Monthly Archives: November 2018

Luisella - Manager at Inkaterra La Casona
Experiences, Hotels

In Conversation with Luisella Garmendia, Resident Manager at Inkaterra La Casona

Luisella Garmendia, who is currently the Resident Manager at Inkaterra’s Cusco hotel ‘La Casona’, is celebrating a decade working with Inkaterra this year.
Having first been drawn to Inkaterra due to the exclusive experience we offer guests at all of our properties and the specialism in the environment and preserving local cultures, 10 years later Luisella now plays a fundamental part in delivering this experience to guests.
In her early years at Inkaterra La Casona, Luisella gained experience in a guest services role, and assumed her position as Resident Manager two years later. We spoke with Luisella to find out what her day-to-day looks like and the best things Cusco has to offer visitors. Read on to find out more…
La Casona

  1. What do Inkaterra Managers do?
    The main role of an Inkaterra Resident Manager is to interact with our guests and to make sure they are happy during their stay. With 11 suites, Inkaterra La Casona offers a very personalised and intimate dwelling during a stay in Cusco. Our guests really get to know each other, and we get to know them on a personal level. I no longer think in terms of check-in and check-out; instead, it feels as though I am welcoming them into my home for a few days. We try to ensure our guests leave feeling like they were part of something special for the time they stayed with us.
  2. 

How does your day-to-day work differ throughout the seasons?
    Our high season is between April and December, and we work hard during these months to exceed our guest’s expectations. During this busy season, we welcome visitors from all over the world who are exploring the Cusco region, and are curious to learn about the rich culture and long history of the city. We consider it our responsibility at Inkaterra La Casona to not only host our visitors and ensure we cater to each individual’s itinerary, but also to aid them in making the most of their trip to our city.
    During the low season, between January and March, we focus our efforts into rejuvenating our bespoke offering and taking care of any necessary maintenance at the hotel.
    Inkaterra La Casona
  3. How has the hospitality industry changed since you entered the industry?
    I started working in the hospitality industry 20 years ago, and since then a lot has changed. Back then, there were very few luxury hotels and most hotels were fairly basic. Over the years, luxury accommodation has become more common – and more sought after by guests. Nowadays people want to stay in luxury and to have luxury experiences which aren’t commonplace.
  4. What is your favourite excursion, and why?

    My favourite excursion is the city tour. You can discover the big monuments of the city and the hidden corners too, visit a very typical neighbourhood called San Blas ‘The Artist Place’, and witness the fusion of the Inka and Spanish cultures at the Qoricancha temple.
  5. Which excursion do you think is the most popular, and why?

    A visit to the Four Ruins is the most popular excursion for our guests. The Four Ruins is the very location where the Incas built their fortress and fought against the Spanish in Cusco. It is a place filled with history and the story of the ruins draws people in. 
  6. What would you recommend visiting on your first day in Cusco?
    The main square, the cathedral, the San Blas neighbourhood and the Temple of the Sun. 
  7. What is your favourite time of year in Peru?

    My favourite time of year is June as we have the most important celebration in Cusco, the Inti Raymi. Inti Raymi is a big festival to honour the earth, the moon, the sun, and the Inca Gods.
  8. What has been your favourite event held at Inkaterra since working here?

    Since working at Inkaterra La Casona my favourite event has without a doubt been hosting the Royal Family of the Netherlands; they took up the entire house! It was a fantastic experience.
  9. 

What do you think keeps guests coming back to Inkaterra La Casona?
    
Guests first come to stay at Inkaterra for the experiences only Cusco can offer, and they return because of the special service we offer here at La Casona.
  10. 

How can guests get to Inkaterra La Casona?

    Our hotel is located in the Plaza Las Nazarenas, surrounded by striking scenery of the Andes and cobblestone streets. La Casona is just a 10 minute drive from Cusco Airport. There are daily flights from Lima airport to Cusco, as well as international flights into Cusco.
    Inkaterra La Casona
  11. Have you got any tips for someone travelling to Peru for the first time?

    The first thing I would suggest if someone is travelling to Peru for the first time is to pack accordingly. Peru’s weather and climate is highly volatile – drastically changing in the space of just a few hours, and this is something visitors should keep in mind when packing for their trip.
    The second thing I would advise is to properly research what time of year to visit. This is essential if you want to really experience the destinations and attractions that you came for.
    Finally, I would tell all travellers to bring a good camera with them. The country’s landscape is extremely beautiful and varied, and we often have guests who run out of space on their memory cards due to the hundreds of photos they take! If you visit the Inkaterra website ahead of your trip, first-time travellers and those returning to Peru can get a taste of the wonders of Peru.

When visiting Inkaterra La Casona, Luisella and the rest of the team will be there to welcome you to the city, and make sure La Casona feels just like a home-away-from-home during your time in Cusco. Discover more at Inkaterra.com.

Medicinal Plants are found all over Peru
Conservation and Sustainability, Food and Drink, Nature & Wildlife, Our Peru, Uncategorized

The Magic of Medicinal Plants in Peru

Throughout the thick and fertile Peruvian rainforest, one can find a whole host of plants that have been used throughout history for valuable medicinal purposes. For centuries, throughout Peru and the New World, these plants have been used to create homeopathic remedies developed to cure many maladies. Communities have their own unique recipes and use for the various local medicinal plants, enabling them to treat symptoms, illnesses or injuries in the comfort of their homes.
Homeopathic remedies have been a traditional way of curing ailments in Peru’s history, to a time long before the Incas and Aztecs reigned. Today, descendants of the Aztecs and Incas still practice as curanderos or shamans in communities to treat illnesses, both major and minor, and are regarded with respect for the continuation of these age-old professions.
Coca Tea
We can learn a lot about medicinal plants thanks to records produced by Spanish or mestizo chroniclers. The Guaman Poma de Ayala records the daily life in the Inca Empire before the arrival of Pizarro. One of the records describes how Inca Tupac Yupanqui tried to prevent the curanderos from performing surgery during his reign. Despite his best efforts, the curanderos only grew in numbers and power, such was their popularity. Descriptions from other mestizo chroniclers noted how other rulers such as Inca Roca called for curanderos all over the empire to help diagnose and cure his son when he fell ill. Cuzco was filled to capacity at this point; such was the number of practitioners who travelled from far and wide to help the ruler’s poorly son.
Inkaterra Coffee
In total, the amount of ancient methods used in Peru has included more than 1,400 species of medicinal plants. An incredible 900 of them come from the Amazon Rainforest, one of which is used throughout Inkaterra hotels to soothe altitude sickness, the coca plant. This popular homoeopathic remedy contains a complex array of mineral nutrients, essential oils and more, and at Inkaterra we use the leaves of the coca plant to create a soothing herbal tea. Across the Andes, millions of people drink the coca tea, which, for many cultures, it is considered to be a sacred ritual. The tea can help boost your immune system and energy levels, as well as having many other health benefits. This is because of the compounds and vitamins contained in the leaves.
Thousands of ancient Peruvian remedies are still used effectively today, to learn more about Peruvian history and discover the Incan Empire for yourself, visit Inkaterra where you will be welcomed by a warm cup of coca tea. At Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel guests can explore our organic tea plantation and tea house to discover the wonders of the traditional tea making process. If you are more of a coffee fan, be sure to try the Inkaterra organic coffee grown in our exuberant tropical garden in Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

Seasonal Peru
Our Peru

A Seasonal Guide to Travelling in Peru

We have all heard the phrase, “four seasons in one day”, and when visiting Peru it is highly likely you might just experience this weather phenomenon. Due to the country’s highly changeable climate, unpredictability is the only predictable thing about Peruvian weather. However, if you are planning to explore the wonders of Cusco or the Madre de Dios -Tambopata regions of the Amazon Rainforest you must take the season of your visit into consideration as there are only two: the wet season, and the dry season.
Home to the hilltop ruins of Machu Picchu; the breathtaking foothills of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; and the ancient Spanish colonial architecture of Cusco, the Cusco region is a must-visit for travellers to Peru.
Situated 2,430m above sea level, the historic citadel of Machu Picchu, commonly known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, has certainly not lost its awe-factor over time. Masterfully constructed from dry-stone in the 15th century, this Inca city is home to truly incredible structures, such as ‘The Temple of the Sun’ and ‘The Temple of the Condor’ to name a few. Machu Picchu’s historical magnitude paired with its phenomenal panoramic views will leave all who visit speechless – making it one of the most popular destinations in the country for ‘Inca-grammers’.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an extremely fertile stretch of land consisting of many picturesque towns and villages such as Urubamba, Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo. This exquisite valley is every photographer’s dream boasting beautiful flora, lush landscapes and deep green pastures.

Sitting at a cool 3,400m, the city of Cusco and the gateway to the Inca Trail is not to be missed. This colourful city made up of cobblestoned streets and iconic colonial architecture is magnificent.
The best time to visit the Cusco region is undoubtedly during the dry season, more specifically in late April. Visiting at the very start of the dry season gives travellers the best chance of avoiding the crowds and the rain. Exploring Cusco during this time allows travellers to explore the region at its finest. Months of frequent and heavy rainfall leave the surrounding flora more lush and greener than ever, with plentiful new growth and hundreds of species of flowers to see. Whether you’re looking to explore Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley, or Cusco, April is the best time to go.
In stark contrast to the high mountain villages and towns in the Andes, the Madre de Dios -Tambopata region of the rainforest is another hotspot for travellers. This region encompasses the Peruvian portion of the Amazon rainforest. “Madre de Dios”, meaning “Mother of God”, is a large region in southeastern Peru boasting rich biodiversity due to its unique climate. The Amazon rainforest is a magnificent and memorable sight to behold, with dense exotic foliage stretching for miles constantly buzzing with wildlife. This expansive and incredibly photogenic forest is home to many inhabitants, from soporific sloths to mischievous monkeys. No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to the Madre de Dios-Tambopata region.

The question of the best season to visit the Madre de Dios-Tambopata region is a complex one, as it is entirely dependent on what visitors would like to see during their trip. If travellers wish to experience the overwhelming symphony of the macaw, or monkeys feasting on fallen fruit, the ideal time to visit is between November and March, the wet season. On the other hand, if visitors wish to see wildlife such as Anaconda or Paiches while avoiding frequent rainfall, the dry season, between April and October, is much more preferable. In order to ‘see it all’, visit the Madre de Dios-Tambopata areas between late October and early November, which is the tail end of the dry season.
When planning your visit to Peru, whether you wish to explore the Cusco or Madre de Dios-Tambopata regions, never neglect to think of the seasons. To learn more about these stunning regions and to find out where to stay visit inkaterra.com.

Hotels, Nature & Wildlife, Our Peru

Birding in Peru

Alongside National Geographic and Audubon we have celebrated the Year of the Bird in 2018, to encourage all birders, experts and novices alike. 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You may have seen us posting on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for the cause but birds are also a large part of the Inkaterra family, on site.
Birding at Inkaterra
The magnificent array of flora and fauna that call our properties home are looked after and cared for by all of the Inkaterra team. This conservation began with one of Inkaterra’s first reforestation projects in the late 1970s, intended to attract native birds in search of food, thus promoting the art of bird watching in Machu Picchu. The visiting birdwatchers become accomplished through observation and surveying local communities, collecting their knowledge of native flora.
The SACC found that there are 1,830 different species of birds in Peru, making it an exceptional place for bird watching. Throughout the country, there are several birding routes that you can explore to observe the variety of birds in their natural habitats.
Birding in Peru
One of the most adventurous routes allows you to wonder the ancient Inca trails, taking you to Machu Picchu to see species local to the Amazon Rainforest such as the White-Throated Toucan or the Andean Cock-of-the-rock. Both are native to the Tambopata National Reserve, south of the stunning Madre de Dios River. These fascinating multicoloured birds are visible at the Inkaterra properties along with 812 other species. The white-throated Toucan is particularly visible if you are staying in Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción or at the Inkaterra Guides Field Station during excursions.
When visiting Inkaterra Guides Field Station visitors can observe the unique ways in which ITA – Inkaterra Asociación – monitors the many different bird species present in Peru. One of the principal projects at the Guides Field Station is bird banding. This allows ITA to keep track of the species, with close observation made possible by motion-sensitive camera traps dotted around the property and surrounding forest. During a trip to the Guides Field Station, and other Inkaterra properties, guests are always delighted to discover a plethora of rare wildlife. A selection of the most exciting sightings can be viewed at inkaterra.com.
Guests enjoy birding at Inkaterra
Travelling around historic Cusco you can see an array of other Peruvian birds such as the Giant Hummingbird and the exquisite Golden-billed Saltator. These species and many others are unique to the area, and we love to see our passionate visitors gleefully discovering them for the first time. If you would like to find out more about Birding in Peru visit inkaterra.com and discover our birding calendar to know where to visit to see your favourite bird.

dia-de-los-muertos
Events, Our Peru

Dia de los Difuntos

Every year, Dia de los Muertos, ‘The Day of the Dead’, is celebrated throughout the Americas, including Mexico and Peru, and even in parts of Europe and Australasia. During the holiday, family and friends gather to pray for and pay remembrance to family members and loved ones who have passed away, and to help support their journey in the spiritual realm.
The modern-day celebrations in Mexico and across the world for Dia de los Muertos have developed from passed-down traditions from ancient civilisations where rituals paying tribute to dead ancestors had been observed for as long as 3,000 years. In 2008, this custom of paying tribute to the dead was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Prior to Spanish colonisation, the celebration would take place at the beginning of summer, but it gradually became associated with 31st October, 1st November and 2nd November to coincide with the Western Christian holiday of Allhallowtide – which includes All Saints’ Eve (Halloween), All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Dia de los Muertos
Today, the celebrations are not limited to Mexico alone. The activities and knowledge of the holiday have spread throughout the world, and have been adopted into other practices worldwide which honour the dead. In Europe, tributes are paid in Prague following a cultural initiative from the Mexican Embassy in the Czech Republic, and even in major cities in Australia, Fiji, Indonesia and New Zealand. In the Americas, the holiday is celebrated in Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala, Ecuador, the United States, and of course, Peru.
In Peru, families visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried, bringing flowers to decorate their graves, while other people play music as a gesture of love for their passed relatives. Known as ‘Dia de los Difuntos’ (Day of the Deceased), there are some customs which are practised only in Peru for the holiday. In rural communities throughout the country, families often share a meal at the graveside of their deceased relatives before leaving an offering of food for them.
dia de los muertos
In cities families tend to gather at home, followed by a visit to the cemetery to leave food and flowers for their loved ones. It is thought that by holding candlelit vigils in the cemetery, the souls are encouraged to visit and hear the prayers from their loved ones in the living world. Though gathering in cemeteries may seem eerie to some, in reality, Dia de los Difuntos is a joyous holiday filled with merriment and laughter, celebrating the lives lived by relatives and ancestors.
Traditional foods of the holiday are tantawawa, which are dolls constructed of bread, adorned with decorations; and lechon, a type of roast suckling pig. On All Saints Day, Peruvians bakers also prepare achachis – which represent grandparents and older relatives; horses – signifying the transfer of the deceased from Pachamama (Mother Earth) to Alaxpacha (the superior world of the sun, moon and stars); crowns – representing flowers and good health; and other figures from the bread.
Dia de kis Meurtos
The holiday is seen as a time for families to get together and reconnect with their ancestors, and remember their roots. Celebrated nationally on 1st November, in Cusco it is known as Dia de Todos los Santos Vivos (Day of the Living Saints), while the 2nd November is considered to be Dia de los Santos Difuntos (Day of the Deceased Saints) and is honoured with many visits to cemeteries. Across the two days, the efforts and tributes paid by the living are thought to aid the dead on their spiritual journey from this material life to the next.
Dia de los Difuntos
One of the most spectacular celebrations for Dia de los Difuntos in Peru take place at Lima’s Cementerio de Nueva Esperanza which is one of the largest cemeteries in the world. Festivities include a parade lead by a sculpture of the ‘skeleton lady’, music from local artists and, of course, an abundance of food and drink.
Read more about national holidays in Peru, such as the upcoming Semana Santa, on the Inkaterra blog.