Inkaterra through the eyes of Bellamy Young

July 26, 2017 inkaterrahotels Leave a comment

For the last 40 years Inkaterra has welcomed a wonderful variety of guests to its properties, from every corner of the globe and from all walks of life. Whether they are here to witness the magical Spectacled Andean bears in their natural habitat, wander along the treetops and canopies in the Amazon, or simply take a break to admire the breath-taking views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; they are all cherished Inkaterra guests. Recently we were delighted to host actress, Bellamy Young from the hit US TV series, Scandal. We caught up with Bellamy following her visit to Peru and Inkaterra to find out more about what she refers to as her ‘indescribably special’ experience.

After that amazing day, I was welcomed home last night with a sinfully delicious #vegan meal (#InkaterraHaciendaUrubamba has been so thoughtful of my personal predilections- thank you, Alejandro ), a big smile from Gilberto who’s taken such sweet care of me, & a fire in the fireplace in my room. How do they expect me to leave today?!? I know there is much magic ahead, but #SacredValley is indescribably special. I’m so grateful I got to experience it! @inkaterrahotels @howelltalentrelations #Peru #MyDreamContinues ❤️

Ethos

I was traveling alone in Peru, and I really appreciated the continuity of heart that is Inkaterra. Each property is so unique and respectfully representative of its location, but there is a consistent ethos across all the properties: you aren’t a client or a guest – you’re family. It felt wonderful after a day of exploring to come home to that feeling.

I trust each property: the excursions offered have been thoughtfully curated making sure that we as visitors get to experience the best of the area we’re in, and learn all we can of the culture, plus the flora and fauna- but they each also take Peru, her history, and her future into account. Your adventure can be incredible, and your conscience can be clean.

Education

I was so moved by the passion each of my guides displayed: they weren’t only knowledgeable; they care deeply about Peru, her plants, her animals, her traditions, and they’re so proud to get to work for a property that cares just as much as they do. I learned more than I could have ever hoped to – and loved every second of it.

A true highlight for me was the Spectacled Andean Bear preserve at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. What an honor to get to meet the bears, to learn about their plight, and to see all that Inkaterra is doing toward rehabilitation and conservation of this incredible species.

Got have breakfast with these guys. @InkaterraHotels run a non-profit called #ITA, & one of their projects in the #Andes is rehabilitation, preservation, & protection of the #SpectacledBear. So grateful for the work they’re doing. And that I got to meet Coco & Yoshi- & caught a kiss! Even got one of my own on the way home- from a butterfly. #Peru #InkaterraMachuPicchuPuebloHotel @HowellTalentRelations #MyDream ❤️

Inkaterra Guides

I have dreamed of experiencing Machu Picchu for as long as I can remember! I’m still pinching myself that that dream came true, and in the hands of my guide Carmen, I feel like I got to appreciate it on every possible level. We really spent our time there, I learned so much, we climbed and meditated, and I really got to commune with the space, it’s history; it’s energy, its future. There is no greater luxury than a heart-centered, wise personal guide: what they add to an adventure is invaluable. I also really loved getting to horseback ride in the Sacred Valley when I stayed at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba: what a quiet but profound thrill.

What an adventure Yomi & I had yesterday with #InkaterraReservaAmazonica! We cruised up the #MadreDeDios river to #TambopataReserve, hiked inland a few miles, rented a boat from Francisco, & got to explore glorious #LakeSandoval. We saw 3 species of monkeys, 3 also of heron, plus a million more birds & critters- even a #GiantAnteater! And last night, we saw 2 porcupines, an opossum, & a SLOTH. I kid you not. I almost #KristenBellUglyCried I was so happy. Thank you @InkaterraHotels for an incredible first day here in the jungle! And thank you to all the #RainforestCritters for coming out to meet me & fulfilling all my #SnowWhite dreams. @peru #DiscoverYourselfInPeru #My DreamBegins @howelltalentrelations ❤️

The Inkaterra Experience

Dreaming of seeing Machu Picchu as I grew up, I learnt more about the energy of Peru, and all she has to offer from the coast to the Amazon to the Andes. When I finally got the chance to go, my friends erupted into chants of “Inkaterra!” as they had been on a similar journey and had loved their time at Inkaterra. I did my research and realized what Inkaterra was offering, in a series of properties, was everything I was hoping for in my trip to Peru: heart, conscience, adventure, and thoughtfulness.

It’s a high bar to look for ‘good energy’ in a hotel situation anywhere (also hard to discern from afar), but it’s very clear even without first hand corroboration that Inkaterra has it all. The properties are all stunning and specific to the varying locations, the excursions are thoughtful, fun and edifying. The ethos of the company is eco-friendly, carbon-neutral, and the hearts of the folks on staff are as open as the Andean sky. My time there was a real treasure.

Home away from Home

One of the many highlights I also personally enjoyed getting a fire built in the fireplace of my room each night at the varying properties: the ultimate relaxation. But you’re there to meet Peru: let your guides introduce you to all her beautiful aspects, and know at the end of the day; you have a real home to come back to. I can’t recommend Inkaterra any more highly: I truly had the trip of a lifetime.

At Inkaterra we are committed to ensuring each and every visit is unique. Thank you Bellamy for her incredibly insightful account of her time in Peru with Inkaterra, and sharing her wisdom with for the world to have the privilege of reading. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

For more information on the excursions, please visit here.

Nature & Wildlife, Uncategorized

Spectacled Andean Bear the star of new Peruvian coin

July 21, 2017 inkaterrahotels Leave a comment

As the only species of bear in Peru, the Spectacled Andean Bear enjoys somewhat of a celebrity status, and we are delighted to hear about the introduction of a brand new engraved coin set to be introduced in Peru, which is to feature none other than our treasured bear.

We here at Inkaterra are only too aware that the Andean Bear species are in a vulnerable conservation status, with the number of bears currently standing at a mere 18,000. Our ITA Rescue Centre at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is home to four Spectacled Andean Bears – Pepe and Coco, the male bears, and Yosi and Kina our females. It provides care to help with the immediate threat to their extinction as a result of increased poaching, and loss of habitat. Intended for research, conservation and education, ITA’s Rescue Centre’s key aims are to rescue, rehabilitate the bears and work on a reproduction and reinsertion program, if conditions allow it.

Occasionally it’s the smaller things that accelerate a huge change. Take a coin for example – very small in size, yet, with the help of the Banco Central de Reserva here in Peru, this item will help to educate millions, and raise awareness of vulnerable status of the Spectacled Andean Bears. A total of 10 million 1 sol (25p GPB/30 cents USD) coins, featuring an engraved Andean Bear, are set to be released into the market, and we are excited to see these in circulation.
The recent press conference to announce this exciting news was attended by our founder and CEO, Mr José Koechlin, the Peruvian Minister of Environment, Mrs. Elsa Galarza and many others. The President of the BCR, Mr. Julio Velarde, declared that the new coin will be part of a series of coins entitled ‘Peru’s Endangered Wildlife’ designed to raise awareness of endangered species across Peru.

Of course, we are both thrilled and honoured to have the Andean Bear’s status proliferated via the Peruvian currency, and we sincerely hope this will help us in our mission to save these charming creatures. With your help, we can. Please visit here to find out just how.

Conservation and Sustainability, Our Peru

Sustainable tourism in the Millennial era

July 13, 2017 inkaterrahotels Leave a comment

68% of global travellers were likely to choose an accommodation if they knew it was eco-friendly…And among those who didn’t plan on a stay in a sustainable accommodation, 39% said it was because they didn’t know sustainable accommodations exist – Booking.com survey on Sustainable Travel

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a contemporary hacienda-style hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in-between Cusco and Machu Picchu

As we become increasingly aware of the long-term effects we have on our planet, in particular when it comes to travel, so do our millennials. Our tech-savvy generation are continuing to broaden their understanding of the planet’s needs and are making eco-conscious decisions in terms of their living arrangements, their choice of and also their travel plans.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed casitas tucked away in the cloud forest

Sustainable eco-friendly hotels have become the younger generation’s new best friends, as eco-conscious travellers, with disposable incomes, lead the way towards this growing trend.

Diana Verde Nieto, CEO of Positive Luxury, says that millennials are twice as likely to support luxury brands that have an awareness of environmental issues and attempt to maintain sustainability. In the past, it seemed impossible to merge sustainability with luxury, however with the global proliferation of social media, millennials have dug into a treasure trove of luxury sustainable hotels across the globe, and the older generations are following suit.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, an eco-luxury lodge in front of Madre de Dios River

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is a realm of discovery, with trekking trails and a canopy walkway, leading through the heart of the vast rainforest

As proud pioneers of sustainable hospitality in Peru, we here at Inkaterra welcome millennial travellers and this increased awareness with open arms. Eco-tourism is emerging as the way forward in travel, and we are honoured to be one of the front-runners in this shift.

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, located between the Tambopata National Reserve and the shores of the Madre de Dios River

The aspiration to showcase eco-friendly credentials on social media is an important factor in increasing awareness of eco-tourism, with millennials not only looking to post pictures of their holiday but also to showcase to their following that their vacation is eco-friendly. These leaders of the technology age are increasingly attracted by authentic experiences and the sense of adventure. For many, it’s all about experiencing a new culture, learning about its history and “living like a local”.

Inkaterra Guides Field Station, based near the Tambopata National Reserve

Inkaterra Guides Field Station, based near the Tambopata National Reserve welcomes visitors who are keen to explore the rainforest, and actively participate in various exciting conservation projects.

Our sustainability policy is at the heart of our ethos and is entirely integrated into the Inkaterra experience. For the past four decades we have worked towards creating a positive impact on our ecosystems, with sustainable use of biodiversity, and the utmost respect towards social, cultural and environmental values. We find it encouraging to see that the next generation is paving the way to further establish this global trend.

Nature & Wildlife, Uncategorized

From Darkest Peru, We Will Miss You

July 6, 2017 inkaterrahotels Leave a comment

We were deeply saddened to hear of the news that Michael Bond, creator of the much revered Paddington Bear, passed away last week. Bond was a true literary sensation who brought smiles to many faces, thanks to over 200 much loved children’s books and short stories for adults. Of Bond’s success it is, of course, A Bear Called Paddington, which will remain with us at Inkaterra most intensely, with Peru being the native home of the Spectacled Bears, of which Paddington Bear was based on.

The story begun in 1957 when Bond, anxious to pick up a last minute Christmas gift for his wife, found a lone bear-glove puppet sat alone on the shelf of Selfridges in London. Little did Bond know just how important this friendly bear would become to children all over the world.

Paddington Bear was born in “Darkest Peru”, but found himself aboard a ship set for Great Britain. Perched on his worn suitcase on the platform at Paddington station, dressed in his emblematic blue duffle coat and red hat, Paddington was found by the Brown family. The iconic children’s character went on to enjoy years of adventures and countless marmalade sandwiches. Paddington lived a fulfilled life thanks to the Browns, instructed by the luggage tag placed around Paddington’s neck to ‘please look after this bear’.

Whilst our own ‘Paddington Bears’ at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel don’t come with labels, we are trying to do just what the Browns did and protect our furry friends. At Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel we have established a rescue centre for Andean Spectacled Bears, the real life Paddington. The Inkaterra Asociación strives to rehabilitate the bears and works towards reintroducing them into their natural habitat whenever possible. The Spectacled Bear is the only species of bear native to South America and their numbers are rapidly declining in the wild. They have been identified by IUCN as having a vulnerable conservation status, which is why it is a priority for us to protect its kind as best as we can.

National Geographic has launched a short film in support of the Spectacled Bear and its conservation. Produced by GLP Films, the two and a half minute feature highlights Inkaterra’s work to protect the endangered bear species, including words from Inkaterra CEO and Founder, José Koechlin, as well as staff at Inkaterra involved in the project. Whilst we work to protect the Spectacled Bears in Peru, we will always have Paddington Bear and his creator, Michael Bond, in our thoughts.

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Monthly Archives: July 2017

Inkaterra through the eyes of Bellamy Young

Spectacled Andean Bear the star of new Peruvian coin

Sustainable tourism in the Millennial era

From Darkest Peru, We Will Miss You

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