Monthly Archives: May 2018

Nature & Wildlife, Uncategorized

Bird of Mouth

As you will have seen this year at Inkaterra we have been chirping about ‘Year of the Bird’. Societies such as National Geographic and Audubon have grouped together to encourage all birders, experts and novices alike, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You will have seen us tweeting for the cause but birds are always prevalent in what we do on site. At Inkaterra we truly care for the flora and fauna that call our properties home. From the Andean Spectacled Bear to the largest native orchid collection (372 species) at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, we strive to nurture all nature. Of course, this includes our feathered friends and in honour of Year of the Bird we’ve been talking to our Explorer Guides about the importance of birds at Inkaterra. Here’s what we discovered through ‘bird of mouth’.

Birds are part of Inkaterra’s personality

  • “The horned screamer donkey like sound is a sure welcome at Lake Sandoval.” / “El sonido similar a un burro del ave aruco es una bienvenida segura al Lago Sandoval.”
  • “The unmistakable song of the inca wren welcomes you to Machupicchu.” / “El inconfundible canto del cucarachero inca que nos da la bienvenida a Machupicchu.”
  • “The Inkaterra gardens are decorated by the fancy colours of Tanagers.” / “Los jardines de Inkaterra son decorados por los colores vistosos de las Tangaras.”

There is so much to discover

  • “A good birding day can give us 111 bird species sightings, this is what birding is all about.” / “Un buen día de observación de aves puede darnos 111 avistamientos de especies de aves, de eso se trata la observación de aves.”
  • “Even if the trail is foggy, we try to identify any sound, any bird song so as to add them to our list.” / “Incluso si el camino es nebuloso, tratamos de identificar cualquier sonido, cualquier canción de pájaro para agregarlos a nuestra lista.”
  • “We can always rely on wood creepers to bring our tree trunks alive.” / “Siempre podemos confiar en las enredaderas de madera para que nuestros troncos de árbol estén vivos.”

Above all birding at Inkaterra is an unforgettable experience

  • “The unmistakable song of the screaming piha accompanying us on our walks.” / “La canción inconfundible de los guardabosques chillones gritando que nos acompaña en nuestros paseos.”
  • “The sun heating up the day really doesn’t matter when you still enjoy great bird sightings.” / “El sol calentando el día realmente no importa cuando aún disfrutas de grandes avistamientos de aves.”
  • “Le emoción de ver el Gallito de las Rocas como si fuera la primera vez.” / “The feeling of seeing the Andean Cock of the Rock as if it was the first time.”

For more information and to find out how you can embark on an adventure with Inkaterra click here.

Hotels, Uncategorized

Inkaterra: Guests’ Perspectives – Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Set in the awe-inspiring mountainous countryside and boasting unparalleled valley views spanning over one-hundred acres between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba offers the unique luxury allowing guests to be immersed entirely in relaxation and tranquility. Guests are invited to unwind in ample rooms or casita-style accommodation which embrace the history of the Sacred Valley of the Incas through architecture and interior design. From bespoke handcrafted woodwork to Inca masks which blend in amongst colonial furniture, the lodge complements the plantation’s local charm by providing guests with an authentic introduction to Peru. This is further exemplified through our unique Earth to Table experience which demonstrates our mission to be pioneers of sustainable tourism. Operating within a ten-acre span, guests at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba are given the opportunity to pick their own products, in the traditional manner, from a range of carbon-free crops such as quinoa, giant corn and potatoes, as well as native aromatic and medicinal plants. Through the incorporation of customary practices, architecture and design, plus inimitable open spaces and serenity, the hotel/ lodge provides an incomparable experience along with a sense of purity, synonymous with Peru.

“We had an amazing time, loved everything!!! Thanks a lot for the good care!” Yvonne & Mareo Holland

“My favourite lodge so far in Peru! Beautiful, welcoming, great food. Thanks so much!”

“Thank you for an incredible stay. Your hotel is beautiful- we think the most beautiful we have ever stayed in!” Carolyn, Rachel, Jennifer

“What a beautiful lodge in a most perfect setting! My husband and I enjoyed the lovely amenities- and fine dinner and breakfast. Gracias!!! Xo” Susan & Victor

“Precioso hotel, vista hermosa, servicio inigualable.” / “ Beautiful hotel, beautiful view, unparalleled service.” Citlalli & Rocio
 

Events, Nature & Wildlife

Global Big Day 2018

Here at Inkaterra our feathered friends are a key part of everyone’s experience, be that for our guests or our Explorer Guides, birds are paramount. With a total of 814 bird species spreading their wings at our properties, Inkaterra is a bird watcher’s Paradise. That’s why each year we get excited for Global Big Day, when the world comes together to break the record for the most bird sightings in one day.

Social Flycatcher – Myiozetetes Similis


Global Big Day is a chance to demonstrate world connectedness as likeminded birdwatchers join together, no matter their home country, for twenty-four hours. This year 28,000 people, across 178 countries, picked up their binoculars and ventured into their back gardens, parks, and in Inkaterra’s case, the Amazon. A staggering 6,899 species were spotted in the treetops, beating last year’s record of 6,659 – now we think that’s something to chirp about.
Overall, 1.6 million sightings were submitted to eBird. Not only does this prove the importance and love for birding around the world, but this information can now be used by researchers and conservationists, ultimately aiding the welfare of birds. With so many submissions it’s easy to assume one’s sightings get lost, but each participant is truly important to the cause. In fact, this year over 10% of species were reported by just one person, demonstrating how the individual makes a great difference. eBird have shared that their most exciting species spotted this year was the Ibadan Malimbe (Malimbus ibadanensis), a new species for the site, reported by Adewale Awoyemi from Nigeria.  

This year 40% of Global Big Day’s species came from South America and in Peru over 600 birders participated. Of course, that included us here at Inkaterra with activities taking place in our properties from the Andes to the Amazon, including Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción. Our group of birders at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción gathered for breakfast to fuel the day’s adventure and then set off, hiking into the forest. The group were lucky that bamboo sticks were covering the Tambopata trail making the first leg of the hike easier. Bird sightings proved difficult initially due to the fog but our team persisted, listening intently and making note of the sounds and bird songs of the jungle. As the day continued the weather improved and with the sun dappling through the treetops a wealth of birds could be seen. Sightings included Sunbittern, Capped Heron and Social Flyeater, amongst many others.

Sunbittern – Eurypyga Helias


Thank you to all of our participants – Alan Huisa – Regional Explorer-Guide Leader, Braulio Puma – Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción Resident Manager, Plino Arapa, Javier Huayaban, Adan Salazar and Paul Paricahua. It was truly enthralling to be part of Global Big Day and we already look forward to the next.

Conservation and Sustainability

Five things you didn't know about the Amazon

A luscious host to an amazing array of biodiversity and spanning across eight countries – from mountainous peaks to the basin depths – the Amazon is a geographic wonder which holds many untold tales. Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción and Inkaterra Guides Field Station lie within the Madre de Dios region of the Amazon in Southern Peru, and provide the ideal base from which to unearth the secrets of the rainforest.
Here are five things about our beloved Amazon you should bear in mind for your next adventure.

The Mist

The first European discovery of the Amazon took place in the 1500s by Spanish explorers who were in search of cinnamon and other spices. Encountering many trials ranging from treacherous paths and thick overgrowth to relentless insects, the soldiers eventually accepted the vast capacities of the jungle and deemed it the “Green Hell”. This association arose from the sheer number of challenges faced by the soldiers during their expedition, the most merciless being Malaria. Knowing little about Amazonian mosquitos, legends state the explorers believed it was the mist which hovered throughout the forest, that was the rightful culprit for this disease plaguing their men.

Ancient Settlements

Long before the arrival of the conquistadors, native Amazonians resided in the vast forest for up to 15,000 years, and recent times estimate initial human settlement from 39,000 years ago. In the Amazon basin, it is suggested that indigenous populations were commonly located along rivers and reached as many as a few million. Common areas for many settlements included the Xingu River, the Andes and of course Cusco, Peru, where the famed Incas dwelled. Today, up to 9% of the Amazon’s population is made up of indigenous people. Groups such as Yanomamo and Kayapo still reside within the rainforest and have established lifestyles which naturally integrate with surrounding environment.

Scale and Size

The Amazon rainforest spans across 6.7 million km², covers up to 6% of the Earth’s surface and 61% of the Peruvian territory. It is home to 10% of the world’s biodiversity and accounts for up to 16% of the globe’s total river discharge into oceans. While encompassing around 390bn trees of 16,000 species, less than 1% of sunlight reaches the forest floor which leaves many areas in nearly total darkness. This perception of the rainforest merely scratches the surface of the grand density and dynamism of the environment.
Inkaterra Guides Field Station, based near the Tambopata National Reserve

Biodiversity

Boasting some 10 million species of animals, plants and insects, the Amazon encompasses an ecosystem totally unrivalled in scope. Around 1,300 species of birds can also be found, of which 814 have been registered within the grounds of Inkaterra Hotels, this is equivalent to 93% of Costa Rica’s total bird diversity!

Medicinal Plants

Environed within the enormous collection of flora found within the Amazon are as many as 80,000 classes of plants. Playing crucial roles in the overall global climate balance, some of these species also provide significant medicinal benefits. Throughout time, vines have often been used within the Amazon for such purposes. Other plants which are noted for healing properties are Wasi, Lapacho, and Cardoncillo plants, which are favourable for kidney health, treating cancer, fighting infections and numbing injuries. Click here to read our blog post on medicinal plants in the Amazon.

The foundation of our dedication to sustainable travel is rooted in the irreplaceable and awe-inspiring surroundings of the unique Amazon. As part of our aim to promote and encourage sustainability we are passionate about the longevity of this powerful and balanced environment which surrounds us. To find out more about our ethos see here.