Monthly Archives: January 2018

Hotels

Colourful new excursion at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

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From Chicha-de-jora making to midnight lantern-lit walks, there are a wealth of activities on offer to adventurous travellers at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. And now, from April, guests will have the opportunity to embark on an exhilarating two-day adventure to the Vinicunca Mountain in the Peruvian Andes, better known as Rainbow Mountain.

Back in the day, locals proclaim that Rainbow Mountain was shielded under a thick sheet of ice. Now, the geological wonder famously strikes a chord with explorers for being brilliantly bold, boasting ‘stripes’ of gold and red, turquoise, blue and purple, caused by minerals in the rock.

After enjoying breakfast at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, travellers are whisked to the scenic Andean village of Checacupe, observing its colonial stone infrastructure, before continuing their drive through the South Valley, following the asphalt road towards Quesoyoni. Upon arrival, hikers will meet their local horseman and, after loading-up the horses, continue uphill to Anantapata – where they can enjoy unrivalled views of the magnificent Ausangate Mountain.

After a spot of lunch, trekkers continue to Anantapata pass – offering a glimpse of the Vilcanota Chain – before pitching their tent in Surine Qocha, where they spend the night.

After sunrise, weary walkers refuel with breakfast, before beginning their second-day of trekking. After a short, 1 ½ hour hike, travellers are treated to a spectacular view of Rainbow Mountain, with its colourful layers of sediment, standing out against the snow-peppered peaks of neighbouring Ausangate. After resting, trekkers head downhill, following the K´airahuire Valley, before taking a private transfer from Quesoyoni to Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba


Please note: the price of the excursion caters for every need on the trip, from transfers and meals to all equipment and horses. Guests can opt for the trip between April – December. The hike is challenging, and so hikers will need to be well acclimatised and in good fitness. For more information, click here.

Our Peru

Eco-Traveller's Choice

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As we become more educated and exposed to the effect we have on the environment, many of us are starting to make frequent eco-conscious decisions. This extends to our travel itineraries, with 65% of global travellers intending to stay in ‘green’ accommodation at least once, according to Booking.com in their 2017 survey. This is a 31% increase on the previous year, which means we could be packing our suitcases for eco-adventures more often.

Travellers are now opting to change how they travel, saying no to plastic and supporting local economies whilst on vacation. At Inkaterra we aim to educate on this. As a brand we have pioneered ecotourism since the creation of the company in 1975 and are renowned as a world leader in sustainable development.

We are invested in authentic culture, biodiversity and conservation beliefs that are found throughout the Inkaterra experience; knitted into our locally produced textiles and harvested by guests on our farmland. Above all choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference in reducing your carbon footprint and at Inkaterra we are constantly striving to be the best choice for the eco-traveller.

Inkaterra recently partnered with the AJE Group, a Peruvian family-owned beverage multinational producing in 23 countries. This signed partnership indicates a pledge to lead diverse sustainability initiatives to benefit Machu Picchu’s heritage. This is a pertinent goal following UNESCO’s observation of a waste crisis in Machu Picchu in 2016.

After the donation of a waste compacting machine which can process 14 tons of waste per day, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel has installed a biodiesel production plant. The machinery can process burnt vegetable oil thus limiting the use of fossil fuels, one of the primary human contributions to global warming. 1 liter of oil can pollute 1,000 liters of water so the project will also be extremely beneficial to local Vilcanota River, as it will prevent oil spills.

Of course, at Inkaterra we won’t stop here but will continue our efforts in ecotourism. The next planned step at Inkaterra is waste management via an innovative strategy with no CO2 emissions which will be invaluable to furthering Inkaterra’s work in sustainability. Founder of Inkaterra, José Koechiln reinstated the brand’s long term intentions when he said ‘we aim to turn Machu Picchu into a global example of sustainability for all travel destinations before 2021 as part of Peru’s Bicentennial Plan’.

Inkaterra’s passion for sustainable travel is proving to travellers that there is such a thing as ‘green’ accomodation, and with interest in this industry on the rise we only hope we can continue to progress and inspire in all that we do.

Our Peru

Filming in Peru with Werner Herzog

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Over forty years ago – with no more than a spoken word and a handshake – our Founder and CEO, José Koechlin, became co-producer of what is now considered one of the greatest films of all time, and a turning point in the development of tourism in Peru  – Aguirre, the Wrath of God. Both cast and crew climbed mountains, cut through thick jungle and rode treacherous waters through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, lead by the legendary director, Werner Herzog.

Inkaterra Guides Field Station, based near the Tambopata National Reserve


This May, Werner Herzog will return to the heart of Peru with 48 budding filmmakers in tow, brought together for the first time through their love of cinema. Following a successful workshop in Cuba, ‘Filming in Peru with Werner Herzog’ will be the second filmmaking event produced by Black Factory Cinema in partnership with Inkaterra.

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


For 11 days, between 1st and 11th May, each film-enthusiast will create a short film under the watchful, expert eye of Werner Herzog, submerged in the dense Amazon rainforest. Film-buffs will be guided through content conception, script writing, sound and even editing, using the local inhabitants as characters.

One of the first images of Aguirre The Wrath of God – the expedition group are led down the Huayna Picchu by Klaus Kinski


Practical fieldwork is enriched with daily master classes, covering the theory of filmmaking, the challenges modern filmmakers face, and the methods of working, style and technique. Following the experience, Werner Herzog will select the best of the short films for their distribution at international festivals.

This photograph shows the boat that was part of Fitzcarraldo: – Klaus Kinski watches the SS Molly Aida crossing the mountain from one river to the other


‘Filming in Peru with Werner Herzog’ is set to be held in the vast Tambopata Reserve, on the banks of the Madre de Dios River. Their base, food and editing station – Inkaterra Guides Field Station. Day-by-day, the Field Station offers eco-conscious travellers the opportunity to explore the rainforest and actively partake in crucial, ongoing conservation projects, such as camera-trapping and tracking the migration of native bird species.

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.


Due to the nature of the opportunity, it is essential that participants have some autonomy and experience when it comes to filming and editing, with access to their own equipment and editing software. The call for participants closes on February 7th, 2018.
For further information, click here.

Awards & Accolades, Events

2017 All Wrapped Up – Inkaterra's Highlights

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Here at Inkaterra, we’re both grateful and delighted to say that 2017 has been another action-packed year. As we move into the New Year, we thought we’d share some of our 2017 highlights; from the launch of Inkaterra Guides Field Station in the Amazon rainforest of Southern Peru and being included within three of Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, to spotting four playful Pygmy Marmosets in an Ubos Tree.

Inkaterra Guides Field Station

In June, we welcomed  Inkaterra Guides Field Station into our portfolio of eco-lodges, offering eco-conscious travellers the opportunity to explore the rainforest and actively partake in crucial ongoing conservation projects, from camera trapping to tracking the migration of native bird species, and more. 

Families, researchers, students and volunteers from all walks of life are invited to the Inkaterra Guides Field Station to find out more about eco-tourism and how they can help support the environment and local species, and pass on this vital information onto the next generation of eco-conscious individuals and groups.

Conde Nast Traveler Awards

In October, we were thrilled to be included in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, and that all five of our luxury boutique properties were included in three of Condé Nast Traveler’s highly distinguished categories: Best Hotels in the World, Top Hotels in South America, and Top Resorts in South America. 

Andean Spectacled Bear Peruvian Coin

In July, we were delighted to hear about the introduction of a brand new engraved coin,  featuring none other than our treasured Andean Spectacled Bear. With the help of the Banco Central  de Reserva in Peru, this coin is helping to educate millions and to 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, were released into the market.

Last year also saw the introduction of the Andean Spectacled Bear programme at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, celebrating the launch of Paddington 2, and the 60th anniversary of Michael Bond’s classic, ‘A Bear Called Paddington’.

Spa Del Bosque at El MaPi, byInkaterra

For spa-lovers and those seeking complete relaxation, byInkaterra’s El MaPi, in the heart of Machu Picchu Village, launched a new Spa, Spa Del Bosque. Located on the top floor of the hotel, the chic, organic offering boasts four private treatment rooms, pine sauna, hydro massage showers, hydration zone and a heated plunge pool. Products used during treatments are derived from botanical extracts and Andean herbs and grains, offering a 100% organic experience.

The Wine Cellar

In 2017, we opened the doors to a charming, candle-let Wine Cellar at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The Cellar houses more than 90 wine labels, including Bonarda (Douce noir) (AR), Luna Negra (SP) as well as Inkaterra’s house wines, produced at the Pulenta Estate in Mendoza (AR). The Wine Cellar also offers wine connoisseurs a Chef’s Table experience; an authentic tasting menu, prepared in front of them by the hotel’s Chef, and served by a private butler.

Conservation Corridors

In June, our Founder and CEO, José Koechlin, proposed the implementation of Conservation Corridors in the Madre de Dios region. Why? To help decrease illegal gold mining and logging, reducing human migration, safeguard local cultures and provide safe routes for both endemic birds, and those who migrate across the Pacific.

First Momento Andes Event

At the start of the year, in February, artists, craftsmen and chefs  – such as awarded and world renowned Virgilio Martínez – flocked to the Sacred Valley of the Incas for the Momento Andes event, the first of its kind in Peru. Featuring food, music and seminars, the three-day event was held Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. The occasion saw a “meeting of the minds” as guests gathered to enjoy a series of practical workshops, activities and talks centred around sustainable farming, Peruvian cuisine and traditional art & textiles.

Sightings

Last, but certainly not least, our favourite sightings from the last year. On September 17th, Explorer Guide Lili Gutierrez and two teammates caught sight of four Pygmy Marmosets snacking up an Ubos tree, while eating their own lunch in the staff dining room at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica! The Pygmy Marmoset is the smallest monkey of the New World, often found close to waterways inhabiting the tropical lowlands of forests in the Western Amazon.

RED HOWLER MONKEY
Plinio A. – Inkaterra Explorer Guide


During a tour of Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Explorer Guide Plinio, alongside 8 Inkaterra guests, saw a group of Red Howler Monkeys. Howler Monkeys are amongst some of the largest monkey species in Latin America, and their howls can travel up to three miles through dense rainforest.
And, that’s a wrap! We’re so excited at the adventure 2018 beholds, including a new sustainable tourism venture in the North of Peru, Cabo Blanco, and the launch of a new spa at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba – stay tuned….