Festival Season in Peru

Across the world, ‘festival season’ has begun in earnest, and we’ve outlined some of the best festivals and celebrations in Peru this summer, meaning there is no excuse for missing a true Peruvian party.

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In June we have the world-famous Inti Raymi celebration. The Festival of the Sun is a hugely popular event in Peru, and on the 24th June, Cusco will be covered in bright colours, vibrant costumes, colourful dancers and music in celebration. Inti Raymi culminates a week of festivities in Cusco, marking the Incan ceremonies and traditions of the winter solstice. This is a highlight in the Peruvian calendar, and the celebrations have spread internationally, meaning this is more than just a Peruvian tradition, and more of a world class festival.

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July brings a celebration of history, with Fiestas Patrias – or Peruvian Independence Day. In 1821, Peru declared itself independent from Spanish colonialists, and this celebration marks the birth of the best country in South American (of course, we’re biased.) Celebrations are again colourful and vibrant, with traditional dance performances, official street parades, fireworks and traditional entertainments such as horsemanship.
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August is the month dedicated to Pachamama, the Earth Mother. In the Southern Andes, August is the coldest month, and is therefore seen as an ‘unlucky’ time for crop growing and harvest. During this time Andean people believe that they must be on good terms with nature in order to keep themselves and their crops and livestock healthy and protected. Traditionally, before Andean New Year on the 1st August, families prepare to honour Pachamama by cooking a huge feast. The host then digs a hole in the ground, and if the soil comes out cleanly, this means that it will be a good year; If it does not, the year will not bountiful. Before any of the guests are allowed to eat, the first plate of food is offered to Pachamama as a ‘sacrifice’.
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Peru is renowned for its friendly and welcoming nature, and what better time to experience the vibrant culture and traditions that one of these summertime festivals.

27.5.15

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Executive Chef – Rafael Casin on Earth to Plate

Rafael Casin, our executive chef at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba conceptualised and created a unique gourmet offering for guests at the hacienda, using his concept: Earth to Plate. With a strong focus on using the produce of the Urubamba Valley to give guests a unique taste experience that is exclusive to Inkaterra. Here, Rafael explains the reasoning behind the concept.

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Rafael Casin 72dpi (2)

”The cuisine of the region was our main inspiration behind Earth to Plate. We use as much local produce as possible whilst utilising the organic production of our native farm. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba has a large store of food with its 3 hectare farm and we have enough local produce which we share with our Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.”

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”The Earth to Plate” concept starts from the minute you arrive with the welcome-drink, chicha morada that is made from the purple corn from the grounds. I would then go for the pastel de choclo for a starter, because there’s nothing better than Urubamban corn.”

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My choice of main would be between the aromatic tagliatelle with wild pine tree mushrooms that only sprout after lightning in the forests around Cusco or the baked smobish trout.”

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”The Earth to Plate” concept means that we rely upon our orchard and local farms to ensure we create fresh, artfully crafted cuisine that will give you a foodie experience like no other.

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For more information on the Earth to Plate concept, please click here.

20.5.15

The Last Month at Inkaterra

April at Inkaterra has been both exciting and action packed with new openings, lots of visitors and some exciting initiatives taking place. made for an exciting and packed April. For those of you that couldn’t join us, we have put together a list of highlights so you can share in the excitement.

From Earth to Plate at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

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In the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba boasts 100 acres (40.47 has.) of  land, nestled amongst the stunning Andean surroundings. This marvellous landscape has made  way for the hacienda’s new ‘earth to plate’ concept that allows guests to pick  their own produce from some of the most fertile land in Peru before enjoying a delicious meal prepped by chef Rafael Casin. Journalist  Paul Richardson recently visited the hacienda in ‘its glorious setting’  and experienced this concept first hand. Roaming the land with our ecological guide José Luis Lavilla, Paul studied the chacra that is home to a vast expanse of crops including ‘waving fronds’ of potatoes and quinoa as well as tree tomatoes and peppers all of which are used in our kitchen at the property. Find out more about Paul Richardson’s visit here.

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Emotions Travel Community

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In its second year, the  Emotions Travel Community was held at Faena Art Centre in Argentina. All five Inkaterra properties were showcased including our eco- tourism initiatives that we have pioneered for the past 40 years. The event was wrapped up with a cocktail reception, hosted by owner and chef Jean Paul Bandoux from Relais & Châteaux.

Movies on the Beach

Cabo Blanco - A sea worth saving - Inkaterra

As part of Cabo Blanco‘s 100th anniversary and to raise awareness on marine diversity, the Inkaterra Asociación organised an outdoor screening of the Disney documentary ‘Oceans’ followed by ‘Rutas de Gigantes’, a film that promotes eco-tourism as a source of income for local populations in Los Órganos and Cabo Blanco.

15.5.15

What to Take When Trekking in Peru

Whether you are trekking the infamous trek up to Machu Picchu, exploring one of our nature trails or trailing the Amazon Rainforest; we at Inkaterraå know how essential it is to plan ahead to make sure your backpack has everything you need to make your adventure enjoyable. We have taken a few tips from our Inkaterra Travel Recommendations Pack for items that should be in your bag when trekking in Peru.

Machu Picchu

Footwear

We recommend sturdy hiking boots as opposed to trainers. Ideally, these should be breathable to keep your feet dry and have good ankle support. Definitely break these in before starting your trek – you certainly don’t want blisters ruining the amazing experience! If blisters are a problem, then make sure you have a roll of Zinc tape in your bag – an easy and effective way of avoiding rubbing.

Flickr image courtesy of Alan Levine http://bit.ly/1zB7f6w

Flickr image courtesy of Alan Levine http://bit.ly/1zB7f6w

Trousers

First and foremost, go for long trousers; if you wear shorts or cut offs, you run the risk of mosquito bites. Materials that dry quickly are also recommended, just incase you get wet along the way (this can be likely, the weather changes dramatically depending on elevation and season) Comfort is the most important thing – a baggy pair of trousers allows for room to move and also stops mosquitoes being able to bit through the fabric.
Flickr image courtesy of Katja Schulz http://bit.ly/1c5wV07

Flickr image courtesy of Katja Schulz http://bit.ly/1c5wV07

Fleece

Fleece is the ideal material for hiking or trekking as it’s lightweight and comfortable. It’s easy to carry and can be easily rolled up to fit in your backpack.  It also dries quickly when you get wet – which happens quite frequently in the rainforest!

Rain Poncho

This is the preferable option over a rain jacket. It’s easy to carry, take on and off and can even cover your backpack as well!

Cataraya De Mandor Waterfall Flowing into the Urubamba River

Mosquito Repellent

Plenty of strong natural & organic mosquito repellent is a must! At Inkaterra we provide lemongrass, proven to be an effective mosquito repellent. Ensure your body and even your clothes are covered to make sure you don’t get nipped by pesky bugs.

Flickr image courtesy of Mike Mozart http://bit.ly/1zBc93m

Flickr image courtesy of Mike Mozart http://bit.ly/1zBc93m

For more information on treks and excursions from our Inkaterra properties, please click here.

8.5.15