In Peru, the coca leaf has a rich and important history, with many Peruvians valuing the leaves as highly as gold. The Incas treasured coca not only for its medicinal properties, but also for the integral part it played in their sacred rites and rituals. South Americans have cultivated coca plants for nearly 8,000 years.
A legend often told in the Andes shares the tale of Kuka, a woman who used her charms to take advantage of men until word of her misdeeds reached the Great Inca’s ears and he ordered for her sacrifice. After her burial, a miraculous plant sprouted from her grave; the people called it coca, in honor of the beautiful Kuka. This myth acknowledges the great importance that coca leaves had in the Inca culture and history and continues to have in Peru today.
Visitors today often know of coca leaves because of their ability to relieve altitude sickness, whilst locals use them in many different ways. They are often consumed on a daily basis, chewed or used to make tea. In the traditional Peruvian culture, coca leaves play a great part in celebrations, ceremonies, funerals, labour and religious practices. Traces of the leaves have been found in mummies dating back to around 1,000 B.C, showing the deep roots of these traditions.
Andean inhabitants usually offer coca leaf reading to visitors in Cusco, to provide a unique insight into their culture. Traditionally, the shaman who leads the ceremony will have learnt the skill from his own ancestors and will continue to pass it down to future generations.
During the ceremony, guests are invited to sit with the shaman in a circle with locals and other travellers. Participants are welcomed and asked for their name and reasons for visiting while a prayer is offered to Apus, god of the mountains. Three coca leaves are thrown into the direction of a sacred mountain and the shaman lays out a handful of leaves on the blanket in front of the guests.
The movement of the leaves falling gives the shaman information about the visitors. Additionally, the shaman can decipher details about the individual’s future, work, life, family or financial situation depending on the leaves’ shapes and colours.
Coca leaf reading is available throughout the year, however, it is believed to be more effective during important dates for the Incas such as June, when the Inti Raymi celebration takes place.
When coming to Peru, travellers will inevitably see or experience the coca leaves. Andean inhabitants use it as a way to regain energy, but also as an opportunity to enjoy their time together and socialise. If you are looking to explore the ancestral Andean roots and Peruvian traditions, coca leaf reading is certainly one of the ceremonies that will make your trip memorable.
Guests may book the special Coca Leaf Reading as an additional service at both Inkaterra La Casona and Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. Visit inkaterra.com to find out more.
The beginning of the year is a time for planning the next adventure. Many call it a “bucket list”, which may include a variety of cities to peruse, coastlines to walk and natural wonders to marvel at. Peru remains, for many reasons, at the top of our wanderlust list as a country that always offers new and exciting experiences, even to the natives. Whether you’re searching for your next adrenalin rush, wanting to learn about the rich history of our ancient civilisation and rituals or would like to enjoy the perfect coffee over a view of the evergreen Andes, we think Peru deserves a pin on your undiscovered map.
Indulge in Ethical Eating
Thanks to world-renowned chefs like Virgilio Martinez, Rafael Osterling, Gastón Acurio and others haling from Peru there are plenty of mouth-watering, ethically sourced dishes for travellers to enjoy. While you search for your favourite national delicacy you might notice that much of what you’re savouring comes from right here in Peru. During your stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, you can enjoy food grown right on the property in our organic plantation. Our Earth-to-Table concept allows guests to explore the gardens and pick their own produce, which can then be tasted in their next delicious meal.
Watch 2019 Pan American Games
2019 is a historic year for Peru. It is the first time the Pan American Games will be held in Peru throughout July and August with the Parapan games taking place shortly after. Over 8000 athletes from 41 countries in the Americas will gather to compete in 56 sports with 80 disciplines. 51 of these competitors will be able to qualify for the Olympic and Paralympic games in Tokyo 2020.
Experience Inti Raymi
Visitors from across South America and around the world travel to Cusco in Peru for the annual Inti Raymi festival, the most important ceremony of the Inca Empire calendar that mainly takes place at nearby Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Each June solstice, native residents honour the Sun God marking the beginning of a new year: the Festival of the Sun.
The most important day of the festival is the 24th of June, when a theatrical representation of the Inca ceremony takes place: the Sapa Inca, the Incan emperor, dressed with silver and gold ornaments, calls on blessings from the ancient Incan Sun God, Inti. The modern-day re-enactment of Inti Raymi still retains all of its majestic glory drawing crowds of international visitors and locals alike.
Live like a local
During a visit to Peru you can live like a local and explore the many markets, including Pisac Market near Cusco, which are stocked with handmade crafts perfect for finding unique souvenirs or authentic street food to taste, also the Chinchero Market specialised in typical hand woven Andean textiles, that gathers people from nearby Andean communities and where barter is still commonly used. You can also discover the rich history of Peru by visiting the MAP Museum, right next door to Inkaterra La Casona in Plaza Nazarenas, which is Peru’s only museum dedicated to the arts of ancient Peruvian cultures. You can also visit the house of the Inca Garcilaso Museum – the birthplace of Inca author Garcilaso de la Vega – which was converted into the Regional Historical Museum in 1946. To find the best spots to explore ask our Inkaterra Explorer Guides and the onsite teams, who can each help you discover Peru.
Go Back in time at the Sacred Valley
Just 50km from Cusco hidden in the beautiful Sacred Valley, you can discover the fascinating Moray ruins, the deep bowl-shaped hollows of Moray that are often likened to Roman amphitheatres. To this day we are still unsure about what the ancient Incas used the locations for. Some say that the ruins were once an agricultural laboratory and research station.
Just a short distance away from the Moray Inca Circular terraces you can find the Pisaq Ruins – once a vital part of Inca roads which stretch through the Sacred Valley all the way to the borders of the eastern jungle. These ruins were an important connecting route for the Inca Empire and the city of Paucartambo.
Explore the Amazon Rainforest
In Peru, we are very lucky to have the ever-changing Amazon Rainforest covering a large part of our country. During a visit to the Amazon Rainforest of Southern Peru, in the Madre de Dios-Tambopata region, you can find three Inkaterra properties: Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción and the youngest, Inkaterra Guides Field Station. Become an explorer discovering trails, learn new skills from native Peruvians and much more.
With our Explorer Guides, you can spend your day visiting the stunning Lake Valencia, try piranha fishing or observe wildlife closeup at Lake Sandoval and learn about the surrounding forest from their vast knowledge. Each guide takes into account the natural, historical, geological, economic, social and cultural aspects of the area with the aim of educating travellers on the value of the resources that surround Inkaterra, as well as the importance of its preservation.
Summit Machu Picchu
A Peruvian adventure would not be complete without a visit to one of the world’s New Seven Wonders. The ancient citadel was, according to archaeologists, built as a getaway and summer residence for the royal family. Today, this beautiful sight is visited on a daily basis, though some say that the Incas never wanted this wonder to be found and went to huge lengths for it to remain hidden from the Spanish. Less than 100 years after its establishment, the Incas plotted to abandon the site, going as far as burning the nature surrounding the many trails they had created, to keep their treasure hidden.
With a variety of festivals taking places throughout the year, you will be able to find an action-packed adventure to tick off your bucket list. Visit www.inkaterra.com to find out how to start 2019 off with a bang.
In December 2018, Inkaterra was extremely excited to welcome renowned British helicopter pilot and adventurer Peter Wilson to a number of Inkaterra hotels during his ‘Three Journeys Round’ project in Latin America.
As part of Peter’s project he travelled with his whole family to Peru, and whilst here, enjoyed staying at four of our unique hotels across the country for the full Inkaterra experience. With their time in Peru divided into visits to the Amazon Rainforest, The Sacred Valley of the Incas, and to the towering and grassy hills of Machu Picchu, Peter told Inkaterra about his priceless visit to Peru with his family and assistant.
“Peru is of course beautiful… with the flat rain forest spreading for miles – which Robin and I have flown over – the mountains climbing so high, the high altitude rolling plains and the cloud forest of Machu Picchu”.
“To awaken to the dawn chorus of critters in the forest and understand the wonderfully rich ecosystems that live here is magical. To understand the rich Inca history, see the vibrant markets full of tradition, the stunning Inca ruins and terraces that mark an enduring legacy even after colonialism, is fascinating”.
Peru is undoubtedly known all over the world for the striking geography and the remarkable history of the Inca civilisation. Both of these elements are very important to Inkaterra, as we continue our work to educate travellers to Peru about the environment, whether in the Andes or in the Amazon, as well as our work in maintaining ancient and historical traditions in the local communities.
Many of the experiences available at Inkaterra Hotels provide guests with this insight, and Peter’s family’s trip was no different, with the whole group being able to enjoy excursions led by Inkaterra Explorer Guides.
Whilst visiting the Madre de Dios-Tambopata region or Peru, Peter and his assistant stayed at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica and Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción. Their tour continued with a visit to the Sacred Valley and to Machu Picchu with his family.
“Inkaterra is special on so many levels. The facilities are simply outstanding, comfortable and functional – we have had the pleasure of sampling Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel”.
“The unique service system is honed to the highest level of delivery, reliable at each venue from the first greeting by smiling representatives to the hugs, kisses and goodbye waves. It is an unparalleled welcome that engenders a feeling of warmth, which only comes through genuine sharing of both heart and knowledge”.
For each and every guest at Inkaterra, our Explorer Guides aim to choose excursions which fit their personal interests. The guides, who are all experts in their fields, always go the extra mile to help guests explore each extraordinary aspect of Peruvian culture and nature.
“The enduring scientific research since 1978 [by Inkaterra] into the flora and fauna, supporting conservation initiatives, raising awareness of the environment… is all self-financed via the eco-tourism. The training and development of people from local communities into hospitality and guiding shines through brightly”.
“Thank you to our guides: Joshua with whom we explored Lake Sandoval, seeing the Large River Otters and loads of monkeys; to Mirko who scooped us up for the Canopy Walk; to Yieber who introduced us to the Sacred Valley and the mystical Inca history; and Joseph, who got us all the way to the top of Machu Picchu and taught us so much about these amazing ruins”.
An adventurous trip with the whole family can be a daunting challenge, which is why Inkaterra endeavors to make big and little guests alike feel at home at all Inkaterra Hotels.
According to Peter, “what absolutely sets Inkaterra apart from all others is the attitude, spirit, dedication and professionalism of its staff. Robin, my family and I have loved every minute of the relationship with Inkaterra staff”.
But a trip to Peru, and Inkaterra, is not reserved only for adventurers like Peter. For those in search of authenticity and meaningful experiences during their travels, Inkaterra may be the answer. With daily workshops led by guides rich in knowledge, and visible eco-tourism efforts to conserve the Amazon Rainforest and natural animal populations, Inkaterra is a great choice for travellers with a conscience. Read more about Inkaterra’s conservation work, visit Inkaterra.com and follow Peter and his families adventure on their website threejourneysround.com/.
2018 was a very special year for us at Inkaterra and we are grateful for the support we have received. As we move into the new year, we would like to share some of our 2018 highlights; from the opening of Mayu Spa at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba to the return of Werner Herzog to Inkaterra – giving 48 budding filmmakers beginning their cinematic careers – there has been a lot to shout about.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Mayu Spa
The newest addition to Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba’s unique property is the Mayu Spa, meaning ‘River’ in Quechua. With stunning scenery and a plentiful botanical garden neighbouring the tranquil spa, you will discover the ingredients used throughout each treatment are 100% natural, with most growing just outside your room or casita.
At the Mayu Spa, you can take your pick of a variety of specially designed treatments reflecting the natural surroundings, from a rhythmic Andean hot stone massage, using stones from the nearby Urubamba river, to the ancient practice of reflexology.
Werner Herzog at Inkaterra
In May, Werner Herzog returned to the heart of Peru, with 48 apprentice filmmakers in tow, brought together for the first time through their love of cinema. Having first shot award-winning films in Peru with Inkaterra founder and CEO Jose Koechlin´s partnership: Aguirre, the Wrath of God in 1971-2 (1976 –France FSCC-Best Foreign Film) and Fitzcarraldo, in 1980-1 (1982 Cannes Festival- Best Director), Werner Herzog has been a long-standing visitor to our properties.
Following a successful workshop on Cuba, ‘Filming in Peru with Werner Herzog’ the second filmmaking event produced by UK-Black Factory Cinema in partnership with Inkaterra. Over the course of 11 days, each film-enthusiast created a short film under the expert eye of Werner Herzog, submerged in the beautiful Amazon Rainforest.
Defined by its large flowers and sepals, the Epidendrum Guislainae orchid species was named after Inkaterra’s Denise Guislain – award-winning, self-taught chief of architecture and interior design. the new to science species was discovered at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The discovery is the 21st orchid species found in the area and is the largest native orchid collection found in its habitat. We are very proud to call this property both our and the new species’ home.
Our Growing Community
Just three short years ago we posted our first Instagram image, sharing the stunning view of the then newly opened Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba and the beautiful award winning Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel. During 2018 we shared over 150 images and videos, from cinematic videos made by guests on their honeymoons to delicious dishes to try during your stay at Inkaterra. This eye-catching imagery, with much of it created by our immersed and thoughtful guests, has allowed us to share not only the kind words written by those staying with us but also a snapshot of their visual experience at Inkaterra.
Bird of the Month Campaign
Throughout 2018 we joined the National Geographic’s celebration of birds and the brilliant birding by sharing information and images of colourful and striking birds each month, to find out more about birding at Inkaterra we spoke with our Explorer Guides.
This magnificent array of flora and fauna that call our properties home are looked after and cared for by all of the Inkaterra team. Conservation began on site 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 Third Annual Momento Selva
2018’s Momento Selva programme was hosted at Inkaterra Guides Field Station. The Guides Field Station was originally designed as a research facility for Inkaterra Asociación (ITA), Inkaterra’s NGO, and as a location to train Inkaterra’s renowned Explorer Guides. Over the course of the three days, 70 guests including artists, scientists, and chefs from all over the world gathered together to dine, share experiences, and explore the wonders of the Madre de Dios-Tambopata area of the Amazon Rainforest in Southern Peru, which is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the world.
Make sure to visit Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to see everything that’s happening at Inkaterra, and visit our blog to discover more about Peru. Thank you to all those who have supported us in 2018 and in previous years. If you follow us but we have not yet had the pleasure of hosting you, start your journey today by visiting inkaterra.com. We would love to see your highlights while you stay at Inkaterra and make sure you tag us @inkaterrahotels for the chance to be featured on our feed.
