“A venture to strengthen the core, invigorate the senses, and embrace the culture."
Mary Chetek, WI

“Without a doubt this was a five star trip. Not for everyone who is not up to the altitude or has attitude. Melanie provides the ultimate experience in meeting the people, enjoying the Andes and assuring comfort and safety at the same time.”
Sandy & Gers Bernhard, San Francisco and East Troy, WI

“What a great trip with a chance to meet artisans at work. A real mix of scenery and experiences at a pace that was not too rushed but with plenty of options. Everyday was a highlight, but to name a few of the less obvious: seeing eight Condors at the Cruz del Condor, the hot springs in the Colca Canyon, the humming birds and orchids at Aguas Calientes, watching the wool dying process in Lima and the back strap weavers in Cusco. The guides were great and really gave me the feeling that they were passionate about their country and subject. Just great!!”
Damaris Carlisle, Malaga, Spain

"I traveled to Peru with Melanie in February 2002, and was privileged to see a part of the world and a way of life that was completely new to me. It was my first trip to a non-westernized country. My favorite memory was traveling through the Colca Canyon; I would have happily stayed for months at the Maryknoll Mission we visited there. I still dream of returning there to work with the nuns, ministering to the families in that beautiful, remote valley. The trip overall was a photographer's paradise, and would be very satisfying for anyone with an interest in learning more about the culture, history and artistry of Peru."
Margie O’Loughlin, Stillwater, MN

"If you are looking for a way to see Peru off the beaten track and discover places you would never find yourself then ArtAndes is for you. Melanie Ebertz takes you to small villages where you will meet weavers and knitters who welcome you and share their culture in a very personal way. You travel with an intimate group of like-minded people who want to see all the wonders of Peru they have only read about. We loved it and have sent a number of friends who share our view, it is one of those trips that is so unique that you can always recall it in your mind's eye."
Paula Cramer & Warren Laddon, Merion, PA

"This wonderful trip, the seamless arrangements for our every need, the great care of us travelers and Melanie’s joyful attitude gave me the freedom to submerse myself in my surroundings. I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity."
Joyce Smeby, Minneapolis, MN

"The highlight of our year was an extraordinary trip to Peru with a very special new friend, Melanie Ebertz. Melanie is from Minnesota and has been dealing with the weavers and knitters of that country for a number of years. Over the past several years she has taken small groups with her to visit Peru. Drawing upon her vast experience with their art and culture, we visited the white city of Arequipa, the very traditional Colca Canyon area, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Especially interesting was meeting the Indigenous knitters and weavers in their cooperatives and home workshops. Amongst our most vivid memories were the hikes we took along the back roads and pathways and the wonderful people we met herding their animals to new pastures among the pre-Incan walls and terraces. The remnants of earlier civilization in the region were simply mind boggling. Nor will we forget the carnival atmosphere that greeted us at the knitters co-op near Lake Titicaca. Each of us was swept into their compound by a woman bedecked in traditional dress to dance with her while the band played on and on. At 12,000 ft it was a challenge. It was worth it. We had such a good time!"
David & Kathleen Weisenberg, Atherton, CA