La Hora del Planeta – Earth Hour

Following the tragic landslide (huayco) that occurred on Monday in Chosica near Lima, claiming eight lives and leaving many others injured and homeless; targeting climate change has never been more important.

On Saturday 28th March, we will be taking part in ‘La Hora del Planeta’ (Earth Hour) across our lodges to both show our support to those affected by the tragic events in Peru earlier in the week and to make a contribution to helping the planet both environmentally and socially.

Flickr Image by Woodley Wonderworks http://bit.ly/1D57h8b

Flickr Image by Woodley Wonderworks http://bit.ly/1D57h8b

Earth Hour started in 2007 by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) as a lights off event in Sydney, Australia. Now, 7000 countries across the globe participate.  The campaign has been very successful in promoting awareness of the devastating effects on our planet that are a result of climate change.

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Across all our lodges between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm on Saturday 28th March we will be switching off the power and observing these all important 60 minutes. We urge all our followers to do the same – together, we can make a difference.

For more information on Earth Hour and how you can contribute, please click here.

27.3.15

The Amazon Rainforest – One of the World's Largest Pharmacies

The Amazon rainforest, acknowledged by many as one of the largest natural pharmacies in the world, is home to an abundance of natural resources and plants, renowned for their medicinal properties. The protection of these natural elements is fundamental to maintaining this incredible hotspot of biodiversity. Here, we will explore some of the fascinating remedies that have been created from these plants by the Quechua people for generations.

Our Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge, with its 10,000 ha private ecological reserve, Reserva Ecológica  Inkaterra is adjacent to the Tambopota National Reserve in the Southern Amazon Rainforest in Peru, known as the ‘Bio-Diversity Capital of Peru’. From here, you can chose from the many excursions on offer and explore the amazing Amazon Rainforest, spotting these incredible natural remedies in their purest form as you go!

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Passion Flower

This woody vine with large white flowers is known to target anxiety and depression whilst lowering blood pressure and acts as a mild sedative. The flower was discovered by Peruvians in 1569 and is used by natural health practitioners all over the globe today.

Flickr Image by Seb Perrotin  http://bit.ly/1DXYlRQ

Flickr Image by Seb Perrotin http://bit.ly/1DXYlRQ

Cats Claw

Cats Claw, named from the horn like thorns protruding from its vines is used as a natural remedy to boost the immune system. Founded in the Amazon Rainforest 2000 years ago, Cats Claw is now used throughout the world for immunity disorders, stomach ulcers, shingles and chronic inflammation.

Flickr Image by Alien Graffiti http://bit.ly/1GTulnC

Flickr Image by Alien Graffiti http://bit.ly/1GTulnC

Maca 

A root vegetable, found in Peru and cultivated for three thousand years, its medicinal properties include treating anaemia, chronic fatigue, weak bones and is also used as an energy booster and athletic performance enhancer. Maca Powder has become prominent in recent years and is recognised as one of the world’s leading superfoods.

Flickr Image by William Ismael  http://bit.ly/1HCLJ0c

Flickr Image by William Ismael http://bit.ly/1HCLJ0c

For more information on the wellness wonders of Peru, please click here.

26.3.15

Star Light, Star Bright – Astronomy in Peru

The incredible history of the Incan Empire in Peru is of cultural significance to the country and just another reason for you to visit.

Like many ancient civilisations, astronomy played a key role in all aspects of Incan life; from governing ceremonial occasions to agricultural activities. The Planetarium in Cusco offers amazing insights into Peruvian astronomy that will mean you will never look at the sky the same again…

Flickr Image via Nathan Gibbs http://bit.ly/1H0ZRmR

Flickr Image via Nathan Gibbs http://bit.ly/1H0ZRmR

A 10 minute stroll from Inkaterra La Casona – a colonial manor house in the heart of Cusco – the Planetarium is a must visit for travellers yearning to know more about the magical skies of Peru.

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Talks on Incan astronomy and interactive workshops will teach visitors how to observe the skies and planetarium experts will explain how the architecture of Peru – particularly Machu Picchu, was intimately connected and aligned with the stars.

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The Planetarium gardens boast some of the clearest skies in Peru, ideal for stargazing. Cosy up with a blanket, hot drink and telescope and gaze upon the Black Llama and other fascinating constellations, just as the Incas did thousands of years before you.

Flickr Image courtesy of Feeb http://bit.ly/1DAqwpK

Flickr Image via Feeb http://bit.ly/1DAqwpK

For more information on the Planetarium, please click here.

19.3.15

February Round Up

Although it is the shortest month of the year, this month has been both exciting and eventful at Inkaterra. Here our February round up of our news from the past 28 days.

Society of American Travel Writers

Machu Picchu Peru was the chosen destination for the latest Society of American Travel Writers Council. Inkaterra and PromPeru organised the trip, sponsored by Libertador and Inca Rail, which involved forty American Travel Writers venturing to Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu to experience the cultural legacy and bio-diversity of the country.

Educational Travel Community 

World Environment Day at Inkaterra

Our CEO, Jose Koechlin attended the Educational Travel Community event in Boston on 20th February. Our volunteering programmes were presented to emphasise our 40-year commitment to scientific research, conservation and sustainable development.

Wild Orchid Man 

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Orchid taxologist and artist, Stig Dalström and film-maker and composer, Darryl Saffer, completed their fourth documentary together at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel this month. ‘Wild Orchid Man, Journey to Machu Picchu’ was filmed at the Native Orchid Garden at IMPP which is home to 372 species of orchid. The film will premier tonight, March 12th at the Glenridge Performing Arts Centre in Sarasota, Florida.

Cabo Blanco

screen-shot-2013-08-02-at-17-59-27 We are thrilled that renowned Peruvian cuisine chef, Gastón Acurio has praised the Inkaterra Asociación’s Cabo Blanco proposal to the Ministry of Environment. This would be the first Peruvian sea sustainability project of its kind and considers an area of 650.000HA aiming to conserve the habitat that houses 35% of the country’s marine diversity.

12.3.15

Peru emerges as a new hot-spot for Wellness Wanderers

The search for wellness is a hot topic in 2015. In the past few years, Peru has been firmly placed on the culinary map thanks to the rise of restaurants such as Ceviche and Coya London bringing Peruvian cuisine into the mainstream. But as our attention turns away from our stomachs to focus on our health, Peru is emerging as one of the newest Wellness Destinations.

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Firstly, this is in thanks to the prime location. Machu Picchu is a sacred destination for the ancient Incas, who regarded it as a spiritual, almost mythical place. High up in the Andes, the altitude has a positive effect on your health, with the frequency of obesity, diabetes and coronary artery disease being drastically reduced. Unfortunately for most, permanent residency isn’t an option. However the trek up to the citadel is certain to get the heart pumping, and with some 1500 steps on the Inca Trail, those leg muscles will certainly ache.

Wellness is not just about exercise, but about nutrition too. Peru is also home to some of the newest ‘super foods’ – heralded to be the perfect compliment to any diet.

Maca is a native Peruvian plant that grows high in the Andes. Though not much to look at, resembling a small, rough stone, Maca is packed full of amino acids, vitamins and minerals which help to increase energy, reduce stress and create an overall revitalising effect.

Via FussyFoodie.co.uk
Though we hear that chocolate is the dieter’s worst enemy, the natural Cacao which was cultivated over 3,000 years ago has some surprising health benefits. It is rich in vitamin B, as well as iron and zinc. That doesn’t mean you can help yourself to the next tray of chocolates – sadly the added fats and sugars in commercial chocolate don’t have the same benefits. Instead go for raw cacao to make the most of this natural ‘food of gods’.

Lucuma is making headlines in the UK as one of the newest super foods favoured by celebrities and fitness fanatics. Known colloquially as the gold of the Incas, this tropical fruit tastes like caramel, pumpkin and syrup – no wonder it is Peru’s favourite ice-cream flavour. Despite the natural sweetness lucuma is full of health benefits – it is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as being known to lower blood pressure.

Lucama, via DetoxYourWorld.com

Eating right and exercising is a sure way to put the spring back into your step, but there is another way of rejuvinating. The Inkaterra Unu Spa offers a unique concept that combines the classic nurturing of a SPA with a mystical Andean  approach. All the products used in the Unu Spa are 100% natural, derived from local botanical extracts, for example the Coca leaf, which has been identified as one of the essential elements of the magical, religious and medicinal rituals of the Andean tradition.

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Taking inspiration from the Incan heritage, the unique Andean Sauna at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel uses heated stones in a candle-lit eucalyptus hut located next to the natural spring water pond, providing a unique, natural spa experience, which is sure to revitalise and rejuvenate guests.

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So we have the food, the exercise and the spa treatments – now all we need is you.

4.3.15