Andean has converted a remote 19th-century sheep farm into Tinajani, a six-tent conservation property between Cusco and Lake Titicaca, with access to pre-Incan petroglyphs. Olivia Palamountain reports

Andean has opened Tinajani, a remote tented retreat in Peru's Altiplano region, converting a former sheep and alpaca farm into  deluxe accommodation at nearly 13,000 feet above sea level.

The property features six "campamentos" - tented suites built on stilts to reduce environmental impact - each equipped with private decks containing open-air hot tubs for stargazing in the high-altitude setting.

Located in a canyon between Cusco and Lake Titicaca, the retreat sits on 400 acres designated as Peru's first private conservation area managed by a hospitality company. Conceptualised by siblings Ignacio and Sandra Masias, Tinajani preserves the original 1890s farmstead including the restored "Casona" family home with its thatched roof and adobe walls, alongside a 1947 annex now housing dining and operational areas. The scattered tent accommodations feature Peruvian cotton bedding, alpaca throws and wood-burning stoves, combining premium amenities with low-impact construction methods.The location provides access to pre-Incan petroglyphs hidden among sandstone cliffs and the rare Puyas de Raimondi forest, where trees grow up to 18 feet tall and flower just once during their 30-year lifespan. Guided excursions include sunrise meditation ceremonies, horseback exploration along ancestral migration paths and visits to neighbouring towns where craftspeople maintain traditional skills passed down through generations.

Andean has received long-term stewardship of the landscape through Peru's Ministries of Culture and Agriculture, with the property soon to be recognised as a national reserve. The company is establishing a non-governmental organisation funded through percentage of income and voluntary guest fees to focus on land conservation and supporting vulnerable local communities.

At 3,895m above sea level, Tinajani experiences two distinct seasons - the "gold season" from May to October bringing sunny days and crisp nights, and the "green season" from November to April when occasional rains transform the canyon into what the company describes as a "lush oasis". The high-altitude location and clear skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities.Dining reflects authentic Altiplano traditions with meals prepared using ancestral techniques including wood-fired cooking and traditional stews. Local ingredients feature prominently, with mornings beginning with Andean cereal crepes and evenings offering fondue made from regional cheeses and local meats, accompanied by api, a traditional beverage made from purple corn flour.

The property represents Andean's expansion into conservation-focused hospitality, positioning luxury accommodation within protected landscapes rather than traditional resort settings. The stilted construction method allows the tented suites to exist without permanent foundation damage to the delicate high-altitude ecosystem.
Guest experiences include participation in seasonal migration routes once used by indigenous communities, exploration of hidden archaeological sites, and engagement with local traditions that have connected people to this landscape for generations. All activities are led by native guides who share regional stories, scientific knowledge and cultural traditions.

Rates start at £1,060 per night per room on an all-inclusive basis, including shared transfers and excursions. The pricing reflects both the remote location's logistical challenges and the property's conservation mission, with guest fees directly supporting landscape preservation efforts.The opening aligns with growing demand for remote travel experiences that combine luxury accommodation with environmental stewardship and cultural authenticity. Tinajani's position between major tourist destinations Cusco and Lake Titicaca provides access to one of Peru's least visited regions whilst maintaining connectivity to established travel routes.

The property's designation as a future national reserve represents a unique partnership between private hospitality and government conservation efforts, potentially serving as a model for protecting fragile ecosystems through sustainable tourism revenue.