being contemplative, restful and healing.

Iconic Sites with a Wellness Twist

Peru is, of course, home to some of the world’s most iconic ancient sites, and ​Tanit Trails​ ensure these destinations can be experienced through a lens of wellness and spiritual awakening. From the wonders of Machu Picchu to Cusco’s ancient temples, each landmark offers an opportunity for introspection, mindful movement and connection to the land’s sacred energies.​

Machu Picchu and Sacred Meditation

No trip to Peru would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu and, with ​Tanit Trails​, this experience is elevated to something truly transformative. After one of the most spectacular hikes or rail journeys in the world (a note - those taking the train have the opportunity to stop off and visit the Incan sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna en route), a stay at the luxurious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge gives guests the chance to visit Machu Picchu long before the crowds.

Stepping outside to gaze at the ancient Inca citadel in the pre-dawn light, travellers can participate in a private meditation and yoga session with the mystical energy of Machu Picchu as their backdrop - an exclusive and immersive experience they’ll treasure for a lifetime. Alternatively, those seeking pure serenity will love the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo in Aguas Calientes town (a short bus ride from Machu Picchu), whose stunning grounds are ideal for mindful walking, meditation and bird watching.

For those who wish to explore the citadel more deeply, guided hikes can be taken to either the more well-known, and busy, Huayna Picchu - or ​Tanit Trails'​ suggestion, the less-crowded but no less exceptional Machu Picchu Mountain, whose higher and longer slopes are actually gentler to hike and whose panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding mountains provide a breathtaking reward for the effort. The hikes themselves are an opportunity for walking meditations, with each step bringing a heightened sense of awareness and connection to this sacred place.

Moray and Maras - Ancient Wisdom and Natural Beauty

For a wellness-focused journey into Peru’s ancient agricultural wonders, make sure a visit to Moray and Maras, two of the most striking and significant sites in the Sacred Valley, is on your guests’ list. This trip begins with a mindful hike to Moray, a spectacular Incan site known for its fascinating concentric circular terraces - each one creating its own microclimate to encourage a range of crops to grow.

Guests are guided through a walking meditation that invites them to connect with the earth and contemplate the wisdom of the ancient Andean people who developed such advanced agricultural techniques in harmony with the land. From Moray, guests head to the Maras Salt Mines, where a network of hundreds of small salt pools clings to the mountainside - a place where local families have harvested salt using the same traditional methods for centuries. This is the perfect spot for a moment of reflection, taking in the ancient energy of this landscape and its quiet, enduring connection to the people who have worked the land for generations.

Hike through history to Ollantaytambo

This gentle but invigorating walk in the heights of Ollantaytambo is both fabulously scenic and utterly fascinating, passing through breathtaking Andean landscapes of crystal-clear creeks, native forests and ancient Incan terraces and blending mindful movement with cultural discovery. Ollantaytambo itself is one of the last remaining Inca settlements still inhabited today, and is well worth time spent exploring its narrow cobblestone streets and admiring the impressive stonework of the Ollantaytambo ruins, a magnificent fortress that once played a pivotal role in the Incan defence.

Cusco’s Spiritual Heritage

This part of your guests’ wellness journey (see below for possible extension ideas) concludes in Cusco, a city that was once the heart of the Inca Empire and remains a centre of spiritual energy. Here, guests can explore the city with the same focus on wellbeing and mindfulness, beginning with an educational talk on Peruvian superfoods and ancient health habits that leads into a visit to the San Pedro Market to dive deeper and explore the local food culture.

Afterward, a guided tour of the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site - a huge, pre-Columbian site overlooking the city - invites guests to engage in a spiritual hike, absorbing the powerful energy of the site while learning about its historical significance. And to close the Cusco experience in truly authentic style? ​Tanit Trails​​ ​suggest a traditional cacao ceremony, where guests can partake in the ancient ritual of drinking ceremonial-grade cacao. This practice, rooted in Andean spirituality, is said to open the heart and foster a sense of gratitude, providing the perfect ending to this transformative journey through Peru.

Wellness Experiences Tailored to Individual Needs

Whether it’s meditative hikes through ancient Incan terraces or evenings spent in the warmth of local communities, the Sacred Valley is the ideal backdrop for a profound, lasting connection to both the destination and the self. For those looking for additional experiences to those outlined here, how about choosing from these unique options to personalise a tour still further?

Mindful Mornings

What better way to begin a day than with a mindfulness session designed to nurture both body and mind? Whether it’s a calming yoga practice overlooking the Sacred Valley, a Qi Gong session that channels the energy of the surrounding mountains or a guided meditation, these morning rituals allow guests to connect with the powerful energy of the landscape while setting a peaceful tone for the day.

Nature-Focused Rejuvenation

The Sacred Valley’s natural beauty invites guests to step into nature with mindful intention. One of ​Tanit Trails'​signature experiences is hiking through the valley’s iconic sites - from the breathtaking terraces of Moray to the ancient Maras salt mines. But these hikes aren’t just about physical activity; they’re carefully designed to be meditative, encouraging guests to walk with awareness, breathe in the sacredness of their surroundings and feel the connection to the earth beneath their feet.

Lakeside Ceremonies and Rituals

For those seeking deeper spiritual healing, ​Tanit Trails​ offers expertly-guided experiences that draw on Peru’s ancient traditions in a way that’s both accessible and meaningful. One of our favourites? It’s got to be the lakeside shaman ceremony, offering thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) as the sun sets behind the mountains. This deeply moving ritual, followed by a sunset soak in a hot tub beneath the stars, offers a profound sense of renewal and connection to the spiritual energies of the land.

Culinary and Nutritional Wellness

Nourishing the body is just as important as nurturing the soul, and Peru’s rich culinary heritage has a central role to play in any wellness journey. Guided by ​Tanit Trails ​and Mindfulness Peru, guests can immerse themselves in mindful eating practices, enjoying fresh, organic meals and picturesque picnics (don’t miss the picnic lunch with views to Pisac archeological site!). All these meals are prepared with local superfoods like quinoa, maca and native fruits in a way that both showcases the flavours of Peru as well as teaching how food can be a source of both physical and spiritual well-being.​

And don’t miss the chance to experience a traditional Pachamanca! Visiting an organic farm high on an old Inca terrace, guests can witness this ancient Peruvian cooking technique where native ingredients and meats are wrapped in freshly picked herbs and cooked underground in an earth oven - producing a mouthwatering meal that’s made all the better when accompanied by delicious, top quality spirits from the farm’s own distillery.

Continuing the Journey: Lake Titicaca and Coastal Retreats

And for guests wanting more?

For travellers looking to extend their wellness journey beyond the Sacred Valley, ​Tanit Trails​ have two spectacular options up their sleeves - both full of unique opportunities for relaxation, adventure and further immersion in Peru’s natural beauty.

The Serene Shores of Lake Titicaca

Perched high in the Andes, Lake Titicaca is not only the world’s highest navigable lake but also a place of deep spiritual significance. Here, guests can stay at the luxurious Titilaka Lodge, a tranquil sanctuary offering panoramic views of the lake’s shimmering waters. Days here are spent kayaking or paddleboarding in the serene waters, visiting the famed Uros floating islands or simply enjoying the peaceful energy of this sacred place. For those interested in connecting with the local culture, the journey includes visits to the Uro-Aymara communities, where traditional weaving, cooking and daily life are shared in a way that allows for a deeper cultural exchange.

Coastal Retreat at KiChic

And finally, one for the beach lovers!

KiChic is an elegant, eco-conscious boutique hotel on Peru’s northern coastline offering yoga, surfing and the opportunity to kickback and unwind by the ocean. Here, the tranquil beach setting, combined with daily wellness activities and whale-watching excursions, is an ideal space for your guests to round off their rejuvenation, surrounded all the while by the breathtaking beauty of Peru’s Pacific coastline.

Love to discover what Peruvian magic ​Tanit Trails​ can conjure for your wellness-seeking guests? Get in touch today for an introduction to the team.