Monthly Archives: May 2019

Awards & Accolades

VOTE FOR INKATERRA IN THE CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2019

We are pleased to announce that five of the Inkaterra properties have been nominated for the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award 2019. With voting now open until 30th June, we invite you to show your support and vote for Inkaterra!

The Readers’ Choice Awards give Condé Nast’s US-based readers an opportunity to vote for everything from their favourite countries and cities to  their preferred resorts, hotels and spas.

This year, Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica & Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción in the Amazon rainforest of South Eastern Peru, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco,  have all been nominated in the ‘Hotels’ category. As the voting considers activities and facilities, design, food, location, rooms and service, we thought we would provide you with a quick reminder of all that our properties have to offer.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is the first Inkaterra Hotel, opened in 1975.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica is where the Inkaterra story began in 1975. Offering adventurers a luxurious way to discover the beautiful Amazon Rainforest of southern Peru, the lodge has 35 cabanas inspired by the native Ese’Eja culture. With various a-la-carte local excursions and explorations within the 10,000ha (24,711acre) private ecological reserve and its surroundings, the riverside hotel is a remarkable rainforest retreat.

For those looking to relax, there is the beautiful and inspiring newly redesigned ENA Spa, and for the thrill seekers, the 344m (11,229ft) Inkaterra Canopy Walkway suspended 30m (98ft) above the ground, certainly gets the adrenaline pumping. Even more adventurous travellers visiting Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica may choose to spend a night in the Inkaterra Canopy Tree House, sleeping 30m (98ft) above the ground surrounded by the nocturnal sounds of the forest below .

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion this hotel is located deep in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.

With 25 private cabanas dotted around the estate and five rooms located in the main house, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción is located deep in the heart of the Amazon. A botanical garden, private natural pond and cacao plantation can all be found at the property, with a demonstration of the home grown chocolate making process offered as one of the hotel’s many activities. Other excursions include visits to the beautiful Lake Sandoval, an oxbow shaped water mirror where visitors can expect to see rich and diversified wildlife including Howler monkeys and giant river otters. Programmed excursions are led by local explorer guides, guaranteeing guests an authentic and unparalleled trip.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel features an Andean Spectacled Bear rehabilitation centre.

With 83 whitewashed casitas and villas (2) set amongst exuberant tropical gardens, terraced hills, waterfalls and stone paths, award-winning Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a magical Andean village, enveloped in the magnificent mountainous scenery. With 214 bird species and the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) within the hotel’s grounds (and in their natural habitat), the hotel embraces and nurtures the natural beauty that surrounds it. Guests are able to partake in activities ranging from an educational visit to the Andean Spectacled Bear project, which protects and rehabilitates the endangered Peruvian Spectacled Bear species, to a lesson in making your own tea at our organic plantation.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

In the Sacred Valley of the Incas you can find Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, this hotel champions sustainability with the Earth to Table concept, allowing guests to pick their own produce to eat at a later date.

Spanning almost 40ha (100 acres) and surrounded by the spectacular and imposing green Andean mountain Range of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is nestled in the hills  between Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo. Championing sustainability with its Earth to Table concept, guests are encouraged to pick their own produce from the 4-ha (10-acre) organic plantation before cooking their own Andean feast with the hotel’s chefs.

With the recent opening of the MAYU Spa, guests are able to enjoy treatments using products derived from home grown native medicinal herbs in the hotel’s ‘Healing Garden’, whilst soaking up the spectacular views of Inkaterra’s organic orchard and the neighbouring peppertree forest.

Inkaterra La Casona

Inkaterra La Casona was the first boutique hotel in Cusco.

Located in Plaza Las Nazarenas, a short ten-minute drive from the airport, award-winning Inkaterra La Casona is Cusco’s first boutique hotel and member of Relais & Châteaux in Peru. Encompassed by the dramatic Andean scenery, the beautiful hotel is located within an immaculately restored 16th-century manor house. 11 suites surround the central patio, as well as a dining room and spa, both of which use locally sourced produce and products. Guests are able to enjoy strolling along the city´s cobbled streets, its main square, visit the beautiful cathedral and other colonial churches, museums, take guided tours to its four nearby major Inca ruins, and more. Inkaterra La Casona provides the perfect base for guests to explore the ancient surroundings of the Cusco region.


Find out more about what Inkaterra has to offer at www.inkaterra.com

Hotels

In Conversation with Claudia León, Head of Ecotourism

Beginning her journey with Inkaterra as an Explorer Guide, Claudia has come very far on her career path and is now Head of Ecotourism, an incredibly important position to hold as part of the Inkaterra family. We interviewed Claudia to delve a little deeper into her frontline knowledge of all things ecotourism and how her work is integral to the company initiatives.

What is ecotourism and why is it so important, especially in our current climate?

Being a leader in Ecotourism includes the study and interpretation of the environment. Through sustainable management of the activities, we can provide excellence in service that also improves the quality of the tourism offered and focuses on caring for the environment and the surrounding communities.

What does a day in the life of the Head of Ecotourism at Inkaterra look like?

Every day is a new day to discover. Discover new excursions, new scoutings, and new guiding technics. It is a day in which to learn from our guides and their actions in order to provide the best travel experience ever.

Learn what a day in the life of the Head of Ecotourism at Inkaterra is like.

What made you change from your original role as an Explorer Guide to become Head of Ecotourism? Was it a natural progression for you?

My career path began as a Biologist Ecologist. I applied at Inkaterra to be a Guide eager to be in contact with nature while earning a living. As a guide, I discovered how important the relationship with guests is in order to fulfil their expectations through the power of interpretation skills, knowledge, friendliness and service.

Becoming the Head of Ecotourism opened the doors into designing routes and excursions that would not only provide guides with what they needed to show our incredible surroundings but also have our guests immerse in what travel is; learning, appreciating and giving back while having fun.

What achievements and/or projects have made you most proud in your time with Inkaterra?

Since I have been at Inkaterra we have created new experiences mixing our excursions with our food and beverage department, developed team projects for our guides in order to strengthen their knowledge, put into effect training programs to keep our guide’s skills up to date, and implement internships at Inkaterra properties, as well as abroad. To ensure our travellers’ satisfaction in delivering their expectations to the fullest and beyond.

Claudia, head of Ecotourism at Inkaterra, has seen Inkaterra grow in the last 12 years.

What ecotourism initiatives have you seen in the industry over the last year that have inspired you most?

The use of technology. It is amazing how this tool is helping not only to promote certain areas (for example apps such as iNaturalist and pl@ntNet), but also influencing guests destination choices.

And last but not least, tourism is moving from non-plastic use towards sustainable food sourcing.

What is your favourite excursion at Inkaterra, and why?

I began my work at Inkaterra almost 12 years ago as a rainforest guide. I  visit Lake Sandoval at least 3 times a week so it has a special place in my heart. That is where I met the Giant River otters for the first time, how could I forget!.

As Head of Ecotourism Claudia has helped discover many of the excursions that take place today.

In terms of developing your team and your work, what do you see as the future of ecotourism for Inkaterra?

I see an Inkaterra Guide Training Program on the works.

Who, if anyone, inspired you to follow your current career path?

My mother, a biologist herself, instilled my love for nature. She has also been a teacher for over 30 years and therefore, her enthusiasm in explaining how everything works and how even the smallest thing is important, have also played a big part in what I do today; helping travellers to learn about Peru, while taking care and showing respect for  our surroundings.

Why is ecotourism important and valuable for travellers to take into account when they choose to go abroad?

I believe it is because nowadays travellers value authentic nature and cultural experiences and this is a key factor in Ecotourism activities.

What top ecotourism tips could you give someone wishing to travel more sustainably?

  • Always, always travel with your own water bottle. By refilling yours, you will avoid plastic bottle consumption.
  • Reuse your towels and sheets as much as you can.
  • Avoid travelling with battery-operated items; such as flashlights and some cameras. Most third world countries do not recycle batteries. If you cannot avoid this, please take them back with you once the battery life is up.
  • Trails are there for a reason. Stick to them to avoid harming native flora and fauna.
  • Always keep your distance from wildlife. Avoid feeding or interacting with them, they will give you a great sighting all by themselves.
  • Research the place you will be visiting. In some cases, hotels provide, for example, umbrellas, boots and flashlights, which if noted will help you from buying unnecessary gear you will only use once.
Discover some of Inkaterra's Head of Ecotourism's top travel tips.

In your opinion what is the most fascinating aspect of staying (as a guest) with Inkaterra and the company in general?

How we deliver guest experiences. From the first hello, all the way to problem-solving. We take care of our guests, as well as our personnel as if they are our family. This is why you feel the love, the sense of place, as soon as you visit one of our properties.

In terms of ecotourism and sustainability, have you noticed a big change in traveller mindset since you started working with Inkaterra?

Most definitely. When I started, travellers would enjoy themselves through what they saw. Nowadays it is not what they see but how they see it. Is it in the wild? Are there projects that they can be part of to give back to the community? Are we, as Inkaterra, respecting, protecting and learning from our surroundings as well? In this industry the how is more important than the what.

Have you got any tips for someone travelling to Peru for the first time?

I would recommend travellers to read a lot about Peru before coming to the country, its history, its geography, climates, resources, its treasures and customs, and prepare their trip with a good guide.

If you would like to discover more about each of the excursions and experiences that Claudia has mentioned be sure to visit our website www.inkaterra.com.

Experiences, Hotels

The treatments to try at ENA Spa

Located on the banks of the Madre de Dios River deep in the Amazon rainforest of South Eastern Peru, the newly renovated ENA Spa at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica is the perfect place for weary travellers to take a relaxing break.

Spend the day relaxing at the ENA Spa at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica.

Treatment beds offering stunning views of the Amazonian sunsets, a spa soundtrack provided by the surrounding wildlife and 100% natural products derived from botanical extracts all combine to give guests an entirely local experience.

Enjoy being surrounded by nature at the ENA Spa

In addition to the exceptional setting, guests can expect to find a highly bespoke treatment menu built around a combination of ancient Peruvian traditions and exotic indigenous ingredients.

Treatments at ENA Spa Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica are 100% natural.

Those looking to experience the healing powers of Peru’s medicinal plants should try the Amazon Purification Treatment. Our signature treatment at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica uses a gel mask made from the Cat’s Claw (uncaria tomentosa) plant to purify and cleanse the body, whilst a face massage helps increase the flow of the lymphatic system.

Reach complete zen at the ENA Spa with stunning views of the beautiful Madre de Dios River.

For the weary walkers, our Foot Therapy is the perfect way to take the weight off. Starting with a foot soak in salts and a selection of plants and flowers from the region, the treatment exfoliates and rehydrates the skin and will get you back on your feet ready to carry on with your Amazonian adventure.

While at ENA Spa you can try our signature treatment, which uses a gel mask from the Cat's Claw (uncaria tomentosa) plant.

However it isn’t just plants from the surrounding area that we use in our treatments, but the stones as well. Our Cold Stone Massage applies therapy stones taken from the Madre de Dios River to the main energy points of the body, allowing their energy to cool and relieve the tension in the body. Following this, a face massage using a Peruvian turquoise gemstone is used to heal the heart. The stone, which holds the power of Mother Earth, will help improve your peace of mind, self-expression and creativity, ensuring you leave us feeling refreshed and revitalised.

Enjoy a cold stone massage, which uses stones taken from the ENA spa's nearest river - the Madre de Dios.

As well as relaxing at ENA Spa, guests at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica are also able to participate in a number of additional excursions. From a night time rainforest trail to a guided afternoon boat ride, the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway to a visit to Lake Sondoval, our excursions and facilities cater to all tastes.

Visit www.inkaterra.com for more information on the ENA spa.

For more information on the ENA Spa, Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica and the other Inkaterra properties, please visit www.inkaterra.com

Hotels, Nature & Wildlife

Five Species Native to Inkaterra

Peru’s vast landscape and fertile land makes it the perfect location for beautiful native flora and the numerous wildlife that call the mountainous climbs, Pacific Ocean waters and plentiful Amazon rainforest home.

At Inkaterra we recognise the importance and necessity of each of these animals and plants, through a diverse range of conservation and sustainability projects. Our projects are overseen by the NGO Inkaterra Asociación, and we collectively aim to protect and raise awareness of the nature that surrounds us. Find out more about some of the special species you can find living in the varying Inkaterra locations:

Andean Spectacled Bear

The real-life “Paddington” bears are the only South American bear species and can be found in the dense Andean jungles. The smallest members of the Ursidae family have shaggy fur that is black, brown and sometimes reddish. The species’ name derives from the whitish rings that circle their eyes, resembling a pair of spectacles or glasses.

The bears prefer the lush, isolated cloud forests such as those surrounding Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. To catch a sight of the often shy Andean bear you can visit the on-site Andean Spectacled Bear Sanctuary. A pioneering conservation programme at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, the Sanctuary has been designed to recover bears that have been negatively impacted by human activity. Meet some of the bears that have resided in the sanctuary here.

Recently, Dr. Evan, host of Animal Planet’s new show Evan Goes Wild, travelled to the Machu Picchu cloud forest to check out Inkaterra’s Andean Bear Project. “These bears’ story is a perfect example of wildlife conservation.” says Dr. Evan. We are sure that his trip will inspire others.

Orchids

The tropical cloud forest that surrounds Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel makes it the perfect location for orchids to flourish and thrive. Cloud water droplets from moving air provide an important source of water for bryophytes of pendant and other diffuse life forms, especially in periods of low rainfall.

The environment has allowed Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel to host the world’s largest native orchid species collection, in their natural habitat within a private facility, according to the American Orchid Society. With 373 native orchids including 20 that are new to science, you will be in awe at the sheer volume of sightings while walking the trail.

The variety of species includes two bromeliad species, Guzmania inkaterrae Gouda & C.Soto and Tillandsia machupicchuensis Gouda & Julio Ochoa, each new-to-science after being discovered at the hotel.

In February, as part of Inkaterra Asociación’s 13th Workshop on Environment, Biodiversity and Culture for children in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Polo Ralph Lauren and renown US botanical artist Angela Mirro conducted a workshop on drawing nature. Angela shared with schoolchildren the ways in which art can help discover and conserve the natural world.

Angela’s sentiments towards one of our favourite species (among many) included – “The experience of painting orchids is energizing and magical. Their resilience and beauty is a testament to life. I paint orchids to connect with that force and to celebrate it.”

Additionally, we warmly welcomed Tom Mirenda, a US orchid specialist at the Smithsonian Institution. Tom wrote about the conservation of orchids at Inkaterra in AOS April 2019 edition – “How wonderful that places such as Inkaterra exist and can serve as repositories for these otherwise inaccessible and uncultivable species.”

White-throated Toucan

This native Amazonian bird boasts a rainbow of colour, with a black head, nape, back and tail and a bright yellow rump. Giving justice to the name, their face, throat and chest are covered in white feathers while the bare skin around their eyes is a vivid light blue. A striking bird to catch sight of amongst the greenery!

This beautiful feathered creature originates from Central and South America, in the depths of the lush Amazon Basin; this makes the Tambopata National Reserve surrounding Inkaterra Guides Field Station, Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica and Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción located in the Amazon region of South-Eastern Peru, an ideal location to spot the colourful White-throated Toucan. Their elongated bill allows them to reach hidden cavities of ancient trees and other hard-to-reach places while searching for food. Their diet consists mainly of fruit but they will also feast on insects, smaller birds and lizards.

Argo Sacha

As well as playing home to a variety of different animals, the Amazon Rainforest and the Tambopata National Reserve is an ideal location to grow an assortment of plants. Several are featured in the Bio-Orchard at Inkaterra Guides Field Station, where you can find a diverse range of edible and medicinal crops that are native to the Amazon rainforest. This includes the Argo Sasha (Hamelia axillaris), which is a shrub-like plant with thin stems and fine leaves, the shrub produces beautiful bell-shaped yellow flowers.

Many local communities use Argo Sacha for medicinal purposes, combining the crushed leaves with lemon to create an analgesic for the pharynx and pruritus whilst also being anti-inflammatory. The seeds of the fruit can be extracted, crushed and mixed with lemon to form a paste to help the healing process of wounds.

The two-toed sloth

These slow-moving creatures can be found in forests all over South America. Unlike many animals, they spend most of their lives upside down, even eating and sleeping while hanging from the trees. As their name suggests they have two large claws on their forelimbs which provides them with a strong-enough grip to remain in that position for long periods of time. This strength allows them to descend trees head first, which is one of the more noticeable ways in which they differ from the three-toed sloth.

When visiting Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Inkaterra Guides Field Station, and Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción you can stroll along the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, the 1129ft (344mt) long system consists of two observation towers, eight platforms and seven hanging bridges each 100ft (30m) above the ground giving you the ideal vantage point to spot our sloth-friends, along with much more not visible from the ground.

While staying at Inkaterra be sure to look out for all of our native species during your excursions and, if you are lucky enough to spot one of them, tag your images with @Inkaterrahotels on social media. If you would like to find out more about Inkaterra please visit Inkaterra.com.

Experiences, Hotels

Why Peru is the perfect place for a digital detox

For those looking for a digital detox, Peru is the perfect place. With technology playing an ever-increasing part in the modern world, it is unsurprising that more and more people are looking to disconnect with their devices in order to reconnect with their surroundings.

Take part in a peruvian digital detox

At Inkaterra, guests are given the chance to disconnect to different degrees, as our properties offer varying levels of connectivity. Whether you only want to give up your phone for a few hours, or you’d rather switch-off completely in a signal-free zone, we have an Inkaterra property to suit your needs.

Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco is the perfect place for those experiencing separation anxiety from their electronic devices. Located in the heart of the city, guests won’t have time to check emails as days are spent exploring the former capital of the Incan Empire. Swap your phone for the cobblestone streets and instead discover local traditions, bustling markets and ancient culture. With wifi available at the hotel, you won’t be completely disconnected, making Inkaterra La Casona the best place for those at the start of their digital detox journey.

Start your digital detox journey at Inkaterra La Casona, where you can switch off or on whenever.

For travellers wanting to take a step closer to the off-grid experience, the views around Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba will reward guests for taking a break from their screens and instead soaking in the beautiful surroundings. A peaceful haven nestled in the Andean foothills of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, guests can be transported out of the digital sphere and into the natural world with a twilight walk to observe constellations such as the Southern Cross and the Milky Way. It is safe to say that having experienced our ecological farm, learnt the ancestral production of the chicha de jora drink and relaxed in the newly opened Mayu Spa, you won’t want your phone to break Inkaterra’s magical spell.

With 360 degree views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas you can enjoy time spent away from your digital devices

Lastly, for those looking to unplug completely, Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica is the ultimate digital detox destination. Comprised of 35 wooden cabanas deep in the Amazon rainforest of South Eastern Peru, our most remote property has no signal or wifi, meaning you can completely switch off. Wake up to the sound of birdsong, spend your days exploring the rainforest garden and go to bed by lantern-light for the perfect end to a digital-free day.

In the Amazon rainforest you can go fully digital free, with no signal or wifi you can immerse yourself in nature completely

For more information, please visit www.inkaterra.com