About Us > ABOUT ITA
Self-funded through ecotourism, Inkaterra Asociación is a non-profit organization committed to scientific research as a basis for biodiversity conservation, education and the wellbeing of local communities.
Since 1978, Inkaterra Asociación has produced major flora and fauna inventories to measure its impact over its areas of influence in the Amazon rainforest of Madre de Dios, the Machu Picchu cloud forest, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the city of Cusco and the Cabo Blanco tropical ocean, desert and dry forest. 903 bird species (equivalent to Costa Rica’s total bird diversity) have been registered at Inkaterra grounds, as well as 362 ant species (world record sponsored by Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson), 313 butterfly species, 100 mammal species and 1266 vascular plant species. 29 species new to science have been recorded – 20 orchids, 5 amphibians, 1 butterfly, 2 bromeliads and 1 tropical vine.
Conservation initiatives include the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a hanging bridge system 100ft above the ground to observe wildlife in the Amazon canopy; the Andean Bear Rescue Center at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, in benefit of the only bear species native to South America; the World Birding Rally, international competition to promote Peru as a top destination for bird watching; and the technical proposal for the creation of Peru’s first marine reserve in Cabo Blanco, where 70% of the country’s oceanic diversity can be found.
Inkaterra Asociación is supported by strategic partnerships with National Geographic Society, Smithsonian Institution, Global Environment Facility (United Nations), Conservation International, World Bank, International Game Fish Association, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, CAF (Development Bank of Latin America), Harvard University, Oregon State University, Agraria–La Molina University, San Marcos University, among other influential organizations.