Monthly Archives: April 2019

Hotels

Inkaterra Guides Field Station

Deep in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest of South Eastern Peru and in front of the beautiful Tambopata National Reserve, one of the last easily accessible virgin tropical rainforests in the world, offering a wealth of biodiversity as well as breathtaking natural landscapes, ideal for visitors to explore, you can find Inkaterra Guides Field Station, home to nature lovers, researchers, students, volunteers and eco-conscious travellers wishing to explore and learn about this exuberant region.

At Inkaterra Guides Field Station there are an array of activities and excursions to enjoy such as a visit to NGO, Inkaterra Asociación (ITA)´s Model Farm. During this trip, you can take a 20-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios river to the Gamitana Model Farm where you can experience the many scents and flavours of the native fruits available during the season like starfruit, papaya,  rough lemon, and many more.

Inkaterra Guides Field station has an array of activities and excursions for guests to enjoy

You can also take in the unique views of the Amazon Rainforest from the nearby Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. The 1129ft (344m) system consists of two observation towers, eight platforms and seven hanging bridges each 100ft (30m) above the ground. It was designed to help those researching the ecosystems inhabiting the rainforest canopy, making it an ideal spot to birdwatch. On the highest, most remote platform of the Canopy Walkway you can also find the stunning Inkaterra Canopy Tree House, which allows visitors to soak up the true essence of nature in the Amazon, with a privileged view of animals that are not visible from the ground.

While staying at Inkaterra Guides Field Station you can visit the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway.

If you are interested in learning about the rainforest at night you can spend some time exploring the jungle during the “Rainforest by Night” excursion. During this intrepid excursion, you can walk the trails under the tree shades that intensify the Amazonian darkness. This unusual timing will help you tune in to your different senses to identify the lively sounds of birds, mammals, insects and amphibians that come out to explore at night.

Many researchers, volunteers and travellers stay at Inkaterra Guides Field Station.

In addition to having an incredible variety of nature excursions, you can also be part of the diverse ongoing research and conservation projects, that are overseen by the NGO, Inkaterra Asociación (ITA), such as the bio orchard, the bird and fauna monitoring, the Green Lab, the Palmetum where you can explore a 74acre (30Ha) permanent-plot area for rainforest restoration and conservation, where Inkaterra Asociación has registered up to 19 native palm species. Learn about the rainforest’s survival mechanisms including natural seed dispersion, as well as the characteristics and cultural meaning of trees within the Palmetum, such as the yarina (vegetable ivory) or the walking palm, which moves its roots in search of sunlight.

Inkaterra Guides Field Station is home to the Ecocenter and research room, which includes a green lab.

The Work House at Inkaterra Guides Field Station houses the Ecocenter and the research room. The Ecocenter is a training center for Inkaterra Explorer Guides teaching each Explorer Guide the skills and knowledge needed to lead groups of students and travellers during their stay at Inkaterra Guides Field Station. The research room features a laboratory (Green Lab) to allow the examination of soil and the study of flora and fauna, equipped with workspace for 20 travellers.

Are you studying and passionate about incorporating tangible research from the Amazon into your project, paper or thesis? Unearth the Amazon and the Inkaterra ethos for yourself with our hands-on offering at Inkaterra Guides Field Station. We welcome new ideas and love to see research and discovery thrive in our unique location.

If you would like to find out more about staying at Inkaterra Guides Field Station or any of our properties please visit inkaterra.com.

Conservation and Sustainability

The History of Earth Day

On Monday 22nd April, Inkaterra will be celebrating Earth Day 2019, an annual event held to promote sustainability whilst also raising awareness of environmental concerns. With events estimated to be taking place in over 190 countries this year, the Earth Day initiative has grown immeasurably since its conception 49 years ago.

Share your Earth Day experiences with us by tagging @Inkaterrahotels

Started by American environmental activist Senator Gaylor Nelson, Earth Day was created as a means of bringing people together to recognise the importance of protecting and respecting our planet. Thus, the first Earth Day was observed on 22nd April 1970 by thousands of school children, college students and communities across America.

Each year many Peruvians and visitors pay their respects to the Earth in ceremonies.

In 1990, an official Earth Day organisation was founded by Denis Hayes, at which point the original initiative became an international mission. Now, more than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Working through a combination of education, public policy and campaigns, Earth Day continues to bring pressing environmental issues onto the world stage.

Earth Day aims to raise awareness of environmental concerns

As pioneers of eco-tourism at Inkaterra, our commitment to sustainability and conservation means Earth Day has always been an important date in our calendar. In previous years, guests at all of our hotels have been able to participate in activities designed to celebrate the occasion.

Guests at all of our hotels have been invited to celebrate Earth Day

From litter-picking at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, to a reforestation campaign at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica and an educational workshop for school children at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, all of our properties participate with events and activities.

We invite you to join us this Earth Day and raise awareness of environmental concerns

At Inkaterra, we are proud of our annual Earth Day celebrations, and encourage everyone to get involved with Earth Day 2019. We would love to see how you spend Earth Day this year, so please be sure to tag @inkaterrahotels and use the hashtag #Inkaterra to share your experience with us.
For more information, please visit www.inkaterra.com

Conservation and Sustainability

Sustainability in Peru: Plants vs Plastic

Peru boasts an enormously rich culture of ecological diversity and wonder; from the scenic rusty terrain of the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the vibrant green mountainscape of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Peru is a place of exquisite natural beauty. Our beautiful country is home to an abundance of native flora and is making waves in forward-thinking initiatives to reduce plastic waste and adopt a proactive approach in upholding its sustainable landscape.

At Inkaterra we invest in a whole host of research projects and initiatives, focusing on sustainability, conservation and social responsibility, working with NGO, ITA (Inkaterra Asociación) to research our surroundings, to teach those interested about the importance of caring for our environment and to help local communities..

NGO, ITA focus on sustainability, conservation and social responsibility, including reducing plastic.

There are many actions taking place globally to reduce the amount of plastic waste being produced. At Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas,  guests are invited to pick their own produce with the “Earth to table’ initiative which aims to reduce the use of chemicals in the cultures, eliminate the need for packaging and give guests an immersive tasting experience, exclusive to Inkaterra. With delicious dishes inspired by the cuisine of the region, our chefs utilise lots of native produce to give visitors an unforgettable meal while living harmoniously off the land. This dining initiative at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is sure to spark a love of Peruvian food as well as educating guests about the need to reduce plastic waste.

At Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, guests are invited to pick their own produce with the “Earth to table’ initiative, eliminating the need for plastic packaging.

In cooperation with NGO, ITA and the AJE group, we help manage and recycle the abundance of plastic waste left by tourists visiting Machu Picchu using a compacting machine, housed in Machu Picchu Pueblo. This has become an incredible asset in addressing the waste management crisis that played a part in the ancient Inca citadel being evaluated for UNESCO’s list of ‘World Heritage in Danger’ in 2016.

One or our latest innovations in sustainability, in partnership with the AJE Group, launched just last week. The newly inaugurated first organic waste treatment plant through pyrolysis in Machu Picchu Pueblo will make the area the first to manage 100% of its solid waste! We are proud to be involved in such an incredibly pioneering initiative and hope this model is replicated across other areas in Peru in the future. The plant has the capacity to process seven tons of waste per day to generate bio-coal, a natural fertilizer that will help with the reforestation of the Andean cloud forest and contribute to agricultural productivity in Machu Picchu.

Tourists visiting Machu Picchu often leave their plastic waste in the ancient Inca citadel

Not only does Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel play an important part in Machu Picchu’s waste management, but it is also home to a biodiesel production plant, which processes burnt cooking oils and turns it into biodiesel. Much of the oil that is processed at the plant has been donated by local communities, hotels, and restaurants, which is helping to avoid oil spills in the Vilcanota River which faces the hotel.

These are just a few of the eco-friendly initiatives at Inkaterra, discover more by reading our conservation and sustainability blog posts and learn about the incredible research being done by the ITA by visiting www.inkaterra.com.

Events, Our Peru

Semana Santa in Cusco

Commencing this year on Sunday 14th April with Domingo de Ramos and ending on Saturday 20th April, Semana Santa marks Holy Week in Peru. One of the most important occasions in the country’s religious calendar, Semana Santa consists of a seven day celebration, with residents and tourists coming together to enjoy local food, culture and festivities.

Discover Semana Santa this April

Although the festival takes place all over the country, Semana Santa holds particular importance in the city of Cusco. Although the festival officially begins on Domingo de Ramos, for Cusco’s residents, the most notable celebrations occur the following day.

Semana santa is a seven day celebration in Cusco and Peru

Monday 15th April is dedicated to El Senor de los Temblores (Lord of the Earthquakes), a saint who is credited with saving the residents of Cusco from an earthquake in 1650. On the day itself, a figure of the saint is carried through the ancient streets, beginning at Plaza De Armas, a short walk from Inkaterra La Casona. Tourists and locals alike descend on the square, where the saint is draped with red nucchu flowers before being taken on a procession followed by a crowd of thousands.

Spend the week celebrating with residents while staying at Inkaterra La casona.

Another key element of Semana Santa is the feasting. As many prepare to break the fast they have undertaken throughout the week, Maundy Thursday sees the preparation of 12 local delicacies, served to commemorate Jesus´ Last Supper and the 12 disciples. With savoury dishes made from local plants and vegetables as well as fish, and puddings and desserts such as sweet empanadas and mazamorra morada (prepared with purple corn), there is something to suit all tastes.

Throughout the week you can taste delicious peruvian dishes found throughout the city.

With spiritual processions taking place, parades in traditional costumes and ancient Incan traditions being blended with local culture and modern influences, a visit to Cusco during Semana Santa will be a Peruvian experience like no other.

If you would like to know more about Inkaterra La Casona, please click here