05/05/2025
In 2025, Inkaterra is celebrating our 50th anniversary. As we mark this milestone, we invite our readers to relive the moments that shaped us — and the stories that established Inkaterra as a pioneer of ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru, and that continue to inspire the world’s travel industry. This is one of those stories.
Our story begins with a journey sparked by curiosity, a passion for cinema, and a deep connection with nature. In 1972, José Koechlin, founder of Inkaterra, co-produced Aguirre, the Wrath of God, the cult classic movie by filmmaker Werner Herzog. But this experience was more than cinematic. Beyond capturing Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, the project aimed to awaken global interest in the country as a travel destination. During this experience, Joe envisioned a different kind of travel — one offering travelers an authentic and immersive experience in nature while working to protect it.
Inspired by this vision, Joe set off on a new adventure, this time with an even bolder dream: to create a lodge deep in the Peruvian Amazon. His search led him to the remote and biodiverse region of Bajo Madre de Dios, where he found the perfect location to bring his vision to life.
In 1975, Inkaterra was born with the opening of our first lodge: Cusco Amazónico, now known as Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica. Accompanied by part of the Aguirre production team — including Jorge Enrique Seoane and Gustavo Cerf — Joe built the first cabins using only axes and machetes, minimizing environmental impact. The architecture, inspired by the Ese’Eja culture, used native materials that blended harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
The beginnings were humble, yet unforgettable — a far cry from the refined comfort that defines Inkaterra today. To welcome the first group of travelers — a delegation from Banque Nationale de Paris — army mattresses were borrowed and arrived just one hour before their arrival. Travelers brought their own pillows, while towels and blankets were handed out at check-in. Showers were outdoors, and a canoe served as a washbasin. Nothing was conventional — it was all part of the adventure for those who dared to explore the Peruvian jungle in the mid-70s.
Today, half a century later, Inkaterra remains committed to conservation, scientific research, and hospitality — the pillars that have guided our vision since the beginning. Proud of our roots, we continue to move forward with the same respect for nature and dedication to ecotourism. Because this story, born in the jungle, still has many chapters waiting to be written.
