Celebrating Fiestas Patrias in Peru

The 28th July is a significant date in the Peruvian calendar. Known as Fiestas Patrias, this national holiday marks the anniversary of Peru’s independence from the Spanish Empire in 1821 by José de San Martín.

Image result for José de San Martín.

Martín was a Spanish-Argentine general and freedom fighter that lead a Liberating Expedition in 1820. After a series of military conflicts across Latin America in the 19th century, the Peruvian Act of Independence was drafted on July 15th 1821, with Martín officially declaring Peru’s independence from Spanish rule on July 28th in the Plaza Mayor.

This proclamation of independence resulted in a national holiday that has continued to be celebrated by the citizens of Peru over 100 years later. As part of these celebrations, people gather in Plazas across Peru in order to partake in the festivities. These are most prominent in the capital, Lima, where the official celebration begins with the sound of 21 cannons and the raising of the Peruvian flag. Following a mass held by the archbishop of Lima, the day features delicious foods and live music, concluding with grand fireworks displays across the country.

The celebrations continue on the following day, and are dedicated to honoring the Armed Forces and National Police of Peru. This day features a grand procession where representatives of these forces partake in the Great Military Parade. This too begins with the raising of the flag and the playing of the National Anthem. The streets are decorated with patriotic colours and the procession begins with the president of Peru, who gives permission for the parade to commence.

An ideal place to visit during these festivities is Machu Picchu, the gorgeous Peruvian mountain range northwest of the city of Cusco. Numerous vibrant celebrations take place in Machu Picchu Pueblo (commonly names Aguas Calientes for its nearby thermal baths) where Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is situated. As one of Peru’s top hotels, you can enjoy the luxury UNU Spa facilities and other in-house activities and beautiful views whilst engaging in the nearby celebrations.

If you would like to know more about Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, or any of the other Inkaterra properties, please click here.

TRAVEL + LEISURE AWARDS INKATERRA AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST HOTEL BRANDS

The influential lifestyle magazine TRAVEL+LEISURE (American Express Group) just announced its 2019 World’s Best Award Winners. Inkaterra is named as third best in the ‘World’s Best Hotel Brands’, a selection of the 25 outstanding companies in the hospitality industry. It is the only Peruvian brand mentioned in this ranking.

“It is truly an honor to have a Peruvian brand among the world’s 25 best, according to Travel+Leisure’ readers,” stated José Koechlin von Stein, Inkaterra founder and CEO. “We are so grateful with our travelers’ invaluable support, who acknowledge four decades of teamwork, resilience and perseverance to share Peru’s cultural richness and natural diversity with the entire world”.

Inkaterra is honored to be awarded 3rd in Travel + Leisure's Readers choice awards

Established in 1975, Inkaterra pioneered ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru. According to its holistic approach, the brand produces scientific research as a basis for biodiversity conservation, education and the wellbeing of local communities in the Amazon rainforest of Madre de Dios, the Machu Picchu cloud forest, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the city of Cusco and the Tropical Sea, coast and dry desert of Cabo Blanco in Northern Peru.

Celebrated for its hotels’ artisanal design, inspired by native architecture and built with local materials in harmony with the environment, Inkaterra caters to more than 200,000 travelers every year. The brand is member of various alliances, including Relais & Châteaux, Virtuoso and National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.

 TRAVEL + LEISURE PREMIA A INKATERRA COMO UNA DE LAS MEJORES MARCAS DE HOTELES DEL MUNDO

La influyente revista de viajes y estilo de vida TRAVEL+LEISURE anunció este miércoles 10 de julio a los ganadores de los World’s Best Awards 2019. La cadena de hoteles Inkaterra destaca en el tercer puesto de la categoría ‘Mejores Marcas de Hoteles del Mundo’, una selección de las 25 compañías mejor reconocidas en la industria de la hospitalidad. Se trata de la única marca peruana en el mencionado ranking.

“Es un verdadero orgullo que una marca peruana se encuentre entre las 25 favoritas, de acuerdo a la opinión de los lectores de Travel+Leisure”, expresó José Koechlin von Stein, fundador y presidente de Inkaterra. “Agradecemos el invaluable apoyo de nuestros viajeros, quienes hacen posible este reconocimiento a cuatro décadas de trabajo en equipo, resiliencia y perseverancia para compartir con el mundo la riqueza cultural y la diversidad natural del Perú”.

Discover each of our award winning hotels by visiting our website - www.inkaterra.com

Fundada en 1975, Inkaterra es pionera del ecoturismo y el desarrollo sostenible en el Perú. De acuerdo a su visión holística, produce investigación científica como punto de partida para

determinar la conservación de la biodiversidad, la educación y el bienestar de las comunidades locales en el bosque amazónico de Madre de Dios, el bosque de nubes de Machu Picchu, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, la ciudad del Cusco y el desierto marino-costero de Cabo Blanco.

Reconocida por el diseño artesanal de sus hoteles, inspirados en la arquitectura nativa y construidos con materiales locales en armonía con el entorno natural, Inkaterra es visitada cada año por más de 200,000 viajeros. La cadena forma parte de diversas alianzas, entre ellas Relais & Châteaux, Virtuoso y National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.


An Adventure Guide to Inkaterra

Here at Inkaterra, we’re dedicated to delivering authentic, immersive experiences, while striving to protect and preserve the flora and fauna that flourish in Peru. With an array of exhilarating excursions, we cater to each and every kind of adventurer, from family travellers to solo explorers. Here are just a few of the experiences you can enjoy  while staying at Inkaterra:

The archaeological site of Pisaq

While staying at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, you can discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas’ finest and most impressive Inca complex — the archaeological site of Pisaq — from terraces built on its hills and overlooking the typical village of Pisac. To get to this historical point you can hike the winding paths along the mountain cliffs, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. 

Once you have explored the ancient buildings, you can pay a visit to the colourful town and market down in the valley, where an artisan fair is stocked with fine woven crafts, tapestries, handicrafts and textiles from the local community and neighbouring villages. On Sundays a mass is celebrated in Quechua language with the assistance of local mayors or varayoc wearing their native clothes and accompanied by the sound of pututos (a traditional musical instrument made of a marine shell that emits a powerful sound)

Inkaterra Canopy Walkway

A visit to Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica is not complete without walking along the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. Start your adventure with a motorised canoe ride to the Interpretation Center before climbing the first tower of the walkway at 125 feet (38m) above the forest floor. Walk through the treetops along seven suspension bridges that link eight observation platforms and enjoy sounds and, smells, also landscapes and views not visible from the ground, while looking out for wildlife hidden in the trees.

Machu Picchu

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is ideally located near the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, you can discover the history of this site with a private guide before trekking up Wayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu mountain. These steep trails, overlooking Machu Picchu, cling to the side of the mountain leading adventurers to a remote corner of the archaeological site for a bird’s-eye view. From the summit, take in the Vilcanota River and the distant snow-capped Andean peaks.

Rainbow Mountain

While visiting Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco, from April to December, you can take a two-day tour to the Vinicunca Mountain through our Inkaterra Experiences department in partnership with a friendly local operator. Due to the naturally-occurring mineral gold, red, turquoise, blue and purple stripes, this site is often referred to as ‘Rainbow Mountain’. 

From the trailhead of Quesoyoni you can trek uphill to Anantapata, where there are unrivalled views of the magnificent Ausangate Mountain. Spend a night under the stars in Surine Qorcha before continuing on your short hike to the Rainbow Mountain, standing out against the snow-peppered peaks of neighbouring Ausangate. After resting and enjoying the Peruvian landscapes, head downhill, following the K’airahuire Valley, before taking a private transfer from Quesoyoni to Inkaterra La Casona. 

This excursion may also be a one-day tour with a slightly different route and is recommended to fit travellers only due to the high altitude.

Whether you’re returning to Inkaterra or it’s your first time visiting us, you can always find an adventure waiting for you. Discover more about the nature activities and excursions offered at each Inkaterra property by visiting our website, www.inkaterra.com

Be sure to share your adventures with us by tagging @Inkaterrahotels and, if you find yourself daydreaming of Inkaterra, be sure to search #Inkaterra and @Inkaterrahotels to fulfil your Peruvian wanderlust.