Monthly Archives: June 2019

Hotels, Nature & Wildlife

In conversation with Jan Brack, Chief of Projects at Inkaterra Guides Field Station

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a native of Villa Rica in the Amazon region of Central Peru. I lived in Paraguay for eight years, after which I returned to my country to stay. I graduated from the Faculty of Forest Sciences of La Molina National Agrarian University, and I have experience in biodiversity inventories in different regions of Peru, forest industries, agroforestry systems of the Amazon, forest plantations and sustainable constructions with bamboo, amongst other things.

Discover the plants native to the Madre de Dios river while staying at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

What does a day in the life of the Chief of Projects at Inkaterra Guides Field Station consist of?

Pure nature!

I start at dawn, monitoring birds with my colleague Noe Huaraca. This is followed by a tour of the Palmetum, a unique Peruvian initiative for education and the conservation of Amazonian plants.

Then, together with Daxs Coayla, we assess the progress of the bio-garden project that shows the immense diversity of edible and useful plants in the Amazon. Due to native communities getting smaller, plants that have been used for thousands of years are being lost, so the bio-garden gives us a chance to gather and protect them.

I spend the afternoon with Liza Linares who is in charge of the GreenLab, the first molecular biology and genetics field research laboratory to be set up in the Amazon basin. The GreenLab is a powerful tool when it comes to deciphering the enormous diversity that this part of the Amazon presents, and so it is here that we determine the progress of our ongoing projects.

Finally, after checking our camera traps (installed to monitor the forest’s large mammals), there remains a large amount of data and information analysis to undertake, as it is this that allows us to continue with our conservation work in all areas of Inkaterra.

As Chief of Projects Jan Brack reviews camera traps, analysing which plants and wildlife are spotted.


What initially drew you to Inkaterra?

It was Inkaterra’s passion for sustainability through research and conservation that first attracted me. Since its conception in 1975, Inkaterra has been a pioneer of eco-tourism, not only in Peru but internationally, and it was this that first drew me here.

How long have you been working with Inkaterra?

I have been working for Inkaterra for over two years, since March 2017.

What did you study before joining Inkaterra?

At the Faculty of Forest Sciences at Lima-La Molina National Agrarian University, I studied various courses in biodiversity monitoring, management and production, specialising in agroforestry systems in the low jungle and cloud forest of the Amazon.

Prior to being Chief of Projects Jan studied courses in biodiversity monitoring, management and production.

What do you think is the most important aspect of being Chief of Projects?

All of the projects we do at Inkaterra act as a valuable tool when it comes to carrying out our conservation efforts. Our projects allow us to do work that puts value on the forest ecosystem, thus benefiting the forest itself and the people who live in it.

While visiting Inkaterra you can study the plants and wildlife that make up part of the forest's ecosystem.

How does your day-to-day work differ throughout the seasons?

It differs a lot since the Amazonian landscape itself changes due to the rainy and dry seasons, which in turn define the flowering and fruiting of plants, the animals’ breeding seasons and the water levels in the rivers. This, in turn, impacts the equipment we require, the clothing we wear and the areas we can reach, amongst other things, and as a result, our work adapts to these changes accordingly.

Jan's day to day work differs a lot each season, from the flowering and fruiting of plants, the animals’ breeding seasons and the water levels in the rivers.

What is the most interesting thing you have learnt about the Amazon since joining Inkaterra?

The Amazon is one of the most complex and evolved ecosystems on our planet, and it should be understood as an independent organism. The most interesting thing I have learnt since being at Inkaterra is that, unlike forests of the northern hemisphere whose rainfall is influenced by the climatic conditions, the climate of the Amazon is unique and governed by the living organisms that inhabit the rainforest.

What is your favourite time of year in Peru?

Although the rainy season is when the largest number of Amazonian species flourish and bear fruit, I believe the best time to visit the Amazon is during the dry season, from May until November.

What can guests to Inkaterra Guides Field Station expect to discover

Inkaterra Guides Field Station is the Inkaterra property where ecotourism lives together with research and conservation projects managed through the NGO Inkaterra Asociación (ITA). Guests to the Inkaterra Guides Field Station can expect to have a hands-on experience, participating in and learning about the projects we undertake, from bird monitoring to the identification of mammals through camera traps, harvesting edible Amazonian plants from the bio-garden to learning about agroforestry systems.

While visiting Inkaterra Guides Field Station you can expect a very hands-on experience, from identifying mammals to harvesting edible Amazonian plants.

For more information on Inkaterra Guides Field Station and the other Inkaterra properties, please click here.

Hotels

Instagrammers of Inkaterra

This year we have been visited by guests from all over the world, and at Inkaterra we love to hear, see and listen to our guests’ one-of-a-kind experiences during a visit to the beautiful and diverse country of Peru.

From the breathtaking landscape at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, in the Andes,  to the wide variety of wildlife sightings at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, in the Amazon Rainforest of South Eastern Peru, we have been inundated with numerous stunning photographs and videos shared by our guests on Instagram. We wish we could share all of them with you but this post would be never ending! So here are a few of our favourites from the year so far:

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Meet Josie! The semi-wild Andean bear (aka spectacled Bear b/c the yellow markings around their eyes resemble glasses 🤓). Josie came to the @inkaterrahotels Spectacled Bear Project as a circus bear and was def not living her best life. Thankfully she was rescued and lives this semi-wild life in the stunning cloud forests of Peru right next to Machu Picchu! She can't be released fully in to the wild but trust me, this is def the next best thing and she has a very happy life in a very open space. She still remembers some of her old tricks like opening water bottles and as long as these tasks are done so on her terms and associated with only positive reinforcement then that's a good thing. The benefit to her opening her special drink is not only that she enjoys it but that was how I was able to give her medical supplements! FYI Josie's "juice" was coconut milk + fruit juice + a multivitamin formula. I hope you guys can see more of Josie tonight on the season finale of #EvanGoesWild on @animalplanet at 9p E/P! And you can also watch on the Animal Planet GO app, Hulu, and the link in my bio. The more of you that watch means the better chance we have of getting season 2 full of more opportunities to help wildlife and animals around the world! #andean #spectacled #bear #peru #wildlife #conservation #🐻

A post shared by Evan Antin 🐊🐣🐒🐱🐺🐢🐖🐍🐅🐿🐇 (@dr.evanantin) on

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On location in the Sacred Valley with @inkaterrahotels shooting (and enjoying!) their delicious new spa. Nestled into the Andean mountains and surrounded by birds, agriculture and the starriest nights – it’s a dream to partner with a hotel committed to working with the environment and developing sustainable tourism (more on this soon!). Plenty of pinch me moments happened here. Swipe to see the twilight view from the heated pool… . . . . . #mytinyatlas #mydomainetravels #tlpicks #electrifytravels #gogoop #igerssouthamerica #culturetrip #jetsettering #beautifuldestinations #iamatraveler #suitcasetravels #designmilktravels #traveldeeper #forbestravelguide #darlingescapes #electrifytravels #wearetravelgirls #sheisnotlost #sidewalkerdaily #ladiesgoneglobal #womenwhotravel #iamatraveller #natgeotravel #southamerica #discoversouthamerica #mylpguide #ourlonelyplanet #inkaterra #natgeo #peru #sacredvalley

A post shared by Lean Timms (@leantimms) on

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El canopy es muy popular en los bosques porque se tiene arboles de mas 100 metros que pueden soportar el peso de varias personas y se pueda transitar a travez de estos gigantes en plena selva, un deleite para no perderse en estos lugares The canopy is very popular in the forests because you have trees of more than 100 meters that can support the weight of several people and you can travel through these giants in the jungle, a delight not to get lost in these places #canopy #shoot #super_photo #picamazing #photoofday #discoverearth #Instagram #instagood #instalike #shoot #photographs #naturephoto #natural #trees #earth #perfect #nature #nature_perfection #naturelove #photoofday #up #trees #gate #jungle #forest #puertomaldonado #tambopata #beautiful #explorer #outdoor

A post shared by freddie cuba marin (@freddiecuba) on

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Sunset in the jungle 🇵🇪 this was the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. In one of our night excursion to see river animals at @inkaterrahotels, we were gliding on the river and as the sun went down there was this feeling that the jungle was about to change completely. It was going to be nighttime now, everything was moving, monkeys were jumping around to find a place to sleep, capybaras were on the river banks trying to find food, and you could spot the caimans eyes on the river banks as they were ready to jump on their prey for dinner. But along with this I couldn’t stop looking up as a million stars were starting to show up in the sky …. completely mesmerising experience Nowhere else in the world could you see the stars so well ————————————————- #sunsets #sunset_pics #sunsetlover #sunset_love #sunset_hunter #sunset_ig #sunset_madness_ #sunset_captures #sunsetphotography #inthejungle #inthejunglethemightyjungle #intothewild #madrededios #perutravel #peru🇵🇪 #amazonriver #puertomaldonado

A post shared by Mélanie G (@heavenly_melly) on

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Perfect place to wind down after a long day of exploring🌿Zach and I loved being immersed in the jungle at the lovely @inkaterrhotels in Machu Picchu🦎this was the perfect place to reflect on all of the adventures we had embarked on in Peru🌳surrounded by nature with birds chirping and watching the trains arrive at the station 🚞 stay tuned for our full itinerary coming soon 🤗 #lexandzach . . . #instainteriors #jungalow #ispyraddesign #howihaven #piscosour #luxuryresort #hotelbar #hotelstory #uniquehotels #romanticstays #bestplacesTogo #welivetoexplore #worldnomads #awesomelifestyle #myeverydaymagic #beautyintheeveryday #byfolk #theartofslowliving #perutravel #myfavoritecocktail #cocktaillounge #cafelounge

A post shared by Alexis Corry & Zach Kappel (@lexandzachtravel) on

This is a small selection of the wonderful photos that have been shared with us. We are always delighted to see that our visitors are keen to post their individual perspectives of our properties with us and their followers.

If you’re planning to visit Inkaterra this year, be sure to explore our blog and create your perfect trip by reading our Peruvian bucket list. You can also find out exactly what treatments you can try at ENA Spa or at any of our Spas and discover some of the nature activities and excursions offered throughout the evening at each Inkaterra property.

Make sure to tag @Inkaterrahotels to share your adventures with us and if you ever find yourself daydreaming of Inkaterra, be sure to search #Inkaterra and @inkaterrahotels to fulfill your Peruvian wanderlust…

For more information on Inkaterra, visit our website.


Events, Our Peru

The ancient rituals of Inti Raymi

Commencing on Monday 24th June is the ancient celebration of Inti Raymi, one of the most important ceremonies in the Incan Empire calendar. Meaning ‘festival of the sun’ in Quechua, the first festival was held in 1412 and is a celebration of both the winter solstice and the Inca new year.

inti raymi is celebrated all over Peru

In the times of the Incan Dynasty, Inti Raymi was the most important of four ceremonies celebrated in Haukaypata, Cusco’s main square. Traditionally, the Inti Raymi was preceded by three days of purification and fasting, which included participants consuming only water, uncooked corn and chucam.

Then, on the morning of the solstice, the people of Cusco would gather in the square, remove their shoes and face the rising sun. As the sun rose higher in the sky, people would crouch down and blow kisses in a sign of respect, before raising two golden cups filled to the brim with offerings. Traditionally, the cup on the left was presented to the sun, whilst the cup on the right was for the Sapa Inca (the local ruler) and the Kuracas (his company).

Traditionally Inti Raymi was preceded by three days of purification and fasting

Following days of colourful dances and processions, the celebrations culminated in the sacrifice of llamas, and sometimes children, at the Coricancha temple. This was done as an offering to Pachamama, (Mother Earth) a revered goddess in Incan mythology, in order to ensure a good harvest the following year.

Image result for plaza de armas cusco

The last ancient Inti Raymi took place in 1535, as the ceremony (along with other Incan religious festivals) was banned by following the Spanish colonisation. However the ancient celebration was revived in the 1900s, and has continued to the present day as a theatrical representation of the original event, re-enacting the original ceremony and attracting thousands of Peruvian people from Cusco and the surrounding communities, as well as travellers from all over the world.

With the main celebration taking place at Sacsayhuaman, Cusco’s nearby Inca fortress and one of the most iconic Inca ruins, Inkaterra La Casona

With the main celebration taking place at Sacsayhuaman, Cusco’s nearby Inca fortress and one of the most iconic Inca ruins, guests of Inkaterra La Casona will be staying just a short distance away from the live performances, acts and exhibitions that make up the festival. As one of South America’s largest festivals, Inti Raymi is one of the best ways to experience ancient Peruvian culture.

While experiencing Inti Ryami and exploring Cusco you can stay a short distance away at Inkaterra La Casona

If you would like to know more about Inkaterra La Casona, or any of the other Inkaterra properties, please click here.


Experiences, Hotels

Special Evenings with Inkaterra

While staying at Inkaterra there is such a wide variety of nature activities and excursions, each offering a unique experience for guests to take part in. As the sun sets over the stunning Peruvian landscapes the adventure continues with a plethora of evening activities.

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Madre de Dios-Tambopata

When dusk falls, take a ride by outboard motorised canoe on the Madre de Dios river. Learn about the river ecosystems, Amazonian creeks, nocturnal animals behaviour, and the southern constellations. This magical evening allows guests to spend time enjoying the Peruvian landscapes and stunning sunsets over the vast Madre de Dios river, taking in the colours, the shadows and the sounds as day turns to night. A particularly special evening excursion for families and friends.

As day turns to evening you can watch the sun set over the Madre de Dios river.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Madre de Dios-Tambopata

Discover the “Rainforest by night”. Thriving with the noises and smells of the wild, biological activity differs greatly between night and day in the Amazonian ecosystem. At Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica we offer a very special tour of the jungle to give guests a taste of this. Beginning at twilight, guests are led by one of our knowledgeable Explorer Guides to have the opportunity of discovering the fauna which would usually be fast asleep during the day.

Venture into the rainforest and experience the mystery of the animal activity that awakens in the rainforest after dark, enhancing animal resources to create new adaptation mechanisms. Listen to nocturnal forest sounds and spot species that only emerge at night. 

Explore the rainforest throughout the evening during Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica's "Rainforest by Night" excursion.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and El MaPi, by Inkaterra, Machu Picchu Pueblo

Take a full day to embark on an excursion to the famous peak of Wayna Picchu – meaning young mountain – which features in most of the beautiful pictures we see taken from the top of the famous Machu Picchu. Visit the historical citadel of Machu Picchu with a private guide, followed by an hour-trek up Wayna Picchu.

The steep trail, overlooking Machu Picchu, clings to the side of the mountain, leading the adventurous traveler to a remote corner of this archaeological site. In addition to a magnificent bird’s-eye view of neighbouring Machu Picchu, the summit also offers a perfect vantage point to take in the Vilcanota River, the mountain of Putukusi and the distant snow-capped Andean peaks. Descend in the late afternoon to find yourself back at Machu Picchu Pueblo, at the start of another wonderful evening with Inkaterra.

If you have checked into Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, our intimate Andean village-style property with terraced hills and exuberant tropical gardens, you can enjoy the Twilight Walk excursion designed to connect visitors to the nature’s core elements like an enchanting waterfall, pre-Inca pictographs and more. Finish the evening with a hearty and traditional dinner in our glass house dining room, surrounded by the wilderness you have become well-acquainted with throughout a very special, historical day.

An evening at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel can feature a Twilight Walk excursion, connecting guests to nature

If you choose to stay at El MaPi by Inkaterra, you will be greeted by our smart, contemporary and cosy atmosphere. Visit the property’s new Spa del Bosque for an essential Deep Tissue Therapy treatment after your day of trekking or, if you’re feeling thirsty, toast to your days achievements with an exceptional Pisco cocktail at the bar.

Enjoy an evening at El Mapi by Inkaterra, with traditional Pisco sours after spending the day trekking.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Sacred Valley of the Incas

Wind down in unparalleled luxury at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba and take in the breathtaking views of the sunset over the Sacred Valley of the Incas from the relaxation room in Mayu Spa. Having enjoyed the Terapia Para El Caminante meaning “Therapy for the Walker” after a long excursion to a nearby ruin, any stress of body or mind will simply melt away.

Alternatively, if you don’t feel you have stretched your legs enough for the day, take the peaceful and mystical “Twilight Mountain” tour beginning at sunset and ending with storytelling discovery of Andean astronomy. Learn about the importance of the Milky Way’s proximity to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the history of the symbolic Andean Cross and other tales of the unique relationship the Incas held with the dark spaces between the stars.

An evening at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba can be filled with stunning views of the imposing green mountains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

To find out more about the magical evenings at Inkaterra visit our website – www.inkaterra.com.