19/01/2016
An enchanting aspect of the Inkaterra experience is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of our fauna friends. Throughout the past year, we’ve spotted a flurry of wildlife playing amidst the scenery that surrounds our Inkaterra properties, transcending land and water.
One exhilarating sighting was on the 28th July, the Independence day of Peru, where the team spotted an Andean Condor, whichbeing listed as endangered gave us another reason to celebrate. Whilst trekking to Huchu Qosqo archaeological centre, the majestic bird was caught posing over an Incan wall on the edge of the mountain ridge. With its charcoal colours feathers flapping effortlessly against the mountain breeze the condor, perched serenely, appeared unfazed by the passersby.
Another incredible sighting was of the iconic Andean Bear, our very own Paddington. As he tears away branches, perched against fallen trees of the Vilcanota River near Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, the two-metre tall wild Andean Spectacled Bear is unaware of an Inkaterra Explorer guide, and his three inquisitive accomplices, watching in awe. The Andean Bear sat camouflaged amidst the dense bushes. It wasn’t until he padded through a baron area that, binoculars aside, the group got a clear view of their furry friend, his dense, black fur shining in the Peruvian sunlight.
Inkaterra Macchu Pichu Pueblo Hotel appears to be a discovery hotspot as a sighting of a Neotropical otter shortly followed.
During a birding excursion, a group of travellers led by Inkaterra Explorer Guide Braulio Puma, arrived at one of the viewpoints inside the property and came across a pleasant surprise. Instead of spotting a bird, explorers were presented with a Neotropical otter that lay sprawled across a bed of river rocks. A solitary animal that feeds mostly on fish and crustaceans, the Neotropical otter has a conservation status classed by IUCN as Data Deficient since 2008. The group were fortunate enough to catch the moment on film before the otter nose dived into the river and swam upstream.
These positive sightings confirm and emphasise the unique biodiversity found at Inkaterra. We are looking forward to many more in the new year.
14.1.16
