Sumaq Machu Picchu’s Vision for the Future: A Journey into Purpose-Driven Luxury and Cultural Preservation

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel has long been a beacon of luxury, but its recent inclusion in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection signifies a new chapter focused on sustainability, cultural preservation, and community partnership.

The hotel’s owner and general manager, Angie Clavijo, shares how this prestigious recognition aligns with their mission to deliver authentic, purpose-driven experiences that celebrate Peru’s rich traditions and the spirit of Machu Picchu. From traditional Andean cooking methods in the Pachamanca culinary demonstration to eco-friendly practices in wellness and daily operations, Sumaq continues to honor the land, people, and stories of this sacred destination.

As the hotel looks to the future, it remains dedicated to deepening its connection with guests and promoting meaningful travel, where luxury and responsibility go hand in hand.

What does the acceptance of Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel into Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) mean for the property and its future direction?

Joining Small Luxury Hotels of the World—particularly the Considerate Collection—is a meaningful milestone that recognizes years of intentional work rooted in sustainability, cultural preservation, and community partnership. This partnership provides global visibility to millions of travelers while reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to delivering elevated, one-of-a-kind experiences that reflect the unique spirit of Peru. At Sumaq, luxury is not only about comfort, but about purpose—honoring the land, the people, and the stories that make Machu Picchu one of the most powerful destinations in the world.

Can you share some insights on the inspiration behind the new Pachamanca culinary demonstration and how it ties into Sumaq’s broader philosophy of honoring Peruvian traditions?

Sumaq’s culinary experiences are rooted in ancestral Peruvian cooking techniques and the traditions passed down through generations in Andean communities. By showcasing traditional preparation methods using local ingredients sourced from the hotel’s community partners, the property aims to honor these ancient practices and demonstrate why these traditions must be valued and preserved. Each culinary demonstration is designed to create meaningful, memorable experiences that leave an authentic Peruvian imprint on guests.

How does the hotel select local ingredients, such as alpaca, mountain trout, and Cushuro, for its food offerings? What role do sustainability and community play in this process?

Approximately 80% of ingredients used in the hotel’s culinary program are sourced from local producers and communities located high in the Andes, including Quishuarcancha, Parcaraqui, Huatata in Chinchero, and the small community of Ccorca. The hotel works hand in hand with twelve community partners to enhance the quality of their products while supporting their livelihoods. This alliance allows Sumaq to responsibly source ingredients like alpaca, mountain trout, and Cushuro—an ancient superfood—while strengthening the property’s commitment to community impact and sustainability.

The Qunuq dessert menu seems to creatively fuse traditional and modern elements of Peruvian culture. How do you ensure a balance between innovation and authenticity in your culinary offerings?

The hotel’s chefs did extensive research on traditional Peruvian cuisine with contemporary techniques to create dishes that honor ancestral ingredients while presenting them in innovative ways. The new dessert menu features signature creations like Sumaq Bonbons with raisins and algarrobina, Lucuma Roll Cake with Chuncho cocoa, and Andean Stuffed Potato filled with chocolate—each paying homage to the country’s landscapes and native ingredients. By working closely with local communities and using ingredients deeply linked to Peruvian tradition, the culinary team ensures that innovation always serves to elevate and celebrate authenticity rather than overshadow it.

Sumaq is offering an array of wellness experiences, from Andean-inspired spa treatments to meditation self-care kits. How do these services integrate ancient traditions with modern wellness trends?

At Aqlla Spa, treatments incorporate Andean traditions and local ingredients such as quinoa, honey, pink Maras salt, coca, muña, and Andean stones in therapies designed to ease muscular tension, improve circulation, and relieve stress. The hotel’s wellness offerings extend throughout the guest experience with self-care kits in each room, detox breakfast menus, guided yoga and meditation, Prana Breathing Ritual guides, and sleep rituals featuring pillow menus and salt lamps. This holistic approach honors ancient Andean healing traditions while addressing contemporary wellness needs, creating a bridge between ancestral wisdom and modern self-care practices.

Could you tell us about the Shaman-led tour of Machu Picchu and its significance? How does this experience enhance the guest’s understanding of the sacred site?

The Private Mystical Tour of Machu Picchu is guided by an authentic Andean shaman who possesses natural gifts inherited over generations. He leads guests on a spiritual journey exploring the sacred temples and the deep connection between Mother Earth and the ancient citadel. The shaman begins by asking permission from Pachamama and the Apus (mountain spirits) that surround Machu Picchu, creating an enriching introduction to ancient beliefs and allowing guests to discover a realm beyond the physical world. This fusion of spiritual and adventure experience often leads to deep emotional experiences and spiritual healing, offering a perspective on Machu Picchu that goes far beyond its architectural and historical significance.

With the hotel’s emphasis on sustainability, how does Sumaq integrate eco-friendly practices in both its culinary and wellness offerings, as well as in its day-to-day operations?

Since opening in 2007, sustainability is an evolving commitment, which including eliminating plastic bottles, energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and eco-conscious architectural design inspired by Andean identity. The property sources approximately 85% of culinary ingredients from local producers, works hand in hand with community partners, and incorporates locally sourced natural herbs and fruit essences into spa treatments. Sumaq actively participates in Turismo Cuida, supports Aldeas Infantiles S.O.S Perú, and is advancing through the B Corporation verification process, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the natural, cultural, and social environment of the Sacred Valley.

Finally, what are your future plans for Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel in the coming years? Are there any new experiences or offerings on the horizon that you’re excited to share?

Looking ahead, our vision for Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is to continue evolving as a benchmark for culturally rooted, purpose-driven luxury in one of the world’s most meaningful destinations. Our focus is not on growth for its own sake, but on depth, quality, and long-term impact.

In the coming years, we are investing in experiences that strengthen our emotional and cultural connection with guests—elevating Andean gastronomy as a narrative experience, expanding immersive cultural programming, and further developing wellness offerings inspired by ancestral knowledge and the natural energy of Machu Picchu.

At the same time, sustainability remains a core strategic pillar. Our inclusion in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World – Considerate Collection reflects a direction we have been committed to for years: responsible operations, community integration, and conscious luxury. This framework will continue to guide how we design experiences, build partnerships, and measure success.

Ultimately, our long-term ambition is for Sumaq to be recognized not only as a place to stay, but as a reference for meaningful luxury travel—where business performance, cultural preservation, and positive impact coexist naturally, and where every guest leaves with a deeper understanding of the destination and its people.

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