A Flock of InkaBirds

Celebrating bird month at Inkaterra has flown by and, as August comes to an end, we look back over what has been a bird-packed few weeks. Last week saw our virtual bird tour of the Inkaterra properties reach its final destination, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, as we uncovered the 30 different species of birds that call the Sacred Valley their home.

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Not only have we spotted the famous Andean Condor and the adorable hatchlings of Rufous Collared Sparrows upon our adventure at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, we have also discovered the magnificent flock of birds that nest at our two Rainforest lodges.

Photo courtesy of José Lis Lavilla

Photo courtesy of José Lis Lavilla

An astounding 540 different species of bird reside at our two properties, Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica and Inkaterra Concepción, situated in the heart of the Amazon. Toucans, Tanagers and coloured Macaws are just a few of the birds that serenely play amidst the amazon treetops.

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Wiki Image Courtesy of http://bit.ly/1MkmZhA

Wiki Image Courtesy of http://bit.ly/1MkmZhA

But our bird watching adventure took flight and began at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The Cloud Forest is famous not only for being home to a plethora of flora and fauna but also to magnificently coloured Highland Motmots, green and white Hummingbirds and Peru’s native bird, the majestic Andean Cock of the Rock. One of the 214 types of bird that spread their wings in the Cloud Forest’s ecosystem, the Andean Cock of the Rock radiates with its fluorescent orange colour.

IT- Hoatzin

Excitingly, catching  the spectacular birds across our Inkaterra properties frolick amidst their environments continued as we spot a Penelope jacquacu, Pilherodius pileatus and the adorable Piaya cayana amongst others. For more information, please take a look at our field reports.

From the Amazon, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, in total, Inkaterra conserves a phenomenal 784 bird species across 4 of our properties, which is one of the reasons why we wanted to celebrate and dedicate an entire month to our feathered friends. August has been a very successful month for bird watching at Inkaterra.

Inkaterra is not alone in their love of birds. The Rutland Bird Fair, held on 21st-23rd August in Britain annually, is a favourite amongst bird watchers and well-known nature and wildlife broadcasters such as Bill Oddie and Chris Packham. The Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust say, “The Bird fair encompasses the whole spectrum of the bird watching industry whilst at the same time supporting global bird conservation”. According to The Rutland Times, this year’s convention was the “best ever”, with more than 10,000 bird enthusiasts attending the first day alone. Inkaterra consistently supports and partakes in the convention and, this year, has donated an array of fabulous donations including trips to our Inkaterra hotels.

27.8.15

Birds of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Nestled between Cusco and Machu Picchu the majestic Andean mountains engulf the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas. Shrouded in adventure, the Sacred Valley is a sea of green that houses the plethora of fauna that lives amidst the trees, waiting excitedly to be discovered.

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Perfectly located in the Andean mountains stands our luxurious Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba property, which offers guests the chance to catch the birds mid flight whilst participating in our “bird watching expedition”. Using various trails,  bird watchers or “Twitchers” are encouraged to spread their wings and delve deeper into the valley in search of the 30 different species that call Urubamba home. The excursion, which lasts a couple of hours is the ideal way discover Inkaterra’s feathered friends.

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From Hawks to Hummingbirds, guests and staff at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba regularly spot the birds at play in their environment. Not only are they caught frolicking amidst the Andean treetops and open space, but on several occasions we have witnessed the hatching of these beautiful birds. Recently, beneath the fennel plants outside the ecological farm at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, two Inkaterra guides discovered a nest of small bird’s eggs, muted blue and purple in colour. “We were so excited to identify that the nest housed a flock of Rufous-collared Sparrows” (South America’s most common species of bird).

Photo courtesy of José Lis Lavilla

Photo courtesy of José Lis Lavilla

Another exhilarating sighting was on the 28th July, the Independence day of Peru, where the team spotted an Andean Condor, which gave another reason to celebrate. Whilst trekking to Huchu Qosqo archaeological centre, the majestic bird was caught posing over an Incan wall on the edge of the mountain ridge.

Photo courtesy of José Lis Lavilla

Photo courtesy of José Lis Lavilla

These positive sightings confirm and emphasise the unique biodiversity found at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba and the surrounding valley.

20.8.15

Birds of the Rainforest

The Amazonian Rainforest is teeming with vibrant wildlife, diverse ecosystems and tropical plants, all waiting to be discovered and explored. Deep within the heart of the Amazon, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción sits nestled between the shores of the Madre de Dios River and the Tambopata National Reserve; just a few miles away from neighbouring Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica.

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Both properties provide bird enthusiasts with access to one of the world’s most remote and extraordinary tropical environments. 540 species of bird dance amidst the dense rainforest, including toucans, colourful macaws and tanagers. Our ‘blogging bird month’ continues with an adventure into the Tambopata Reserve, a vast environment of magnificent beauty.

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The Agami Heron, with its deep chestnut and green feathers, lives high in the bushes surrounding the vibrant Sandoval Lake. Short legged for a Heron, standing at just 24.8-28 inches (63-71cm), the long billed bird feasts on aquatic animals, living either alone or in small colonies.

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Wiki Image Courtesy of http://bit.ly/1N3Asfx

Found fluttering in the forest clearing, the Blue and Yellow Macaw eats seeds and fruit, making its home in the cavities of the rainforest trees. The striking bird stands out amongst the greenery of the forest with its blue crown and nape, red line of feathers and distinctive white face.

Wiki Image Courtesy of http://bit.ly/1MkmZhA

Wiki Image Courtesy of http://bit.ly/1MkmZhA

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, the other Inkaterra lodge, and 24,711 acres of private ecological reserve located 9.3 miles (15km) downriver along the Madre de Dios, plays home to one of South America’s largest canopy bridges, a 1,129ft (344m) long trail of wooden walkways suspended 103 feet (31.4m) above the plush forest floor below. The canopy walkway, and the Inkaterra canopy treehouse sitting at the end of the walkway, are also accessible as an excursion from Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, meaning guests at both properties have the opportunity to walk through the jungle treetops, discovering the birdlife on offer.

Wiki Image Courtesy of http://bit.ly/1JcQDX9

Wiki Image Courtesy of http://bit.ly/1JcQDX9

Hiding high amongst those treetops, the Black-Faced Cotinga is one of the many species of birds that pollinates and dispenses seeds to the forest below, contributing to the development of the rainforest plantlife. The Black-faced Contiga is a firm favourite amongst bird watchers, including Ornithologist at Inkaterra Asociación, Dennis Osorio.

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14.8.15

Twit-Peru, Twit-Peru

Being home to 1,835 bird species (nearly 20% of the world’s bird population) and 45% of all neo tropical birds, Peru is celebrated for its wide range of biodiversity and is listed as the 3rd country in the world with the largest number of bird species. 62% of South America’s birds can be observed in Peru, Inkaterra sees Bird Watchers (or “twitchers”, as they are commonly known) “flock” from all over the world to Peru to get up close to the world’s most exotic species of birds.

It isn’t just guests that Inkaterra welcomes as visitors, we also we pride ourselves on the protection of the native exotic birds and have an amazing 747 bird species across three of our properties. In addition to the 207 species at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and 540 species at both our rainforest lodges, we also now have 30 bird species recently registered at our new Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. In celebration, we have dedicated the next month to showcasing these magnificently beautiful creatures.

Our ‘blogging bird watch’ begins at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel where the enchanting Cloud Forest is filled with the harmonised tones of the band of birds that sing a lullaby amidst the trees.

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We recommend an early observation to catch the birds in action, including the famous Andean Cock of the Rock, which is one of Inkaterra’s most popular visitors that takes centre stage in the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel gardens.

IT- Hoatzin

With its distinctive look (a florescent orange mane and aubergine black coat of feathers) the majestic creature can be identified by its remarkable chirp. Inca Wrens, Green and White Hummingbirds, Highland Motmots, Golden Headed Quetzals can also be spotted by watchers around Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

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As bird watchers walk the hotel’s pathways, they can enjoy the lullaby of bird song as it echoes through the Cloud Forest. Encouraged to capture nature’s performance on film, guests’ camera flashes provide spotlights for the birds as they perch amongst the scenery.

Much like an Inkaterra excursion, our next three blog posts will take readers on a virtual tour of the Inkaterra properties and uncover the secrets of the much beloved birds of Peru. Our next stop on this birding watching series is Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica and Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción where we will uncover the range of birds that call the rainforest home. We look forward to you joining our birding adventure.

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6.8.15

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción awakens all of the senses. Immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the Amazonian flora and fauna, guests feel like they are a part of the rain forest canopy. Engulfed in the heart of the Amazon, waking up at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción  is an experience like no other; here, a guest’s room feels part of the surrounding nature, and welcomes the chirps and chatters of monkeys and myriad birds of the forest.

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From the moment you land, the conservation and preservation carried out by Inkaterra is clear to see. Guests staying at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción are taken to visit the Butterfly nursery at the Butterfly House either upon their arrival en route from the airport to the lodge, or before departing.  In keeping with Inkaterra’s ethos of education, a stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción is a learning experience for all. Now a proud member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, the lodge allows guests to experience the wonders of the Peruvian rainforest.

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The private lake or ‘cocha’ that surrounds the lodge is swimming with vibrant wildlife and is home to a variety of tropical plants, adding to the rich ecosystem of the Amazon. Hiking to the Lake Sandoval and navigating across its waters in a dugout canoe gives guests the chance to spot giant river otters, blue and yellow macaws and black caimans.

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Nineteen private cabañas are peppered around the property, each set on stilts offering the sense and unique feeling of living at one with nature, other 6 rooms located in the main house are also available. The main lodge is designed to embrace and maximise natural light, with huge wall screens, offering magnificent views of the surrounding rainforest, all from within the comfort of their bedroom.

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