Inkaterra is proud to announce an updated deluxe edition of its widely-acclaimed book on native orchids, Machu Picchu: An Orchid Symphony. The book is an unprecedented scientific statement on one of Machu Picchu’s most astonishing manifestations of life, the orchid. The book features 425 native orchids, the greatest number of species native to one given region.

Curated by Inkaterra Asociación biologist Benjamín Collantes, the 500-page large format book includes photographs in 35mm format of each orchid species in full bloom on site, an extraordinary accomplishment as some of these rare flowers only blossom for a few hours every year.

Machu Picchu: An Orchid Symphony will be released in 2024 and comprises a blooming calendar and essays on fascinating subjects, such as Machu Picchu’s ecology and natural pollination. Among the 425 orchids described in Machu Picchu: An Orchid Symphony, readers will find the 28 species new to science described by fellow researchers of Inkaterra Asociación.

By purchasing Machu Picchu: An Orchid Symphony , you will become an ally to the Machu Picchu environmental conservation strategy led by Inkaterra Asociación. Inkaterra Asociación has achieved the certification of Machu Picchu as the First Carbon Neutral Wonder of the World through ecosystem restoration and an innovative waste management plan which enhances the destination’s circular economy.

Click the following link to pre-order the limited edition of Machu Picchu: An Orchid Symphony.

On September 8, during its annual convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Society of American Travel Writers announced the five winners of the 2023 SATW Phoenix Awards for History, Culture and the Environment.

Inkaterra is one of the winners of the 2023 SATW Phoenix Awards, acknowledged as “a pioneer in sound environmental practices since its founding 47 years ago.” Named the world’s first Climate Positive hotel brand by United Nations, the seven-hotel group in the Amazon rainforest, at Machu Picchu and Cusco focuses on preserving Peru’s natural gifts and culture. “The company partners with scientists in benchmark flora and fauna studies. Species inventoried on its properties comprise 814 birds, 365 ants, 313 butterflies and more than 100 mammals.” The SATW also celebrates Inkaterra’s engagement with local communities, as “More than 4,000 locals have found Inkaterra careers in hospitality, field guidance and agroforestry projects aimed to sustain environmental stewardship.”

“Whether big or small, each winner has proven that they have successfully achieved all of the standards we require in order to receive an SATW Phoenix Award,” said Bea Broda, chair of SATW’s Phoenix Awards Committee.

“The Inkaterra family is truly honored to be a recipient of this year’s SATW Phoenix Award,” remarked Inkaterra founder and CEO José Koechlin. “It is a celebration of our innovative and replicable approach towards ecotourism across five decades, producing scientific research as a basis for biodiversity conservation and the wellbeing of local communities”.

Founded in 1969, SATW’s Phoenix Awards for History, Culture and the Environment recognize and honor destinations that showcase responsible, sustainable tourism, including conservation; preservation; beautification and anti-pollution efforts as they relate to travel. North America’s premier travel media organization maintains a long-standing focus on sustainability and appreciates the benefits of cultural understanding and economic activity that come with travel.

The organizing committee of the 7th Andean Orchid Conference would like to inform all participants of a change in venue for our event. Due to logistical reasons, the event will now be held from November 27 to 29 in the municipal auditorium of Machu Picchu Pueblo. We appreciate your understanding.

Machu Picchu Pueblo is recognized for its extraordinary biodiversity and for being the gateway to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The new location will allow our participants to immerse themselves in the diversity of Andean orchids.

To ensure a most pleasant experience, participants who have already registered for the conference can take advantage of a special rate at the El MaPi by Inkaterra in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Additionally, we are working to offer you a discount code for train transportation to and from Machu Picchu.

Our team will be glad to assist you, as we understand that this change may raise questions and some adjustments to your travel plans. For further information, please contact us at aoc@inkaterra-asociacion.org.

Spanish newspaper El País featured a captivating chronicle by travel writer Lucía Díaz Madurga on chicha de jora, Peru’s ancestral beverage based on corn fermentation. “Despite surviving in our days, now it is hard to find this millenary drink due to the secrecy of its recipe,” Lucía writes. “A drink that has been banished to some the most traditional and hidden corners, places unknown to many travelers, although nowadays chicha de jora resurfaces due to the haute cuisine.”

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, established in Cusco’s Sacred Valley, has a traditional chichería on premise where guests can learn about the process of making the traditional pre-Incan beverage.

“For us corn, named Mama Sara in Quechua (‘Mother Grain’) is essential, the most important crop besides coca leaf and potato, as it was domesticated 4500 years before Christ and played an essential role in the economy, agriculture and trade among Andean cultures,” our explorer guide Hirosi shared with El País while discussing chicha de jora’s historic and spiritual relevance.

Click here to read the full article.