14/04/2014
We thought it was time to turn our thoughts towards our ByInkaterra property this week: El MaPi Hotel Machu Picchu. Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the hustle and bustle of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and glimpse a peculiar perspective. Here you’ll discover an efficient, lively and people-friendly atmosphere; you are welcomed along with other global guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. Relax in a pleasant and wholesome ambience after your enlightening visit to Peru’s most distinguished destination, the Machu Picchu Archaeological site. We grabbed ten minutes with our resident manager Gloria Neyra, to find out their latest news.
1. Tell us a little about your background and how you came to be General Manager at El MaPi
In 2001, I ended my college education as a Tourism Business Administrator, then I stayed 4 years in Puerto Maldonado working for Rainforest Expeditions as their administrator & guide for their touristic lodges – in 2003 I also worked as a guide for Cusco Amazónico – former name of current Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. I had the opportunity to acquire experience in the hotel business when I started working for Inkaterra. I started as a senior reception officer at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, then as a deputy resident manager at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, then as Administrator at El MaPi, byIT, Resident Manager at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción and I am now the Resident Manager at El MaPi, byIT.
2. How is El MaPi unique from the other Inkaterra properties?
El Mapi, byIT, is a practical, easy going city hotel with a different concept than all other Inkaterra Hotels, but still maintains the same quality as these, giving an efficient and warm service, with a personalized attention to our guests, always keeping in mind the necessity to protect and maintain the environment. This is why in the hotel you’ll notice many of our efforts such as recycled material – wood, plastic, forged iron, etc in order to minimize the use of printed paper. Walls and mirrors are our chosen method of transmitting information to our hotel guests.
3. We hear the recent renovations at El MaPi went really well! How have the new rooms been received?
The current renovations have been received with enthusiasm by our guests who love the new design, especially in this village which is very chaotic and offers limited comfort when our hotel offers a very captivating atmosphere and responds perfectly to the necessities of our current and future guests in search of commodity and comfort. Each space and detail has been deeply thought of for their satisfaction.
4. What is so special about the area surrounding El MaPi?
El MaPi, byInkaterra, is located along the main avenue of the Machu Picchu Pueblo, just a five minute walk from the train station, one block from the main square and two from the bus station that takes guests to the Machu Picchu Citadel. Besides being so central, our guests only need to walk a few minutes to find shops and the art craft market.
5. How long do you recommend visitors should stay in Machu Picchu?
I recommend that travellers to Machu Picchu stay 3 days/2nights if possible. This gives them the opportunity to discover the Citadel of Machu Picchu with time but also appreciate many other unique attractions, such as the butterfly house, trekking to the Putukusi mountains which face the Machu Picchu Ruins, to Apu Machu Picchu, Mandor, with its falls and interesting wildlife – birds, butterflies, plants, and the Thermal Baths in the upper part of the village.
6. What’s the signature drink at the El MaPi bar? Any special offers or events coming up?
At our hotel, the signature drink is named: “El MaPi”,which is a chilcano prepared with pisco, mixed fresh mango pulp, a maceration of lemongrass & pineapple, ginger, lemon & sugar.
7. Apart from visiting Machu Picchu, what would you say is ‘not to be missed’ for visitors coming to the village of Machu Picchu (including local restaurants / bars/ shops)?
Following a visit to Machu Picchu Citadel,visitors must visit the art craft market (below), go to Mandor, trek along the Putukusi mountain or have a drink at El MaPi byIT of course!
To find out more about El MaPi click here.
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