New species of Orchid found at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

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Inkaterra has been in the spotlight again; this time for its magnificent collection of orchids. The American Orchid Society has stated that in all probability Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel has the world’s biggest collection of native orchid species (372) in their natural habitat, within a private setting. Now biologists and nature lovers will be excited to hear that two new species of orchid have been found on the premises of the hotel.

Biologists have confirmed the presence of the new-to-science and recently identified bromeliads around Machu Picchu and at the hotel itself. The two bromeliad species, Guzmania inkaterrae Gouda & C.Soto and Tillandsia machupicchuensis Gouda & Julio Ochoa, have been acknowledged by Dr. Eric J. Gouda, Seed Distribution Manager at University Utrecht Botanical Gardens, Netherlands. The Andean cloud forest is home to a large range of native orchids and it is one of the most significant sites from which visitors to the Machu Picchu Nature Reserve can appreciate these beautiful flowers. The unrivalled Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel’s native orchid garden and expert guided trails are available for those eager to learn more.

Whilst at the hotel, guests can feast their eyes on the miniscule Lepanthes, Trichosalpinx and Stelis, the enormous Phramipedium caudatumand the fragrant Ida locusta, not forgetting the vast range of other orchid species, such as the Kefersteinia koechlinorum and the Masdevallia marizae Luer & Rolando. Not only an orchid-lover’s paradise, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a must visit for all kinds of nature lovers.  The hotel can arrange excursions to see its 200 species of bird, 111 species of butterfly, experience a magical twilight tour, visit the organic tea plantation and of course witness the mighty ruins of Machu Picchu.

The best way to see these natural wonders is by taking an Orchid Trail Excursion: A three day, two night trip through the Andean cloud forest. Trip highlights include:

  • Personalized guided tour of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Orchid Trail by one of our nature specialists or, upon special request, by our Resident Chief Biologist, an author of the book, “Orchids at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel”.
  • A large variety of native orchids to be seen at the peak blooming season in their cloud forest habitat, with their natural pollinators.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the grand glass-walled restaurant overlooking the Vilcanota River and the Machu Picchu cloud forest.
  • Choose excursions from an array of nature activities: Nature Walk, Bird Tour, Twilight Walk, Tea Plantation and Tea House.
  • A relaxing De-stress massage.

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Make 2013 the year you come to Peru and see this wonder of nature for yourself with Inkaterra.

23.11.12

Inkaterra: A World Travel Awards Nominee

It’s been another great week for Inkaterra. We have been nominated in The World Travel Awards as a potential winner of the World’s Leading Corporate Social Responsibility Programme for our Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Voting for the awards is now open and closes on November 25th. The World Travel Awards was founded in 1993 to recognise, acknowledge and reward excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry worldwide. Now in their 19th year, The World Travel Awards is regarded as the highest achievement in travel, tourism and hospitality.

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Since 1975 we have ensured that our CSR efforts have been at the heart of everything we do at Inkaterra. We strongly believe that we all need to change our behaviour as individuals, as countries and as a global community. We all contribute to global warming; thus, everyone needs to be part of the solution. Inkaterra has become a truly Carbon-Neutral organisation, and every guest at Inkaterra has a 100% Carbon Neutral hotel stay. In addition, Inkaterra actively encourages their clients and guests to offset their carbon emissions of their flights through Sustainable Travel International (STI) Carbon Calculator (online at the Inkaterra website).

This is just one of many acts that we carry out to ensure we act responsibly in all our decision making. We are devoted to ensuring our conservation and scientific research is achieved through self-supported sustainable tourism, always respecting authentic cultural, social and environmental values of the local communities in which we operate.

Inkaterra is setting a precedent as one of the leading and most influential tourism companies in Peru, taking the lead in sustainability and the fight against global warming. After 37 years within the hospitality industry, we are honoured to be nominated in this WTA category, and hope that others feel that we deserve this accolade also. Please register and nominate for Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel here.

Winners will be announced in December. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates on Inkaterra and the World Travel Awards.

19.11.12

Inkaterra: Winner of the LATA 2012 Award for Sustainability

It was celebrations all round this week, as Inkaterra was recognised for the third consecutive year at this year’s LATA Awards in London. This year Inkaterra were awarded for their efforts towards Sustainability.

The awards recognise and reward members for their excellence in areas including sustainability, customer service, innovation and promotional success while encouraging travel to the region. The annual awards are highly regarded amongst the Latin American travel industry and seen as a true reflection of the companies who go above and beyond on a day-to-day basis while working in the region. Nominations come from LATA members, all specialists in their field, who are asked to put forward the company or individual, that they think are most worthy of an award in the specific areas. A panel of judges appointed by the LATA committee then decide on the winners.

Since 1975 Inkaterra has been leading the way in eco-tourism and sustainability in South America. Their mission seeks to achieve excellence in eco-tourism and conservation, continually evaluating the real cultural, social and natural values around us whilst creating authentic experiences for their guests. Inkaterra promotes Scientific Research for the Conservation of Ecosystems and Natural Resources funded by Ecotourism, as a replicable model for local communities; offering authentic experiences, capturing, disseminating and educating about the culture and nature of Peru.

LATA Chairman, Chris Pickard, said: “It is always an honour to present these awards to the most deserving members, who really have shone out as leaders in their area of expertise, particularly companies such as Inkaterra that are achieving excellence year after year. These winners inspire and encourage others to follow in their footsteps and highlight the very best that Latin America has to offer.”

Inkaterra are delighted to receive this award and look forward to continue to lead the way in their sustainability efforts in Latin America.

9.11.12